Before discussing this issue “V” should be clear if having Islam as our official religion makes any difference and if adopting a secular status would change anything.
Impact of having Islam as the official religion:
Islam is a complete code of life so a country where it is the official religion there should be a clear display of Islamic principles and practices in economic, political and social systems and institutions but that is not the case here!
Our Banking system is established on interest based financing (In my opinion the ones offering Islamic banking are also actually interest based).Our political system doesn’t allow honest people to be elected. Our social system does display Islamic way of worshiping but “V” as a society appear to be confused about our Islamic values, ideology and principles.
So what if “V” actually become secular?
I think practically it would make no difference because our primary issue of dishonesty and corruption is due to not following Islam even when it is official religion so it would make no difference if Pakistan becomes a secular state rather the little check and balance that “V” have like people not drinking publicly or restrictions on skin exposure on media would end and as a result temptations which arise through income earned by dishonesty would become easier to express. The clash and social unrest which “V” feel disturbed about due to rift between various sects and religious groups is not due to having an official religion but due to not having an official Islam! And this is likely to continue even if Pakistan officially becomes a secular state.
If “V” continue to operate as an Islamic state there should be greater emphasis on basic Islamic aspects like:
Work and shopping should be held during Prayer time(irrespective of the way a person performs prayer/Salath).
Arabic language should be taught from class one just like English, Urdu and Mathematics so that our children feel comfortable to study Islam just the way they feel comfortable while reading books and novels.
Financial sector should be pushed to offer Operating lease.
And If “V” become secular than?
There would be greater need to implement social justice and equality otherwise our collapse would come earlier even though Secularism doesn’t stop anyone from following his religious beleifs.
Note: Some people might say that practically “V” are into idle worshipping and corruption/dishonesty/crimes are all rising because “V” are turning away from God (Rehman and Rahim) but I still feel that being a poor Muslim is better than being a good non-Muslim and if the society becomes officially secular than people might drift away from the little faith that they have due to what they see officially happening and practice out of routine!
