Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Is Democracy In Pakistan Unconstitutional?

Some say it is…Why? Because the Preamble to the Constitution of Pakistan clearly states
Whereas sovereignty over the entire Universe belongs to Almighty Allah alone,
and the authority to be exercised by the people of Pakistan within the limits prescribed by Him is a sacred trust;
And whereas it is the will of the people of Pakistan to establish an order: -
Wherein the State shall exercise its powers and authority through the chosen representatives of the people;
Wherein the principles of democracy, freedom,equality, tolerance and social justice, as enunciated by Islam, shall be fully observed
Many religious fundamentalists believe that the constitution is violated whenever a military or democratic government takes over because both martial law and democracy are alien to Islam…According to them, democracy does not conform to Islamic principles because Islam is a perfect religion containing laws, express or derivable by ijma (consensus) or ijtihad (exertion), governing the whole field of human existence…Therefore, elections and elected legislatures are unnecessary and unconstitutional…

This got me thinking…What if Zardari signed the peace agreement with the Taliban in Swat only to save his seat and not to bring peace to the area? I wonder if the Pakistanis are as PIL-filing happy as the Indians…Can someone go to court to challenge the validity of a democratic government? If so, has someone done it?

Given the above reading of the preamble, does it mean what the Taliban are doing in Swat (compulsory purdah, no education for women, no entertainment etc.) is constitutional?

Comments (28)

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"Democracy does not conform to Islamic principles" - WTF.
if Zardari signed the peace agreement with the Taliban this means we need to be super careful with our borders now. Think about all the resources we are pouring into the 'protection' of our border. That will change.

When people fight over religion, make me think, how can people fight over who has a better imaginary friend.
1 reply · active 834 weeks ago
Pakistan ? :D Democracy ? :D :D Anyways , did you see The Obama Deception ?
4 replies · active 834 weeks ago
It is only a question of time before all Islamic principles laid down by Wahhabi type of Islam get implemented in the whole of Pakistan - if the world sits idly by and allows this to happen, much in the manner Fareed Zakaria is recommending. Check out this article by Sadia Dehlvi in the TOI today http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Editorial/COMM...
2 replies · active 834 weeks ago
Wow! First time I am reading this Preamble!
I wonder whether Zardari even has the authority to sign an agreement with the Taliban?
1 reply · active 834 weeks ago
There are several fundamental problems in Pakistan which pushes them to the state of despair every now and then.
Hey Bones,how did you dig up this preamble..Just curious ..

No country in this world CURRENTLY has Sharia as per those rules given in Quran..When Wahabis are intrested in those laws controlling masses,as like the chopping of hands and lashes which are secondary of concern,they are bloody hypocrites when it comes to interest (money) and all..There are many upper-ground (or whatever that means) and underground activities going on in countries as like Saudi or Iran. All of then are Allah-fearing (in wrong sense) when it comes to women's issues-nothing more nothing less..

People say that democracy is against Islam,but when they can't enact rules properly,why the hell can't they take upon democracy. Some /most of them (atleast not any single person in India) are dreaming of some prince coming and establishing Caliphite..
Any idea why Arab nations doesn't support Paleastien's freedom struggle,to end it peacefully,even when they ahve oil and money with them ? A democratic Palesstein nation in their region is the last thing that these fat ass sheikhs want ,as people in their countires too will start revolting for democracy.This is not my pesonal observation,but of a high level political intellect. So these sheikhs want to keep the Israel-Paleastein thing keep burning for ever and ever (and they are smart enough to blmae it on fate -that it is already said that it will never end until doom's day **rolls eyes**)

I am just gald that Indian muslims aren't crap or dumb like the rest in so called holy nations...

Sorry for the long rant..

p.s: The rant tells you why muslims leaders are against democracy,though there is nothing of that sort in Quran..They are keen to hold on to power and money,not to let go..
2 replies · active 834 weeks ago
:(.... thanks foe putting this up....why cant people keep religion and politics separate... and yes, I second Kislay... "POwer at all costs"...
Hey Bones, I have missed reading the last couple of your posts. Too much turmoil in my own life.. shall come back and read them at length. This particular one is really an issue that gets me all hyper :)
Pakistan is an example that even one religion can't unite people. People will find several ways to abuse power. The purpose of creation is long lost.

Bones, Informative post. Short and to the point.
1 reply · active 834 weeks ago
And the say that religion divides people, eh? Only goes to show that even within a theocratic country, there are so many divisions and ways to misuse power. When the constitution itself says that the state sahll be govered in accordance to Islam, it opens up a whole can of worms about how islam is interpreted, leading to division, oppresion, and turmoil - exactly what's happening in pakistan.
Lots of information here Bones! Agree with everybody here ... I had no idea about this preamble, though there's no doubt that religion has been used for power throughout history and till today, it has been used to unite and divide both. Another Gem, I second hat award you have got :)

Pakistan looks bleak and whatever happens there is sure to affect us too...
1 reply · active 833 weeks ago

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