ABSTRACT
The close association between state authorities and specific religious groups in Pakistan has long been a subject of concern. Extensive literature exists on Pakistan’s connections with hardline jihadi organisations, such as Lashkar-e- Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and the Afghan Taliban. However, no focused study has examined the state’s relationship with the non-militant Islamic revivalist group, the Tablighi Jamaat (TJ). Drawing on a diverse body of primary and secondary sources, this article examines the motivations behind the Pakistani state’s support for the Dawah (preaching) activities of TJ and analyses the specific political, social, and ideological objectives it seeks to advance through this patronage. The findings indicate that both military and civilian governments in Pakistan have adopted mechanisms of Islamisation since the country’s independence from British rule in 1947. By supporting the activities of TJ, the state authorities seek to accomplish religious, political, social, cultural, and strategic objectives both domestically and internationally. This study finds that the main objective shared by both TJ and the state is the purification and Islamisation of modern Pakistani society. The study further argues that both see it as their core responsibility to cleanse the society of un-Islamic influences and practices. Both parties endeavour to influence the dress code, physical appearance, and collective behaviour of Pakistani Muslims in accordance with Islamic teachings and Quranic principles. This study argues that this convergence of objectives has resulted in what can be described as a “holy alliance” between the two entities.
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