Reports that JUI-F member, Maulana Sheerani, who is also a member of the Council of Islamic Ideology was being nominated as the council’s chairman have evoked a strong reaction. While some have confined their criticism to the maulana’s selection others have questioned the existence of the CII itself. The CII was instituted by Gen Ayub Khan in the 1962 constitution with its existence being endorsed by the 1973 constitution.

With only an advisory role, and with the function of determining if Pakistani laws are in conformity with Islam being largely superseded by the Federal Shariat Court, the CII often appears to be redundant. Had some of its members not adopted an obscurantist view on various issues that are not in keeping with the modern and progressive approach of civilised societies, the CII would not have invited so much flak. One would recall that the gentleman reportedly nominated to head the CII had taken a strong stand in opposing the Domestic Violence Bill last year.

At the heart of the issue is the role of religion in state affairs. The way in which Gen Ziaul Haq injected Islam into politics to perpetuate his own power and consolidate his control over society left nobody in doubt with regard to his actual motives. Even today, there are elements who take shelter behind religion for their own ends. Hence the outcry of vocal sections of the public whenever it is feared that the religious lobby is making a takeover bid. We hope that the government will seek to keep a sensible balance in its policies vis-à-vis religion and public policy. It is also important that the composition of the CII is not politicised or made ecclesiastical. This is an emotive and sensitive issue as there is no consensus on many religious matters in Pakistan.