Islamization by General Zia-ul-Haq

Introduction to Islamization
General Zia-ul-Haq introduced Islamization to show his commitment to Pakistan’s Islamic ideology. He wanted to gain the support of religious political parties like Jamaat-e-Islami and prove himself as a stronger Islamic leader compared to Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, who had mainly focused on industrialization.

After the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979, Zia needed the support of the Muslim world to fight back. To gain their trust, he took steps to present himself as a true Islamic leader.

Major Steps of Islamization

1. Hudood Ordinance

Zia introduced Islamic punishments for crimes such as theft, adultery, and alcohol consumption.
These punishments were based on Islamic laws.
After this law was introduced, the crime rate in the country reportedly decreased.

2. Federal Shariat Court

Zia established the Federal Shariat Court to ensure that laws were in line with the Quran and Hadith.
The court had the power to review existing laws and suggest changes if they were un-Islamic.

3. Zakat Ordinance

Zakat, an important pillar of Islam, was made part of the banking system.
Each year on the 1st of Ramzan, a fixed amount was deducted from savings accounts and given to the poor.
While it helped many needy people, it also faced criticism, especially from the Shia community, and created sectarian tensions.

4. Islamization of Education

Pakistan Studies and Islamiat were made compulsory subjects in schools.
Hafiz-e-Quran students were given 20 extra marks in exams, which created an unfair advantage for Muslim students over non-Muslims.
Arabic was introduced as a subject in universities.

5. Sanctity of Ramadan Ordinance

Zia enforced laws to protect the sanctity of Ramadan.
Public eating during fasting hours was banned.
This led to an increase in religious observance and special Ramadan TV programs.

Economic Reforms

1. Denationalization

Zia reversed Bhutto’s policy of nationalizing industries.
This reduced the burden on the government and encouraged private investment.
Foreign investors also returned, improving economic stability.

2. Remittances and Growth

Zia made it easier for Pakistanis to work abroad.
Remittances from overseas Pakistanis brought in over a billion dollars.
This boosted foreign exchange reserves and helped economic growth rise by 6%.

Judiciary Reforms

1. Military Courts

Zia created military courts, weakening the independence of the judiciary.
Judges were required to swear an oath not to oppose Zia’s rule.
He also created the Majlis-e-Shoora, an Islamic advisory council, but it had no real legislative power.

Political Reforms

1. Eighth Amendment

Zia passed the Eighth Amendment, which gave him strong powers, including the ability to dismiss the National Assembly, the Cabinet, and the Prime Minister.
His government heavily controlled Prime Minister Junejo, who had little real authority.
Zia removed multiple Prime Ministers without strong reasons.

2. Political Instability

In 1988, Zia dismissed Junejo for planning an All Parties Conference to investigate the Ojhri Camp explosion.
Junejo also signed the Geneva Accord without Zia’s approval.
Zia’s rule was marked by a lack of political stability.

Foreign Policy and Afghan War

1. Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan (1979)

Zia decided to support the United States and declared Jihad against the Soviet Union.
This war brought a flood of weapons and drugs into Pakistan, increasing crime.
Around 3 million Afghan refugees entered Pakistan, mostly settling in NWFP and Balochistan.

2. Consequences

Managing the refugees caused strain, especially in Balochistan.
When the war ended, US aid stopped, leaving Pakistan to deal with the refugee crisis alone.

Death of Zia-ul-Haq

In 1988, Zia announced that general elections would be held in three months.
Benazir Bhutto, daughter of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, had returned to Pakistan and was preparing for elections.
Zia was unsure whether to allow the elections or postpone them.
Before he could decide, he died in a mysterious plane crash along with the US ambassador.
Many believe the crash was an assassination, possibly linked to US fears about Zia opposing the Geneva Accords.

Conclusion
General Zia-ul-Haq\’s rule (1977–1988) was marked by a strong push for Islamization in law, education, and society. While some reforms helped boost the economy and strengthened Islamic identity, others led to political instability, judicial imbalance, and social divisions. His death brought an end to his 11-year military rule, opening the way for democratic elections once again.