Hizb ut-Tahrir in Pakistan
Hizb ut-Tahrir (HuT) has been in the news ever since the arrest earlier this year of Brigadier Ali Khan, who was serving at the military’s General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. He was alleged to have links to HuT. According to a recent news report, long before the arrest of Brig. Ali Khan, the intelligence agencies had warned that HuT was planning an Egyptian and Tunisian style uprising in Pakistan.
HuT is a global political party. It aims to establish an ‘Islamic’ way of life in Muslim countries and to unify them under a caliphate. HuT was founded in 1953 in Jerusalem by the religious cleric Taqiuddin an-Nabhani. HuT is present in several European, Middle Eastern and Central Asian countries. However, it is the UK that is considered to be a main recruiting ground for HuT. Interestingly, the UK government has not explicitly banned HuT because it is a non-violent party.
In Pakistan, Hizb ut-Tahrir was established during the 1990s. For the most part, the party workers remained underground. Party members are usually highly educated and are proficient in both English and Urdu. In recent years, the only known face representing HuT in Pakistan has been University of Illinois graduate Naveed Butt. His video messages often appear on the Internet where he can be seen advocating the creation of a caliphate and censuring the Pakistani government and military for their corrupt practices.
An independent think-tank, Pak Institute for Peace Studies, based in Islamabad, presented a paper on Hizb ut-Tahrir in October 2010. According to that paper HuT considers the constitution and the democratic system of Pakistan un-Islamic. Their sole aim is to bring a caliphate to Pakistan and from there expand the struggle to establish the caliphate in the rest of the world’s Islamic countries and even in non-Muslim states. Theoretically, this ideology bears close resemblance with what Zaid Hamid propagates in terms of “Ghazwa-i-Hind,” with the core principles of Tehreek-i-Nifaz-i-Shariat-i-Muhammadi and also with Al-Qaeda about the establishment of a caliphate system in the Islamic countries.
The apparently non-violent stance sets Hizb ut-Tahrir apart from militant Islamic organisations in Pakistan. It is usually stated that Hizb ut-Tahrir believes in armed struggle (jihad) against hostile states only after establishing a caliphate in an Islamic country, preferably Pakistan, as opposed to the current wave of jihad. However, HuT does not expressly condemn terrorist strikes against civilian and military targets either, which makes many believe that the underlying ideology of HuT is actually not based on non-violence.
The modus operandi of HuT is to bring the personnel of military forces, the members of academia and the elite under its umbrella. Unlike usual revolutionary movements, HuT aims to bring change through the military because it is well aware that the military is the strongest institution in Pakistan. The arrest of military personnel accused of having connections with HuT corroborates that HuT is striving to achieve its goal through the military.
Before the arrest of Brigadier Ali Khan, there were at least three incidents that indicated a nexus between HuT and certain elements within the military. Seymour Hersh in his 2009 article “Defending the Arsenal” noted that HuT had recruited members of a junior officer group from a Pakistani military academy who had been sent to England for a training course. In 2009, former commanding officer of Shamsi Air Force Base Colonel Shahid Bashir, a retired PAF Squadron Leader and lawyer Nadeem Ahmad Shah and US-educated mechanical engineer Awais Ali Khan were arrested for their connections with Hizb ut-Tahrir and for leaking sensitive information to the terrorist outfit.
The slain journalist Syed Saleem Shahzad in his book, Inside Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, said that former President Musharraf’s security officer Major Farooq was a member of Hizb ut-Tahrir. Saleem Shahzad wrote that it was discovered nine months after Major Farooq’s posting as security officer that he was affiliated with HuT. He was arrested, later released and retired from the Pakistan military.
As far as Hizb ut-Tahrir’s manifesto in Pakistan is concerned, it aims to liberate the ummah from the dominance of kufr. They don’t exclude women from participating in public life; however, they forbid professions where, according to manifesto “feminism is exploited,” such as modelling, being a flight attendant and being a personal secretary. The manifesto states that the caliphate would end the slavish foreign policy. Friendly relations would be established with other states, however, no economic, cultural or diplomatic relations would be maintained with hostile states that have occupied Muslim lands.
Further, the caliph would carry Islam to the whole world through propagation and jihad. The manifesto denounces Pakistan’s policy of “minimum deterrence” as the caliph will seek military superiority. The caliph would not participate in the “colonist tools” such as United Nations, World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Justice and education would be for all. The nation would be trained in both religious knowledge and other natural and social sciences.
The promise of justice, education and basic necessitates could lure people easily to this organisation. Moreover, the apparent non-violent stance also plays positively for those who are sick and tired of the system.
The question is, however, can HuT achieve its high aims through a bloodless coup or will it push Pakistani society into a civil war? More importantly, is it the system that fails or the people that fail the system? Can’t justice, education and basic necessities for people be achieved without a call for a caliphate across the world if we get the right people?
Click here to read about some of the letters to the editor sent in by people supporting the re-emergence of an Islamic caliphate.
The opinions expressed in this article and the views shared by readers in the comment forum below do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance or policies of Newsline.
