Examining the defense of blasphemy laws in Pakistan : the case of tehreek-e-labbaik Pakistan

Abstract

The rise of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) from a small religious party to a political force in Pakistani politics has been rapid. TLP, a significant political group in favour of blasphemy laws, has rallied Pakistani citizens to mobilize under the banner of Barelvi Islam. The political ascension of Barelvi Islam in Pakistan is highly influenced by anti-blasphemy movements, particularly TLP's. The political interpretation of Barelvi in TLP has led to a transformation from an open religious culture into an exclusive and stringent religious affair centred on reverence for the Prophet Muhammad. This transformation has fueled a surge in anti-blasphemy action, as TLP follows a populist approach to build a support base for its cause. Critics of TLP's position are perceived as adversaries of Islam and the Prophet. The popularity of TLP can be attributed to the recognition of the hierarchy between religious leaders and their followers, the explosion of social media, and TLP's hypervigilant and proactive responses to global cases of blasphemy over the past decade. In this light, the study aims to gain a deeper understanding of TLP’s engagement in Pakistani politics. The researcher will employ the library research and qualitative method to analyze documents such as articles, reports, books, and journals. Thematic analysis of data from various sources, including papers, speeches, and the media, will underscore religious discourse, blasphemy legislation, and social media mobilization. The TLP movement has become an essential chapter in the political history of Pakistan, reflecting the dynamism of the struggle to address the issue of blasphemy within the country.