During the 20th Century, the world’s three major imperialist powers – Britain, the Soviet Union and the United States – have been the target of hatred by weaker countries. In our region, those who graduated from modern schools were divided but those from religious institutions remained the same. For example, we had several individuals with modern education who also saw Great Britain as a colonial master and struggled against it. However, there were also those completely oblivious that the British were usurpers and had shown their loyalties towards them
After independence, there was a clear divide between India and Pakistan that some people became ideologically attached to the American camp while others were devoted to the Soviets. When the Soviet Union collapsed, those devoted to the Soviets did not remain attached to the ideology of communism but went under the American umbrella for their vested interests. Now they are committed to the cause of liberalism rather than communism as adherence to these ideas was just a “job” rather than an ideology. When one company sank, they sent their resume to the competitor and set out to prove the same ideology they had strongly opposed while in the Soviet camp.
On the contrary, no one can deny that religious schools have been the rivals of these three world powers. There has never had any division on this issue which proves that their commitment is unshakable.
The political forces in Pakistan have always made an effort to push the entire religious community out of the political arena. This does not just include military rulers but those who preached civilian supremacy.
This was not based on any principle but humiliation and disrespect. Those belonging to madrassahs were mocked and called ignorant, untrained and accused of embezzling Zakat. Despite all these taunts, the religious community remained attached to the political arena and was even a shareholder in power.
But when an elected representative came to power as a result of the democratic process, there was a hue and cry. Now it is being ridiculed that Maulana Fazlur Rehman is a part of every government. The question is why elections are fought? Which party’s election manifesto is to form an opposition? Every MNA seeks votes with an agenda and promises to solve their problems which is only possible by being part of the government, not by sitting on the opposition benches. If the JUI or any other religious party tries to solve problems by sharing power, then is it a violation of the democratic process?
In the pre-9/11 era, it may not have been possible to realize the consequences of keeping the maulvis out of the political arena but now it could have dire consequences. When the United States invaded Afghanistan on the excuse of 9/11, it spread to Pakistan and terrorism increased. This raised fears that that children of the madrassas might fall into their trap of terrorists who had religious inclinations as well. We should give credit to MMA leadership including the late Allama Shah Ahmad Noorani, Qazi Hussain Ahmed and Maulana Fazlur Rehman for keeping the religious-minded young generation engaged in the political arena at this dangerous juncture in history and saving them from the path of terrorism. Consider for a moment that without MMA, terrorist camps would not be the only option for 1.5 million children in madrassahs.
It is heartbreaking to see that the present government has announced that it will not allow students of madrassahs to participate in political rallies. Can Imran Khan and Sheikh Rasheed say what option these students have when they close the political doors? Isn’t the government attempting to make these 1.5 million students as terrorists? Under what law are they being prevented from taking part in political rallies? The peaceful right to political activity is the right of every citizen of the country. To snatch this right means will lead the younger generation on the path of violence and extremism. The establishment should take notice because they have sacrificed their lives dealing with terrorism and all consolidated gains to establish peace will be erased.
