Secularization of the state and society

Before discussing secularization let me clear a few things. I consider secularization a process wherein both the state and society are neutral in deciding the faiths of the people. Hence in secular states and societies there is religious harmony and people are allowed to profess freely whatever faith they have. 

Islamic civilization as developed from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) times onward envisioned a secular society. During his time the prophet lived with the Jews and Christians and never forced them to convert to Islam. Later on Islamic civilization passed through many phases and politics took precedence over religion: hence we can see persecution of religious minorities. However, during the Golden period of Islamic rulers societies remained very progressive with spectacular worldly achievements in many fields.

The problem of secularization of Pakistan is to be seen in the Islamic context. The forefathers of the country were secular people who lived secular lifestyles. Soon afterwards the country was ruled by civil and military bureaucracy who used religion to sustain their regimes. They defaced the constitutions, invented hatred for Hindus and other religious minorities and promoted religious militancy. These cunning people deceived the masses in the name of Islam as they offered the hope for Islamic justice through their lip services. The most lethal weapon they used was the education system that trained generations of bigots and people who blindly accepted the abstract and perverted state narratives of patriotism.

While constitution of Pakistan and state education policy is largely secular (with the exception of a few laws against minorities or laws devised from time to time by different regimes to get support of the masses) there is a need for asserting the secular values enshrined in both. However, this alone is not sufficient. Our rulers, civil and military bureaucracy and other influential people must set an Islamic example of pro-people governance, rule of law, self-accountability, transparency and development.  Nothing influences more the people than concrete measures aimed at solving their problems.