The Politics of Congregational Prayer

Abstract

Religious authorities in many Muslim-majority countries have argued that the suspension of communal prayers during an epidemic does not contravene Islamic law. In Pakistan, such measures have proven difficult to enforce, in part because many religious leaders in the country have opposed the closure of places of worship and the limits placed on public religious gatherings. The question is why? This paper suggests that the distrust of the state in matters of religion in Pakistan can be traced back to the colonial era, and that the political developments following independence have amplified frustration and mistrust between political and religious authorities in the country. Significant sources of contention in matters of religion and state remain unresolved under the prime ministership of Imran Khan. At the same time, the pandemic has thrust earlier conflicts into the spotlight and exposed contests over opinion, expertise, and authority in matters of religion and public health.

Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman as An Alliance Maker: A Case Study of Pakistan Democratic Movement

“…Due to high manufacturing costs, industries are financially stressed and cannot operate at full capacity. Inflation is the major problem that is facing by Pakistan during the government of PDM (Ahmed, 2020).…”

Planning and Economic Coordination Challenges after the 18th Constitutional Amendment

“…The study found that the centre-periphery relation, based on ethnicity, was counterproductive. Ahmed (2020 and2017) raised the question that the 18 th Amendment altered one-third of Pakistan's Constitution. It was a strategic arrangement to win the trust of the federating units.…”