Pakistan National Alliance (PNA)
Introduction
Pakistan National Alliance (PNA) was a nine-party coalition established in March 1977 in Pakistan. It was formed to counter the secular and socialist policies of then-Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The alliance employed Islamic symbolism and slogans to garner popular support.
Member Parties
PNA was a diverse coalition encompassing various political parties, including:
- Pakistan Muslim League (Jamiat-i Ulema-e-Islam, Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan)
- National Democratic Party
- Tahrik-i Istiqlal
- Jamaat-i Islami
- Jamiatul Ulama-i Pakistan
- Jamiatul Ulama-i Islam
Objectives and Ideology
- Establishment of an Islamic governance system: PNA advocated for a political system based on Islamic principles.
- Combatting corruption: They aimed to eliminate moral and political corruption prevalent in the government.
- Economic Interests: The coalition supported business and industrial interests, aligning with the urban middle-class demographics.
Etymology of “Pakistan National Alliance”: The term “Pakistan” (پاکِستان) derived from Urdu and Persian means “Land of the Pure”. “National Alliance” reflects its coalition nature, aimed at unified national interests.
Arabic: تحالف وطني باكستاني
Turkish: Pakistan Ulusal İttifakı
Methods and Activities
PNA developed an extensive network of mosques, madrassas (religious schools), seminaries, and ulama (Islamic scholars) to foster political mobilization and communication.
Political Dynamics and Influence
Initially opposing Bhutto’s regime, several PNA parties later collaborated with General Zia-ul-Haq following his coup in July 1977. This marked the coalition’s shift toward greater political influence during Zia’s Islamization policies.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “The Struggle for Pakistan: A Muslim Homeland and Global Politics” by Ayesha Jalal
- “The Descent into Chaos: The US and the Failure of Nation Building in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia” by Ahmed Rashid
- “Pakistan: A New History” by Ian Talbot
Takeaways
- The Pakistan National Alliance symbolized the intertwining of religion and politics in Pakistan.
- It represented a significant moment in Pakistan’s political history, revealing societal divisions.
- Cooperation with Zia-ul-Haq’s regime showcases the opportunistic nature of political alliances and their long-term implications.
Conclusion
The Pakistan National Alliance played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s political landscape during the late 1970s. It highlights the persistent interaction between religious ideology and political aspirations, significantly influencing the country’s subsequent political development.
