Don't Know Koran? Sorry, Can't Be MP...in Pak

DUNNO how our national media has missed this one. Apparently, for a Muslim politician to become a legislator in Pakistan, getting the votes is just not enough. An aspirant to the Pakistan National Assembly (equivalent of our Parliament) has to prove his or her understanding of Islam even before becoming a candidate and contest the election.

So, here they go: Please recite Ayat-ul-Kursi. Do you know about Sura Akhlas? Can you tell us Dua-e-Qanoot? What is the significance of Sura Yaseen? No, these are not questions from a Madarsa’s exam paper. These have been asked by the Returning Officers of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) from nominees of political parties before they become contestants. As if this was not enough, a petition has been filed with the ECP to reject the nomination of former Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on the grounds that he does not keep a beard!

Pakistan’s constitution has Article 62(e) which requires that a Member of Parliament “has adequate knowledge of Islamic teachings, and practices obligatory duties prescribed by Islam”. Complaint against Sharif is under Article 63 that deals with disqualifications on grounds of disrespecting Islam. These were introduced during Zia’s reign. One would have understood had Zia’s children been doing this. But this is the generation of Zia’s grandchildren. 

Pakistan, what are you up to? Of the two governments over last decade, one was headed by a self styled Ata Turk fan in General Pervez Musharraf. And the first civilian government that has just completed its term was led by a party that was established by a leftist, secular leader in Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Almost all of the top leadership of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is foreign educated and holds double passports.

Could they have not done away with the clause? Apparently, anyone who tries can easily forget of a political career in Pakistan. One wonders about the status of those among the minorities who aspire to a political office. Why, one even wonders about the status of those enlightened Pakistanis who mouth platitudes on secularism. There have been editorials denouncing the ECP’s action but clearly it does not make any difference. ECP has cited constitutional requirements for the exercise. How does knowledge of Islam influence decision making of legislators? Or perhaps it does. How otherwise would they pass a resolution supporting Afzal Guru? It needs a certain mindset after all.