Pakistan ― The Instrumentalization of Islam

This book studies Islam's place in Pakistani history and how it has been continually exploited by successive regimes. Using Islam as a final political argument weakened it as a basis of national integration. Playing the Islamic card led to ever increasing Islamist demands. Jihadists violently vied to uphold 'true Islam', often by targeting minorities. Such self-serving political manipulation is deconstructed in reflection on key theological debates in Islam. Dr. John O'Brien is a Spiritan priest. He first went to Pakistan in 1977 and has engaged in pastoral, educational and development projects among marginalized minorities while continuing a dialogue with Islam.