Islamization by Zia ul Haq

Q. Explain about the Islamization program of General Zia-ul-Haq during 1977 to 1988.

Ans.

General Zia-ul-Haq’s Islamization

 (1977–1988) was a state-driven policy to enforce strict Islamic laws, aiming to transform Pakistan into an ideological Islamic state. It introduced the Hudood Ordinances, Sharia courts, Zakat and Ushr taxes, and interest-free banking to align the legal, social, and economic systems with Sharia, while consolidating his authoritarian military rule.

Legal reforms were introduced under Hadood ordinance 1979 introducing punishments like whipping, amputation, and stoning for crimes such as drinking, adultery and theft. The Federal Shariat Court was established to review laws for consistency with Islamic principles.

Economic laws were the Introduction of mandatory 2.5% annual Zakat deductions from bank accounts and Ushr taxes on agricultural produce. The banking system was modified to replace interest with profit-and-loss sharing.

Social & Educational Changes were also introduced such as Educational policies mandated the teaching of Islamiat and Pakistan Studies, while enforcing strict public morality, including dress codes for women and restricting all types of media forums. 

Impact on Women and Minorities: The reforms, particularly the Law of Evidence, were criticized for reducing the legal status of women and discouraging their social activities. The era also saw increased discrimination against minority groups, such as Shia sunnies clashes. 

Despite the end of his regime in 1988, many of these laws, such as the blasphemy laws and the Federal Shariat Court, remain part of Pakistan's legal system. Federal Shariat court was also established to review 1973 constitution to adjust laws according to Islam.

Its argued that the process of islamization was heavily used to legitimize military rule, quash political opposition, and solidify power of Zia ul Haq rather than for genuine Islamic reform in Pakistan.