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JazakAllah for such a nice writing.
“Can’t justice, education and basic necessities for people be achieved without a call for a caliphate across the world if we get the right people?”
Above said can be achieved as long as one doesn’t feel the pain for Ghaza Strip, Kashmir, Bosnia, doesn’t understand that IMF can’t be operational with verse of Quran,
O you who have believed, do not consume Riba, doubled and multiplied, but fear Allah that you may be successful. (3, 130)
Those whom don’t understand that social, judicial (justice) need be established by laws defined by Allah and not legislated by men.
Jazaakillah khayran for writing this factual article.
You’ve just changed my mind about journalists, finally a piece of honest journalism.
I miss journalists and thinkers highlighting the actual ideology of Hizb ut Tahrir. For instance instead of demonizing HT then lets discuss what they are saying. Has capitalism failed? Is Democracy really compatible with islam? Is the khilafah really the only way of governance in islam? And a lot more questions like these should be taken up by sincere journalists.
Right now just before the upcoming Day of Independence a lot of people are questioning whether or not Pakistan really is independent, and did Pakistan ever live up to the slogan of ‘Pakistan ka matlab kya, la ilaha illa Allah’ or would this really only happen after establishing the khilafah on the method of prophethood?
Jazzakallah Sister Ayesha for a nice Article …May ALLAH give u ajar
I am pleasently surprised to see the writer state the facts as they are with regard to the objective of HT and congratulate her for the same. As for the question posed in the last paragraph, I rather wish to know if any of the current systems that we have tried so far been able to achieve anything. This question is both from a regional perspective and a global perspective, since as Muslims we must not narrow ourselves down to the confines of the predicaments of a particular nation state. A Muslim should not recognise borders. History may have been distorted overtime yet by analysing the “system” by which the Islamic lands were governed serve as a good reminder and evidence as to why the Muslims “prospered” under the single flag of the Khilafah for over a 1000 years.
JazakAllah khayr sister its refreshing not to see sensationalised reporting of the ‘agenda of HT’ for once.
Granted when you look at the Hizb’s vision compared to what we have now, seems utopian and too good to be true, but we have to examine what the muslims of the world want, they want justice, and want to live in a peaceful society, some even want to be left alone to practice their religion and not be tortured for it, and when you look at the Islamic system it is apparent that Islam can deliver all of these things; because at the end of the day the likes of Zardari,Mubarak, Saleh (and 50+ other dictators) won’t be in power to rob the wealth of the people, but rather an accountable government which rules by the laws of Creator will be in place. And alhamdulilah even the influentials in Pakistan are realising that misery breads when man leads, and are turning back to Islam for their solutions!
Thanks a ton for writing the article !
the article looks to be based upon facts . its true that Hizb ut tahrir has been in news since the arrest of Brigadier Ali Khan . By the time I learned the news of this happening i have come across with quite much propaganda but i always found to be too feeble .
I had experienced of getting in confrontation with some of the members of Hizb ut Tahrir and i found them too much concerned in the mission of establishing caliphate in Pakistan and then consuming all other Muslim countries . They talk with intellect , they vision is clear . They represent the Islam in a way as it should be . They are well educated people in their respective fields like the way a party should be . They visit universities and they grab attention of many students who sound enthusiastic for some positive change !
The do many things great but what I most like is the way they refute the systems which many parties lag in doing so ! They not only detest the system of democracy as to be contradictory with Islam but they also pull the evils of system of democracy which i don’t find anyone doing !
so they are doing a good job . But i was shocked to learn that such a learned political party is banned to work in Pakistan and the recent abduction of its members by the government really saddened me ! All of them are engineers , doctors and chartered accountant . There can’t be any just reason to arrest such people working to bring some positive change .
To conclude , i have quite an expectations from Hizb ut Tahrir . it really looks like an exemplary to which one can look in to it .
A well written and thought-provoking piece.But writer has ignored the fact that in all muslim states which are being governed under so-called westren democratic model, the people areuffering at the hands of despotic and corrupt rulers,basic rights and needs are denied and above all no semblence of rule of law is seen in the governance frame work in these countries.Resultantly masses look towards alternate political options, You give people their due rights,share and voice in decision-making and I am sure society will be on road to prosperity,tolerance and progression,religion is being seen as an instrument to challenge the existing order in the muslim world.Javed Nizam
The writer maintained neutrality till the very end, but showed a little bias by writing these end-lines:
“is it the system that fails or the people that fail the system? Can’t justice, education and basic necessities for people be achieved without a call for a caliphate across the world if we get the right people?”
When viewing whether these ideals have ever been achieved by the modern world or even the medieval, we might be astonished to find that the prosperity, peace and progress achieved during the middle ages in the Islamic civilization between 800 and 1600 A.D was unrivaled in history, and the modern world has yet to achieve that in terms of distribution of wealth or eradication of poverty.
As they say in boxing, “Pound for Pound” The Caliphate can and will give Capitalist Democracy the fight of its life, and it isn’t very difficult to visualize who will win.
