October 26, 2021
3 mins read

Imran attacks Bajwa citing ‘Naya Pakistan’

The Pakistani premier once again reiterated that he would make “Naya Pakistan” into an Islamic welfare state, one based on the model of the State of Madina on the guiding principles of the Prophet…reports Mrityunjoy Kumar Jha

It has been two weeks but Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has yet to choose one out of the three names for the post of the chief of the Inter State Intelligence (ISI) which is the main reason for the faceoff between him and the army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Despite the claims by Khans ministers that “matter” is sorted out with Bajwa, Khan has been taking digs, which is highly unusual, at the military establishment from every possible public platform.

The Pakistani premier once again reiterated that he would make “Naya Pakistan” into an Islamic welfare state, one based on the model of the State of Madina on the guiding principles of the Prophet where all will be equal before the law including powerful people and generals.

“The system of the state of Madina was based on justice and merit, even a general was promoted to the higher rank on the basis of performance,” Khan said in veil reference of his ongoing tussle with the Pakistani army chief Bajwa.

“Law will be based on the guiding principles of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),” Khan said while addressing the Rehmatul-lil-Aalameen conference on Tuesday.

“Prophets stressed Muslims to seek knowledge, even if they have to go to China for the purpose. By acquiring knowledge, Muslims became the greatest scientists of the world in the past,” Pakistani daily The News quoted Khan as saying.

Though Imran Khan has been talking about “Naya Pakistan” since he was made the Prime Minister, he never talked about how he is planning to achieve it? Is the Madina state a template for Pakistan’s political, military and judicial reconstruction or just a slogan?

Imran Khan’s interpretation of Madina Riyasat is different. Last week, he announced the formation of Rehmatul-lil-Aalamin Authority – a council of mullahs and religious clerics to save the people of Pakistan from the western culture.

“They (authority) will tell us what things need to be changed,” he declared.

Interestingly, last week the Pakistani Prime Minister Khan had promised mullahs that no laws which are against the Islamic rules will be enacted during his regime and two major bills, the first to address the issue of domestic violence and another drafted to check forced conversions, will not be enacted as they are against Islamic law.

Last year his government introduced the controversial Single National Curriculum Policy (SNCP) in an attempt to mainstream madrassas (seminaries). He also asked the provincial government to ensure that teaching of the Holy Quran should be made compulsory at the college and university level. Without passing the required examination no student will be able to get a BA, BSc, BE, ME, MA, MSc, MPhil, PhD or medical degree.

Khan’s reputation as a Westernized former cricketer and playboy sometimes misleads foreigners into assuming that he might represent a liberal vision for Pakistan. In fact, Khan represents Pakistan’s further descent into obscurantism and unabashed bigotry.

While moderate sections of Pakistani society are being marginalised, religious parties and their causes are flourishing.

As Pakistani columnist Pervez Hoodbhoy wonders, “The masses had responded favourably when Gen Ziaul Haq had raised a similar slogan in the 1980s � that of Nizam-i-Mustafa. Disappointment soon followed. Can it be different this time?”

Meanwhile, the stand-off in Islamabad is nerve-wracking. With neither side ready to relent, all eyes have turned to Bajwa. Imran is known to be “their man”.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)

ALSO READ: Imran under fire as 15-day protest kicks off in Pakistan

Previous Story

Russia to beef up strategic Tajik base

Next Story

IRENA advance energy transition agenda ahead of COP26

Latest from -Top News

‘Kill and Dump’ Haunts Balochistan Again

The latest killings have reignited accusations of extrajudicial executions and the use of counterterrorism laws to cover up custodial deaths in Balochistan….reports Asian Lite News Concerns have deepened across Balochistan following the

‘ASEAN Expands, But Keeps Its Soul’

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan urged ASEAN to uphold its unity and strategic resolve amid intensifying geopolitical tensions and mounting external pressures…reports Asian Lite News Consensus and inclusivity will remain the cornerstones

Bangladesh bends to beat Trump’s blow

Dhaka seeks compromise as Trump’s 35% tariff looms large over key exports; Washington urges worker protections, factory relocation to US…reports Asian Lite News Bangladesh has opened the second round of critical trade

China seethes as US lands F-35s in PH

As US F-35 jets land in the Philippines for the first time, Manila cements its frontline role in Washington’s power play against rising China….reports Asian Lite News The Philippines is rapidly cementing
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Pakistan bus blast: China puts hold on CPEC projects

Thirteen people have lost lives in a bus attack during

Stay issued on auctioning properties of Nawaz Sharif

The stay order was issued by the Board of Revenue