Ans: Policy of Islamization:
After coming into power, General Zia-ul-Haq announced that he will entrust
power in the hands of people’s representatives after holding free and fair
elections within 90 days, but he changed his mind shortly after and
announced that his foremost objective was the implementation of Nizam-e-
Mustafa (A), (or the Shari’a law). This commitment was acclaimed
by a large section of the society. Given below is a brief summary of the steps
taken by General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq in pursuance of his policy of
falamization:
Judiciary and Legal System:
Islamic penalties were imposed on crimes like drinking wine, tnoft, adultery
end gadaf (false allegation of adultery). Federal Shari’a Court was
established, ite status was equal to that of High Courts. Ulama were
appointed as judges in the shari’a Court. An Islamic University and a Shari’a
Faculty were instituted in islamabad The Objectives Resolution was made a
Juainable part of the constitution.
Financial Matters
Nizam-e-Zakat indreduced in 1900 and Nizam-e-Ushr in 1983. Certain
a! steps were taken for the elimination of riba (interest) from banking
pras Interest-free accounts, based on profit-loss-sharing were
introduced for the first time in the banking history of the country.
Observance of Religious Sanctities:
Calah Comes were formed in governmental institutions to make
trrangements for Zuhur prayer and motivating people for saying prayers.
Ehtram-e-Ramadan Ordinance was promulgated, which prohibited eating
and drinking at ulic places during the Holy month of Ramadan. Penalties
were imposed for passing sacrilegious remarks about Khulafa-e-Rashideen
(RA) and Anl-e-Bait (RA). Radio and television were ordered to broadcast
azan and hajj proceedings. Federal Ombudsman (Wifaqi Mohtasib) was
appointed with a mandate to eliminate corruption, malpractices and
incompetence from government institutions.
Education:
Islamic Studies was introduced as a compulsory subject at intermediate and
degree levels. Degrees of the religious schools (deeni madaris) were
declared equivalent to B.A. and M.A. degrees. Religious teachers in the
Armed Forces were, for the first time, given the status of commissioned
officers. In order to Islamize education system from roots, Masjid Maktab
Scheme was introduced at primary level. Figh (Islamic Jurisprudence) was
made a compulsory subject in law colleges.
Building of National Sprit:
National dress code was implemented in the courts of law. Wearing of
national dress was encouraged in government institutions. National dress
code was made mandatory for official gatherings. The president and the
prime minister themselves established the tradition of delivering formal
addresses in Urdu. Pakistan Studies was introduced as a compulsory
subject on Intermediate and Degree level.
Media:
Indecent and un-Islamic programs were banned on radio and television.
Arabic and the Holy Quran classes were started on radio and television.
Radio and television increased the number of religious programs and started
broadcasting the annual Hajj proceedings and other Islamic events.