‘Sinicising’ Islam

Owned by the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, Global Times is an English tabloid that faithfully articulates China’s nationalistic perspective on international issues.  On January 5, 2019, it reported that Chinese representatives had held a meeting with members of eight Islamic associations in China and based on mutual approval, Beijing had decided to undertake a five-year work plan to ‘sinicise’ Islam.

 No details regarding the identity of Islamic associations that had participated in this meeting were furnished and neither was any road map of the “five year work plan” shared by Global Times. The only clarification it provided was that the two sides had “agreed to guide Islam to be compatible with socialism and implement measures to sinicise the religion.” [Emphasis added]. While this statement seems to say nothing much, it certainly does convey a lot.

Defaming Islam

While Beijing has made the sweeping statement that Islam isn’t compatible with socialism, it hasn’t cared to substantiate this skewed assessment with specifics. Islam regards social responsibility as part of one’s service to God and that’s why Zakat or almsgiving is considered the third [amongst five] pillars of Islam. Zakat is obligatory and prescribes payment of fixed proportions of a Muslim’s possessions for the welfare of the entire community, and in particular for its neediest members.

This is why Beijing’s claim of Islam being incompatible with socialism lacks substance and it’s a pity that Islamic nations haven’t taken umbrage to this utterly malicious observation. In fact Beijing’s factually deficient discourse lends credence to the widely accepted view that instead of accepting that its institutionalised persecution in the Xinjiang region is to blame for widespread public resentment, Beijing is trying to accuse Muslims Uyghurs for the same.

Xinjiang’s Communist Party chief Ma Xingrui has validated this apprehension by reportedly telling reporters on the sidelines of China’s annual parliamentary sessions in Beijing last week that “three forces [a reference to ethnic separatism, religious extremism and violent terrorist forces] are still active now.” From this barefaced accusation it’s absolutely clear that Beijing continues to link separatism, extremism and terrorism in the predominantly Muslim Xinjiang region with religion.

Sinification

In simple terms, ‘sinification’ is the process of integrating cultural, ideological and ethnic norms of non-Chinese societies so that they conform to Chinese culture. With Beijing making no adjustments whatsoever in this process, minority groups have no choice but to accept additions, alterations and even termination of certain age old religious and cultural practices 

So, by declaring that “Everyone knows that Islam in Xinjiang needs to be ‘sinicised’, this is an inevitable trend,” Xingrui has left no room for any doubt that Beijing is determined to achieve ‘sinification’ of Xinjiang’s Uyghur Muslims, even if it is tantamount to riding roughshod over their religious beliefs and cultural sentiments.

Brutalising Uyghurs

The list of atrocities being inflicted on Uyghurs is terrifying. Human Rights Watch [HRW] has confirmed that “the Chinese authorities impose on Turkic Muslims a pervasive system of mass surveillance, controls on movement, arbitrary arrest and enforced disappearance, cultural and religious erasure, and family separation.”

The HRW report also mentions that “. . . UN special procedures-special rapporteurs, working groups, and other human rights experts-issued a searing indictment of China’s human rights record, including the Chinese government’s “collective repression” of religious and ethnic minorities in Xinjiang . . .”

While indoctrination and forced labour in internment camps under garb of “re-education and vocational training” is used to alter their political outlook, forcing Uyghurs to consume alcohol and pork as well as discouraging fasting during Ramadan is meant to destroy their religious beliefs. Mass sterilization and intrauterine contraceptive device implantation programs are aimed at systematically reducing the Uyghur population to an insignificant minority.

Even innocuous things like wearing veils, growing beards or even having too many children can have very serious consequences for Uyghurs.

The Ummah’s Silence

In Islam, ummah denotes the entire Muslim community worldwide being bound together by ties of religion, and this makes it incumbent on them to univocally express solidarity with and assist their brethren who are in trouble. Unfortunately, despite being physically and mentally traumatised by the Chinese authorities, the ummah doesn’t appear to be worried at all about their persecuted Uyghur brothers and sisters.

In 2017, China’s religious affairs official Maisumujiang Maimuer went as far as inciting the Chinese people against Uyghurs by his post on a Xinhua Weibo page that read, “Break their [Uyghurs] lineage, break their roots, break their connections, and break their origins. Completely shovel up the roots of “two-faced people,” dig them out, and vow to fight these two-faced people until the end.” Unfortunately, even this patently rabid anti-Uyghur tirade failed to stir the ummah’s collective conscience.

