An Analysis of Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal’s government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (2002-2007) in the light of its Election Manifesto: A case study of Hisbah Institution

Abstract

 This research article aimed to investigate the impact of the MMA (Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal) on the Islamization of laws and institutions based on its 2002 election manifesto. Muslims' personal and social lives are centered around Quranic principles such as Dawah Iila al-Khayr (calling towards goodness) and Amar Bil Maroof Wa Nahi Anil Munkar (enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong). The MMA expressed concerns about the erosion of Islamic social norms and the influence of liberal values. It advocated for enabling Muslim residents to live in accordance with Shariah as outlined in the 1973 Constitution. As part of its Shariah implementation objectives, the MMA proposed the establishment of a modern Hisbah institution inspired by historical precedents. After assuming power in the province of KP (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), the coalition government of religious political parties prioritized the Islamization of institutions. The "North West Frontier Province Shariah Act, 2003" was enacted, followed by the introduction of the Hisbah Bill, which aimed to create the Hisbah Institution led by a Mohtasib. However, the bill became controversial, and both the “Council of Islamic Ideology” and the Supreme Court of Pakistan deemed it ultra vires and ineligible to be enacted into the legal code.