THE 'ISLAMIZATION' OF PAKISTAN: STILL MOVING SLOWLY AND STILL STIRRING DEBATE (original) (raw)
World|THE 'ISLAMIZATION' OF PAKISTAN: STILL MOVING SLOWLY AND STILL STIRRING DEBATE
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- Aug. 10, 1986
Credit...The New York Times Archives
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August 10, 1986
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Nine years after Pakistan started to make its laws conform with the teachings of Islam, religious and political leaders agree that the changes in the country have been largely marginal or cosmetic.
At the same time, Pakistan's ''Islamization'' drive continues to stir debate and controversy among politicians, intellectuals, feminists and the clergy itself, and Government leaders insist they want to expand the program.
Among the most well-publicized steps was the enactment of a series of ''Islamic punishments'' in 1979, calling for thieves' hands to be amputated and adulterers to be stoned to death. Profit Instead of Interest
But the Government says these punishments have never been carried out. For one thing, doctors have refused to participate in amputations.
The Government of President Mohammad Zia ul-Haq also banned interest payments on bank deposits as being an un-Islamic practice. So banks now are permitted to pay depositors a ''profit'' instead. Experts say that the banking system has become more confused, but that in substance it has changed little.
Fears among some that all women would be forced to wear veils have also not come true. Women and Their Veils
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