The Role of the Council of Islamic Ideology in the Promotion of Islamic Thought in Pakistan

Abstract

The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) plays a critical role in shaping Islamic thought and guiding legislative processes in Pakistan. Established in 1962 and formalized in the 1973 Constitution, the CII serves as a constitutional advisory body tasked with ensuring national laws conform to Sharīʿah principles. Over the decades, the Council has influenced legal, social, and policy frameworks by offering recommendations on governance, economy, and society through an Islamic lens. This study examines the CII's contributions to the promotion of Islamic thought in Pakistan. The research applies a dual theoretical framework contrasting primordial and modern approaches to national identity, situating the CII within Pakistan's broader historical struggle to define its relationship with Islam. Through rigorous methodology combining historical analysis, document examination, case studies, and comparative assessment, this paper demonstrates how the CII has navigated between competing visions of Islamic governance while addressing issues ranging from religious observances to economic policies. The analysis reveals that despite its significant constitutional role, the CII's effectiveness has been constrained by its non-binding advisory status, political influences, and internal theological divisions. By comparing the CII with similar institutions in other Muslim-majority states, this research highlights both its distinctive features and shared challenges in translating religious principles into contemporary governance frameworks. The study concludes with recommendations for enhancing the CII's effectiveness in bridging traditional Islamic thought with Pakistan's evolving social and economic realities.