MASHALLAH, really appreciate that facts are preserved in this article. writer has not tried to influence the facts by giving her own opinion rather she has sticked to mere presentation of the reality associated with Hut. this is how Media should report as well.
to the last part of this article, i personally think we may acheive justice and education for all in current system given the western definition of justice and education.
justice cannot be acheived by ignoring the quranic laws and by suspension of hudood and without providing economic provisions for all.
so real justice and prosperity cant be acheived without islam being implemented in the form of a caliphate…..
Acha Article Likha hey. Allah Jaza e Khair Dey aur Sabit Qadam Rakhey Ameen.
Well written article with a surprisingly neutral stance throughout which is appreciable as well as the apparent research done on the party.’
At the end the writer leaves a few questions for the readers:
More importantly, is it the system that fails or the people that fail the system?/
Shouldn’t any system be fail proof, not dependent on the people who run it? Rather, shouldn’t it be so well designed that whoever comes it runs smoothly?
Islamic Caliphate is just that, given by the Creator who knows what is best for us, as an answer to all problems.
Can’t justice, education and basic necessities for people be achieved without a call for a caliphate across the world if we get the right people?
The right justice will come from the One who is most just, Allah SWT. As humans we are limited in our faculties and differ in our opinions and perspectives, therefore, whatever solutions we come up with will ultimately prove faulty, as has been shown time and again in history. Plus, had it been possible without Caliphate, then why would have Allah Swt given a system at all. He is just, His justice and Mercy demands that when He has created us then He must have given the solutions to our problems.
I am surprised why Other Writers Afraid of Writing the true picture? At the same time they know the facts more than a common man and in some cases in depth stories while on other hand they do not talk about talk of the town “Khilafah”, The Only Savior System of Humanity as promised by Allah(SWT), Doesn’t they See How Capitalism with the sharp teeth of Democracy code name Demon Crazy is drinking Human Blood from Africa to Asia and From Europe to US itself. Every time whenever Democracy Bites them they start thinking “Who to Blame Now, and How to Save Its Face” and Every time they write that Politician should do this, should do that and mentioned examples of Western Democracy, even then they know people even loosing hopes over there. They don’t have any other option except to change the faces. I think its time especially for Muslim Writers, Thinkers, Political Workers by all means should respond to the call of KHILAFAH the Alternate System, designed for Humanity by the Creator of Universe ALLAH(swt)who knows best how to drive his creation in a better way. Once We the Muslim will achieve this, then soon that Day is not Far from us when this Call will become Talk of the Town in Western States with Non-Muslims inshallah when they themselves will have other option to say “Yes to Caliphate No to Capitalism and democracy”. Remember Even Someone Thinks This is Dream, I would say He/She is in Dream, You do something or do not do something this will happen as promised InshALLAH.
It is good to see an article which is fairly well-balanced. The last paragraph of your article asks can’t justice, education and basic necessities be achieved without the caliphate. Well simply answered no man-made system in the world has achieved this, just pick up any newspaper and read today about Somalia, Libya and Syria in the Muslim World. Then read about the poverty and unemployment in the U.S. and the riots of the disenfranchised youth in Tottenham in the UK last night. The simple answer is that man does not have the ability to come up with a fair system for all and history and the present world situation proves this without doubt. The caliphate however is a system from the creator of mankind Allah (swt),and Muslims are obliged to implement it. It is an amazing fact the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) knew and understood this so clearlythat they did not bury the Prophet after he had died until they had elected the Caliph.
I am familiar with HuT from my early teens (in late 80s) when I saw its pamphlet particularly in cantonment areas. I personally knew some officers who were somehow attached with it. I do not exactly know the situation now, but at that time, it was usual to see religious sentiments in military ranks. And at the same time civilians used to talk about corruption and money games in army in particular. Nevertheless, striving for whatever cause it maybe in a peaceful manner, cannot be criticized. However, I have two observations:
1. Escape from Practicality: Aiming for a much higher aim which is not achievable in near future can set a person to talk high and do nothing. I do not know how much these professionals (doctors, engineers, officers) are doing to change the society in their surrounding.
2. Choice of System: Related to above statement, it is very easy to say that the system is not right. But its the people who run a system. Are we taking full advantage of whatever system we have. And then, after doing this pursuing for a new system. Or it is again an escape.
Let these movements bring good to the society which can be seen. Then there would be no stopping towards the ultimate goal.
Has it become a crime to call for something that abu hanifa says is the mother of all obligations?
Why Zaid Hamid not banned – because he calls for khilafat as well? To be against democracy isnt a crime and the only reason they are banned is they have been successful in passing the message on to soldiers. The whisky drinking american sponsored elite will not like to lose their highly paid jobs.
Dear Pakistani Brothers,
Plz Do not Give Legitimacy To This corrupt System By your Vote.U wd be Held equally Responsible For All the crimes of Next 5 years,supporting this corrupt System By ur VOTE in the Life hereafter. Think Over it……………………………………………………………
Aware All PAKISTANIS.
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