However, it would be factually incorrect to say that the persecution of Uyghurs and other Muslim communities in Xinjiang Autonomous Region was never contested by any Islamic nation. In 2019, while Pakistan’s then Prime Minister Imran Khan tried to feign ignorance regarding persecution of Uyghurs, it was heartening to note that Türkiye was more forthcoming on this issue.

Ankara outrightly condemned religious China’s ‘sinification’ policy calling it “another step towards the goal of eliminating the ethnic, religious and cultural identities of the Uighur Turks and other Muslim communities in the region,” and called on the international community and UN Secretary General to “take effective measures in order to bring to an end this human tragedy in Xinjiang.”

However, just a year later, without offering any explanation, Türkiye suddenly changed track and maintained a stoic silence on the ongoing persecution of Uyghurs and hence its show of solidarity was just a flash in the pan. And it doesn’t require rocket science to deduce that it’s Beijing’s financial clout and the commercial interests of Islamic nations that has led to the Uyghurs being abandoned for good.

Tailpiece: In 2003, an Indian politician was caught on camera while accepting illegal gratification during a ‘sting operation’ and commenting that “Paisa Khuda to nahin, par Khuda ki kasam, Khuda se kam bhi nahi.” [Money isn’t God, but God-promise; it’s no less than God]. Though undoubtedly a crude utterance that possibly borders on the sacrilegious, it nevertheless aptly explains why the ummah has completely forsaken the hapless Uyghurs of Xinjiang! 

In a surprising turn of events, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation, led by mission chief Nathan Porter, expressed dismay over Pakistan’s premature declaration of meeting all structural benchmarks and targets under the $3 billion Standby Arrangement (SBA) program. The dissatisfaction was conveyed during a meeting with Pakistani officials as the IMF team began its review process.

The Pakistan finance ministry had issued an official statement asserting the fulfillment of all benchmarks even before the IMF team had the opportunity to complete its scrutiny and analysis of the country’s economic data. This premature claim caught the IMF delegation off guard, leading to a tense atmosphere during the initial review session.

Reports indicated that the IMF team grilled Pakistani officials, who appeared unprepared to address the situation adequately. Muhammad Aurangzeb, Pakistan’s newly-appointed finance minister and former CEO of Habib Bank Ltd, acknowledged the incident, assuring that such missteps would not occur in the future.

The discussions between the IMF team and the Pakistani finance ministry focused on finalizing the second review and agreeing upon the Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies (MEFP). The successful completion of these discussions is crucial for the disbursement of the last tranche of $1.1 billion before the IMF’s Executive Board meeting scheduled for the second week of April 2024.

Possible mini-budget

Report also suggest the possibility of implementing a mini-budget was under consideration, particularly if the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) faces challenges in meeting tax collection targets. The IMF may recommend adjustments to tax rates, including the General Sales Tax (GST), to generate additional revenues promptly.

Furthermore, discussions cantered on meeting quarterly tax collection targets from April to June, essential for achieving the annual objective of PKR 9,415 billion. Both parties underscored the importance of devising a strategic plan within the energy sector to address the persistent issue of circular debt accumulation.

Currently, Pakistan is navigating the financial strides with the assistance of IMF through a $3 billion Standby Agreement (SBA). The cash strapped nation is facing hardship in daily administration as inflation has skyrocketed leading to resentment in public. Meanwhile, the newly formed government in Islamabad, is trying to woo people as it has reached the helm without the popular support. The pre mature announcement of meeting all structural benchmark before IMF review highlights the government’s desperation in that direction.

In a startling revelation, Pakistan’s new Information and Broadcasting Minister, Attaullah Tarar, accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, of orchestrating a conspiracy to undermine Pakistan’s economy. Tarar alleged that PTI had petitioned the European Union (EU) to revoke Pakistan’s Generalised System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status, a move that could have dire consequences for the nation’s economy.

The GSP+ status, granted to Pakistan in 2014 and extended until 2027, enables the country to export goods to the European market with reduced or eliminated tariffs, thereby fostering economic growth and development. Tarar emphasized that this privilege was crucial for Pakistan’s economic stability, and any attempt to revoke it would harm the country’s vulnerable population by exacerbating inflation and limiting job opportunities.

Tarar further claimed that PTI’s actions were part of a broader campaign aimed at discrediting the government, particularly following the February 8 elections. Imran Khan and his party have repeatedly highlighted electoral fraud in favour of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Khan even urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) not to extend financial assistance to Pakistan until an audit of the elections was conducted.

Imran Khan compromised well-being of the country: Tarar

Addressing reporters at a press conference, Tarar denounced PTI’s tactics as a threat to national interests, asserting that the party was prioritizing its own political agenda over the well-being of the country. He refuted claims of mistreatment of Imran Khan during his imprisonment, stating that the PTI founder had been provided with numerous privileges contrary to prison regulations, including multiple weekly meetings and additional amenities.

Responding to allegations of insufficient facilities for Khan, Tarar clarified that the decision to restrict meetings was based on security concerns near Adiala jail, where Khan is detained. He accused PTI of fabricating falsehoods to garner sympathy and manipulate public opinion.

The accusations come at a time when Pakistan is grappling with a severe financial crisis, exacerbated by political instability and allegations of corruption. The return to power of the PML-N-led alliance in the National Assembly has added to the uncertainty, prompting Pakistan to seek financial aid from international sources, including negotiations with the IMF.

During the era of united India, Pashtuns vehemently opposed the consolidation of India and the colonial rule imposed by the British Empire. Under the leadership of Bacha Khan along the borderlands and notable figures like Abdul Samad Khan Achakzai in Balochistan, Pashtun communities expressed their resistance. Historically, Pashtun leadership aligned more with the All-India Congress rather than the All-India Muslim League. In the final pre-partition elections in India, the Muslim League suffered significant setbacks in the border regions, resulting in the establishment of a Congress government led by Dr. Khan Sahib, Bacha Khan’s brother. The Muslim League’s substantial defeat along the border foreshadowed a potential alienation of Pashtuns from Pakistan. The border Pashtuns remained largely unmoved by Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s influence. In 1947, the British included the border regions into the newly formed country of Pakistan primarily due to the Durand Line agreement.

Following the formation of Pakistan, the anti-Muslim League leadership, including figures like Bacha Khan, faced increased scrutiny. Simultaneously, the spread of sectarian extremism in Pashtun regions began, influenced by external forces, notably the United States. To systematically deter Pashtuns from secular education, a network of Wahhabi madrassas was established along the border with the assistance of Saudi Arabia.

The National Awami Party, representing Pashtuns, faced a ban, leading to the incarceration of prominent leaders from Bacha Khan to Wali Khan. Ajmal Khattak, upon release, sought refuge in Kabul, where the Pashtunistan House was established in Kabul. The party’s evolution from the National Awami Party to the Awami National Party aimed at advocating for Pashtunistan/Greater Afghanistan, encompassing Pashtun territories beyond Attock. In Kabul, Ajmal Khattak raised the flag of Azad Pashtunistan. Bacha Khan, revered as the paramount Pashtun leader, was laid to rest in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, by his wishes rather than in Pakistan.

During Bhutto’s regime, the Pashtun populace faced severe oppression, orchestrated by Bhutto’s government, the military, and the Punjabi establishment. Concurrently, there was a push to radicalize Pashtun youth in the name of religion, with support from Saudi Arabia and tacit approval from the United States, encouraging them toward jihad.

With backing from the United States and Saudi Arabia, Pashtuns were mobilized as jihadists and deployed to Kabul. Through framing the ongoing Russian-American conflict in Kabul as a struggle between Islam and Kufr (disbelief), Pashtun youths were radicalized and recruited into jihadist movements, becoming susceptible to exploitation.

Furthermore, to diminish the influence of the Awami National Party, officially sanctioned support was extended to parties such as Jamaat-e-Islami and Jamaat Ulema-e-Islam in the border regions.

During the 1980s, the once tranquil lands associated with Bacha Khan, known as the father of peace, were transformed into battlegrounds for jihad. Pashtuns were mobilized as jihadists with the aid of US Dollars and Saudi Riyals to support America’s efforts against Russia in Kabul. This resulted in the loss of thousands of young Pashtun lives, leaving behind numerous widows and orphans. Following the withdrawal of Russia from Kabul, Pashtun youth became embroiled in conflicts among various Mujahideen factions. The madrasah of Maulana Samiul Haq emerged as a pivotal center for Afghan Jihadis, contributing to the rise of figures like Mullah Umar. Even during Mullah Umar’s rule in Afghanistan, border Pashtuns rallied as his soldiers. The border facilitated the entry of ISIS into Kabul with the assistance of Tehreek-e-Taliban. Throughout this period, the Pashtun areas regressed into a state resembling the Stone Age.

Following the events of 9/11, a new directive from the United States prompted General Musharraf to begin transferring sectarian extremists, originally nurtured with the support of the Pakistani government, to American custody. Concurrently, an operation targeting former jihadists was initiated in exchange for American dollars. Under the pretext of operations against its own Taliban factions, Pakistan conducted military actions resulting in the deaths of thousands of Pashtuns in humanitarian settlements, spanning from tribal areas to Swat. Consequently, millions of individuals began fleeing these regions due to the intensified operations in Swat and the tribal areas.

A few years back, a handful of Pashtun youths started a new movement known as the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) following a tragic incident. Suddenly emerging as a prominent leader among the Pashtuns was an unknown figure named Manzoor Pashteen. He rallied his nation, revealing that the Pakistan Army initially armed their youth in exchange for US dollars, only to later turn against them and perpetrate massacres.

PTM adopted a poignant slogan against the military, stating: “Yeh jo dehshatgardi hay, is kay peechay wardi hay” (Behind this terrorism lies the uniform).

This slogan resonated across Pakistan, gaining widespread recognition. In response to Manzoor Pashteen and PTM’s call, millions of people rallied in support, from tribal areas to cities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), as well as Lahore, Quetta, and Karachi. Pashteen’s team spearheaded a robust campaign against sectarian terrorism and military aggression. In the 2018 elections, Ali Wazir and Mohsin Dawar secured seats in the National Assembly of Pakistan with PTM’s backing. Both representatives boldly confronted the military’s actions upon entering the Islamabad Assembly, shedding light on their grievances.

As a result of their activism, Ali Wazir, despite his parliamentary position, faced repeated arrests and prolonged incarcerations. Similarly, Mohsin Dawar encountered numerous arrests and tragically fell under attacks. The PTM movement garnered support from educated Pashtuns, with individuals like Gulalai steadfastly standing in solidarity with the cause.

PTM supporters are widespread across every city in Pakistan, with significant backing also seen in the United States and Canada. While the Awami National Party attributed Pashtun grievances to Punjabis, PTM accurately identifies the Pakistani state and its military as perpetrators of Pashtun oppression. The PTM’s message resonates deeply within Pashtun communities, with their peaceful struggle drawing parallels to the ethos of Bacha Khan thus far.

The PTM movement has catalysed a significant shift among Pashtuns, leading them to distance themselves from Islamabad. With compelling arguments supporting this distancing, Pashtuns are increasingly drawn toward the idea of securing their nation’s future beyond Pakistan’s borders. While the PTM ostensibly champions the protection of Pashtun interests within Pakistan, it has brought to light the realization that survival within the country’s confines may be untenable for Pashtuns. This growing sentiment indicates a trajectory akin to that of the Baloch people, who have long sought freedom from Pakistan.

It’s important to note that historically, Pashtuns have not been staunch supporters of Pakistan. This evolving stance reflects a deeper reassessment of their relationship with the state and aspirations for self-determination.

In a bid to shed light on the ongoing human rights abuses faced by the Sindhi people in Pakistan, the World Sindhi Congress protests outside the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) headquarters in Geneva.

Led by WSC representatives, the protest aimed to draw attention to the systematic persecution endured by Sindhis, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the suppression of religious minorities. Additionally, the demonstrators underscored concerns over the looting of Sindhi resources and the plight of Sindhi Hindus.

While the World Sindhi Congress protests, speakers condemned the Pakistani administration’s brutal tactics, citing recent extra-judicial killing such as the murder of activist Hidayat Lohar. Despite the availability of CCTV footage and eyewitnesses, perpetrators continue to evade accountability, prompting calls for international intervention.

WSC General Secretary Lakho Lohana implored the UN and the global community to intervene and halt the ongoing genocide against the Sindhi people. Lohana emphasized the urgent need to address land grabbing, resource exploitation, and other injustices perpetrated by Pakistani authorities.

As per reports, prominent rights activist Hidayat Bhutto recounted the struggles of victims’ families and highlighted the pervasive issue of enforced disappearances in Pakistan. He urged the international community to support efforts to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure justice for the oppressed.

Fahmida Khokh, another protester, stressed the recurring nature of the WSC’s demonstrations and called for decisive action to end the suffering of Sindhi people. Khokh emphasized the necessity of halting enforced disappearances and asserted Sindhi’s ability to thrive independently if freed from resource exploitation by Pakistan.

As the protest concluded, WSC reiterated its plea for UN intervention to safeguard Sindhi rights and prevent further atrocities. With tensions escalating and injustices persisting, the global community faces mounting pressure to address the crisis unfolding in Sindh.