The Political Dynamics of Islamic Resurgence in Pakistan

Abstract

IN PAKISTAN'S FIRST DECADE of independence, role of Islam in nation's political system was a dominant theme of public debate.' During following years, however, this issue receded in importance and was generally overshadowed by other, non-Islamic, issues. Ayub Khan (President 1958-1969) retained some of indispensable Islamic ideology legitimized by Pakistan movement and early post-Partition years, but he was clearly a modernist in his interpretation of Islam as subject to conditions of contemporary nationhood.Z Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's success in 1970 elections appeared to be a further extension of this trend. One writer noted the secularization of politics brought about by President Zulfikar Bhutto and his party's ascendancy, and added: