Introduction
In Pakistan, religious ideologies have significantly influenced various development projects and policies. Based on Islamic charity principles, the Zakat system is institutionalized to support the poor through welfare activities in health care and education. Religious organizations like the Al-Khidmat Foundation run schools and educational programs, promoting literacy in underserved communities. Healthcare initiatives like The Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital often emphasize Islamic values of charity, and providing quality care to all patients. Interest-free microfinance programs by the Akhuwat Foundation support small entrepreneurs, fostering economic growth. However, it could have a negative influence on the development of Pakistan as well. For instance, resistance from conservative religious groups has hindered efforts to promote family planning and population control, leading to overpopulation and resource strain.
In education, some madrassahs focus primarily on religious teachings, neglecting secular subjects, which can limit students’ future job opportunities and contribute to a lack of skilled workforce. Health initiatives can be affected when religious beliefs oppose modern medical practices or vaccinations, leading to lower health outcomes. Additionally, religious bias can exacerbate social divides, as seen in the discrimination against minority religious groups, which can hinder social cohesion and equitable development. Lastly, the misuse of religious rhetoric by political leaders can polarize public opinion and divert attention from crucial development issues, impeding overall progress.
People express various concerns and opinions when discussing family planning. Here are some common viewpoints.
- Family planning goes against our religious beliefs. Children are blessings from God, and we should not interfere with his will.
- Having a large family is a sign of prosperity and strength in our community. It’s what our ancestors have always done.
- More children means more hands to help with work and support us when we are older. They are our future security.
- I have heard that contraceptives can cause serious health problems. I am not sure they are safe to use.
- In our family, it’s the husband’s decision whether to use family planning. Many men believe it is unnecessary.
- Some readers say that family planning is a way for foreign countries to control their population growth. We should not fall for that.
In Pakistan, a significant portion of the population, not limited to any specific social status, sends their children, mainly boys, to madrassahs. These institutions focus primarily on religious teachings, often at the expense of secular subjects such as mathematics, science, and language courses. This educational imbalance can severely limit future job opportunities for these students, as they may lack the diverse skills and knowledge required in the modern workforce. Consequently, many madrassah graduates find themselves confined to religious roles, such as becoming an Imam or Qari Sahab. These positions typically offer very low salaries, often ranging from 7k to 10k Rs, which is often lower than the wage laborers. This situation not only affects the individual’s ability to support themselves and their families but also contributes to a lack of skilled labor in various economic sectors.
It is not about discouraging families from sending their children madrassahs but about ensuring these children receive a contemporary education alongside their religious studies. Secular education is essential in today’s world for obtaining the basic skills needed to secure diverse and better-paying jobs. By integrating secular education into the madrassah curriculum, students can be better prepared to contribute to the economy and run their families more comfortably. A well-rounded education can help break the cycle of poverty and support development goals, as individuals with diverse skills are better equipped to participate in various economic sectors.
Health initiatives in Pakistan can face significant challenges when religious beliefs oppose modern medical practices or vaccinations. Some communities may resist vaccination campaigns due to misconceptions that these interventions conflict with their religious principles or distrust in the intentions behind such programs. This resistance can lead to lower vaccination rates, spreading preventable diseases more easily and causing outbreaks. Additionally, some religious beliefs might discourage the use of certain medical treatments or procedures, further compromising health outcomes. For instance, misconceptions about the permissibility of blood transfusions, organ donations, or specific medications can prevent individuals from seeking necessary medical care.
Religious bias in Pakistan deepens social divides and leads to discrimination against minority religious groups, affecting education, employment, healthcare, and personal safety. In education, Christians and Hindu students often face harassment, resulting in higher dropout rates and fewer job opportunities. For example, at Numl University, a Hindu student was forcefully pressured by other students to eat beef, an act against his religious beliefs. Employment discrimination is common, especially in the public sector, where minorities often find it hard to get jobs and face lower wages and fewer chances for advancement. In health care, minority groups may receive poor treatment or be denied services, leading to worse health outcomes. Personal safety is a significant concern, with minorities frequently subjected to violence and persecution, such as the 2013 attack on Christian homes in Joseph Colony, Lahore in which more than 100 houses were ransacked, looted, and then burned. The Ahmadi community faces severe legal and social discrimination, including being declared non-Muslim by the state and experiencing regular persecution. Misuse of blasphemy laws often targets minorities, resulting in false accusations and violent attacks. This creates social tensions and conflicts, destabilizing communities. Excluding minorities from economic activities also hurts national development by wasting talent and innovation.
When political leaders misuse religious rhetoric, it can create division and distract from important development issues, showing down progress. Politicians sometimes use religious arguments to gain support or criticize their opponents, which can lead to conflict among different religious groups. This focus on religious differences can overshadow critical issues like education, health care, and economic development. As a result, the country’s overall progress suffers. By playing on religious sentiments for political gain, leaders can make society more divided and less focused on addressing the real challenges that affect everyone. This makes it harder for the nation to find solutions and move forward. As Asadullah in his blog, “In recent decades, the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), led by Maulana Tahir ul Qadri, misused religion twice, against the PPP in 2012 and the PML(N) in 2014 to destabilize their respective governments. Additionally, Tehreek Labaik Pakistan led by Maulana Khadim Hussain Rizvi organized a massive Dharna (sit-in) against the PML(N) in 2017 and PTI in 2020 to pressure their governments. Similarly, during the campaign for the 2018 elections, Imran Khan exploited the religious card in the name of establishing the “Riyasat-e-Madina” to manipulate the masses for political gains. Similarly, the JUI(F) of Maulana Fazlur Rehman also exploited madrassa students during its Azadi March of 2019, and then in 2022 under the umbrella of PDM to overthrow the PTI’s government”.
Conclusion
In conclusion, religious ideologies in Pakistan have played a significant role in shaping various development projects and policies. their influence is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, religiously inspired initiatives like the Zakat system, charitable foundations, and interest-free microfinance programs have contributed positively to welfare activities, education, and healthcare, particularly for underserved communities. These initiatives reflect the Islamic values of charity and support for the poor, fostering economic growth and social support in areas that may otherwise be neglected.
However, the negative impacts of religious influence on development cannot be ignored. Conservative religious groups’ resistance to family planning, the dominance of religious education in some madrassahs, and opposition to modern medical practices, all pose challenges to Pakistan’s development. These factors can lead to overpopulation, limited job opportunities, compromised health outcomes, and discrimination against minority groups. Moreover, the misuse of religious rhetoric by political leaders for personal or political gain can exacerbate these issues, polarizing public opinion and diverting attention from crucial development matters.
References
https://thediplomat.com/2013/04/joseph-colony-christian-community-in-lahore-attacked-and-unprotected
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