The 2024 elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) marked a watershed moment, as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) clinched a resounding victory, firmly establishing its electoral dominance in the province. This electoral triumph came at the expense of long-standing religious parties, notably the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) and Jamaat-i-Islami (JI), which had historically held significant sway in the province.
Traditionally, JI has enjoyed electoral success in the northern parts of KP, particularly in the Malakand Division, while JUIF had garnered support primarily from the southern districts. However, the 2024 elections delivered a decisive blow to both parties, with voters across the province rejecting their platforms.
The failure of religious parties to secure substantial votes in KP underscored a notable shift in the political landscape. Historically, these parties had wielded considerable influence in certain pockets of Pakistan, leveraging religious rhetoric to mobilize support. However, the evolving sociopolitical dynamics in KP signaled a departure from this trend, as voters increasingly turned away from traditional religious platforms.
The 2024 elections highlighted the changing priorities of KP's electorate. While religious identity remains significant, voters demonstrated a greater willingness to prioritize issues such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure over narrow sectarian concerns.
While JI excels in initiatives such as blood donations, water supply schemes, and providing financial aid to widows and orphans, it fails to translate this goodwill into electoral success.
Several factors contribute to this trend. One crucial factor is the evolving demographics of KP. With a growing young population, there's a shift towards issues such as education, employment, and economic development, which might not align entirely with the agendas of religious parties. As the electorate becomes more educated and aware, they prioritize governance and development over religious rhetoric.
Aziz Rehman, an esteemed educationist with a keen interest in the political landscape of religious parties in KP, offers insightful perspectives on why these parties struggle to garner support in the region. According to Rehman, the JI faces a fundamental challenge in being perceived primarily as a welfare and philanthropic organization rather than a political entity. While JI excels in initiatives such as blood donations, water supply schemes, and providing financial aid to widows and orphans, it fails to translate this goodwill into electoral success. Instead, it is often viewed as a vocal advocate for Muslims globally, particularly in regions like Kashmir and Palestine, leading many to see it more as a pressure group for the Muslim Ummah rather than a political force addressing local issues.
Rehman emphasizes that the disconnect between JI and the electorate stems from its prioritization of international issues over domestic concerns like inflation. Despite its efforts to champion Muslim causes worldwide, JI's perceived neglect of local issues has led to disillusionment among voters who feel their immediate needs are being overlooked.
Turning to the JUI-F, Rehman underscores a prevalent perception of its leadership as primarily motivated by personal gain. He asserts that many view JUI-F leaders as opportunistic and driven by financial interests rather than genuine concern for the welfare of the people.
Furthermore, Rehman highlights a significant barrier to JI's popularity—the perceived superiority complex among its members. He notes that JI members often consider themselves pious (saleheen) and distance themselves from the common populace, which creates a sense of alienation among voters. This elitist attitude hampers JI's ability to connect with ordinary citizens and diminishes trust in the party.
Turning to the JUI-F, Rehman underscores a prevalent perception of its leadership as primarily motivated by personal gain. He asserts that many view JUI-F leaders as opportunistic and driven by financial interests rather than genuine concern for the welfare of the people. The party's involvement in the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government, perceived by many as self-serving, has further eroded its credibility among the electorate.
Rehman contends that both JI and JUI-F rely heavily on rhetoric centered around religious themes such as heaven and hell, but fail to address the pressing issues faced by ordinary citizens. Their lack of a clear roadmap for resolving common problems beyond advocating for an Islamic system undermines their credibility. Moreover, their purported commitment to simplicity and modesty, reminiscent of the Prophet and his companions, stands in stark contrast to the luxurious lifestyles enjoyed by leaders of these parties, breeding mistrust and skepticism among voters.
Zakir Khan, a prominent political commentator, offers a nuanced perspective on the electoral struggles of religious parties in KP. He acknowledges the significant role played by JI in promoting Islamic values and shaping societal norms in Pakistan. However, Khan argues that despite its efforts in Islamizing society, JI has faltered in leveraging its influence to garner substantial electoral support.
According to Khan, when religious parties shift their focus to issues that directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens, such as infrastructure development, education, and healthcare, they are more likely to gain traction among voters.
Echoing the sentiments of Aziz Rehman, Khan contends that both JI and JUI-F often prioritize issues that fail to resonate with the public, particularly the younger generation. He emphasizes the importance of addressing issues of public interest to engage voters effectively. Khan cites the example of Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, the Emir of JI in Karachi, who successfully attracted voter interest by focusing on pressing local concerns.
According to Khan, when religious parties shift their focus to issues that directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens, such as infrastructure development, education, and healthcare, they are more likely to gain traction among voters. By highlighting these issues, parties like JI can demonstrate their relevance and responsiveness to the needs of the electorate.
The electoral setback experienced by parties like JI and JUI-F should serve as a compelling wake-up call for religious factions in KP. The 2024 election results necessitate a thorough reassessment of their strategies, and calls for a deliberate effort to reestablish a meaningful connection with the aspirations of the electorate. Failure to adapt to these evolving dynamics poses the risk of marginalization and irrelevance within KP's political milieu.
As KP undergoes significant sociopolitical transformation, religious parties must proactively embrace a more inclusive and issue-driven approach to regain resonance and relevance among voters. This would necessarily entail a departure from traditional rhetoric, towards a more substantive engagement with the pressing challenges faced by the populace, thereby fostering a renewed sense of trust and alignment with the electorate.