Pakistan

The often-troubled relationship between religion and politics in Pakistan is the product of a complex history. Islam arrived in the Indian Subcontinent in the 8th century, establishing itself as the predominant tradition over the next millennium. During the 18th and 19th centuries, India was gradually incorporated under the British Raj. During British rule, Hindu-Muslim relations grew strained, leading to the eventual partition of British India and the formation of an independent, Muslim-majority Pakistan in 1947. Since independence, Pakistan has been plagued by periods of civil unrest, war with India, and despotic military rule. It has also seen a marked increase in religious influence in the sociopolitical sphere, particularly under the military dictator Zia ul-Haq (1977-88). Pakistan remains unstable in part due to its ambivalent relationship with religious extremists. Islam is the state religion and laws are required to be in accordance with Islam. Although the Constitution formally grants religious freedom and makes provisions for religious minorities, non-Muslims are subject to discrimination in rural and urban areas.Pakistan’s Penal Code (revised 1986) has the authority to impose draconian punishment for blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad. While there have been over 127400 people charged with blasphemy between 1986 and 2011, very few people have been legally tried or convicted.” In some cases when people have been convicted in the lower courts, the higher courts and judges have overturned the decisions creating further discord between the Muslim majority and religious minorities in the nation.