'Talibanization' fears in Pakistan

'Talibanization' fears in Pakistan

Activists blocked a co-ed road race last week, as religious parties geared up for local elections in July.

By Owais Tohid | Correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN – More than five years since President Pervez Musharraf's coup, religious extremists are moving to the forefront in challenging Pakistan's political order.

Last week, hundreds of extremist demonstrators armed with bamboo sticks blocked a 10K road race near the finish line to protest the participation of women runners. A gun battle with police ensued, leaving several people wounded.

In a surprise to many here, the incident took place not in the conservative tribal areas, but in the country's Punjab heartland. In reaction, protesters picketed Parliament Monday, calling on the government to "save the society from Talibanization."

Through strikes, protests, and the passage of strict local ordinances, Pakistan's religious parties have grown more brazen in their challenge to the secularization central to President Musharraf's rule. Political analysts are concerned that the sidelining of mainstream parties under may be aiding the radicals in the run-up to local elections in July.

"There is a perception among the think tanks in Washington and Pakistan that both the main opposition parties should be given some room, as their absence would strengthen politically the extremist parties," says Ayesha Haroon, editor of Pakistan's The Nation newspaper. "We may see a more radical path if democratic outlets are not relaxed."

'Enlightened moderation'

The strikers are protesting President Musharraf's "enlightened moderation" program aimed at bringing liberal values to the society and improving the image of Pakistan.

"Pakistani people are Islamic and they will not allow the government to contradict Islamic teachings," says Hafiz Hussain Ahmed, central leader of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), an alliance of religious extremist parties. "The enlightenment and moderation are to promote Western culture."

The religious parties gained political victories in the wake of the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The MMA now rules the Frontier Province and emerged as a major coalition in the southwestern Balochistan Province.

"The mullahs have already gained political power after attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq by capitalizing anti-US sentiments and are now flexing their muscles on social issues to capture the society," says Shafqat Mehmood, a Lahore-based analyst and a columnist with the English-language newspaper, The News.

In some areas, strict Islamic laws have introduced gender segregation in schools, banned music, and prevented male medical technicians from examining women.

Activists have also defaced billboards that show women models. Religious political leaders also have plans to implement a hisba law, which would set up a religious police force along the lines of the ousted Taliban.