Public Platform

Pakistan: Islamic or secular?

Email: news.post@thenews.com.pk Saturday, January 03, 2009 Dr Muzaffar Iqbal in his column "Islamic or secular Pakistan?" (Jan 2) seems to present quite a controversial case. He states, quite clearly, that Pakistan was made on the basis of 'La ilaha ill-Allah' (there is no deity except Allah). However, what he fails to understand is how Pakistan was not only made for the Muslims but was also made for the protection and freedom of all minorities. Our great leader, M A Jinnah, stated in a speech made to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947: "You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this state of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed that has nothing to do with the business of the state."  What does this statement show? That religion has nothing to do with the business, or running, of state affairs. If the Quaid of this country made this speech, I strongly stand by it and feel that no matter what argument Dr Iqbal gives, it will never be substantial enough to deviate from this truth. In addition, he also stated that if alcohol and prostitution are made legal then theft, murder, robbery and all other crimes should be made legal too. This is by far one of the most childish and ridiculous arguments I have ever heard. Anything done in excess is not good.  Having said that, if an individual decides to drink but not in excess, in accordance to the laws of society, he is not harming anyone and this involves him, and solely, him. If an individual murders someone, he has involved another person; he has harmed another person; he has killed another person. Only God has the right to give and take life and therefore, the legalisation of alcohol cannot be compared with the legalisation of crimes such as murder, robbery etc. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in a rally once stated: "Yes I do drink wine... but at least I don't drink the people's blood!" This was reacted to with a thunderous applause and appreciation from the people.  When and if the government legalises alcohol, they will themselves see the benefit they are providing to society. I will explain this by saying that when alcohol is made legal, all bootleggers would stop making their huge profits (since no one really has stopped drinking behind closed doors), and this would result in the government making a lot of revenue on this, which could be used positively towards the construction of schools, hospitals, roads, and so on. Imaan Hazir Islamabad