The Impact of Religion on the Politics of District Attock, Punjab: A Case Study of Tehsil Jand

The religious politics have significantly influenced the nature and direction of political system in Pakistan since the Islamization drive of Gen. Zia-ul-Haq in 1980s. The rise of religious political parties and the influence of their militant organizations had a deep impacts on the policy-making in Pakistan. Much has been written about the Islamization of Pakistan and the necessary steps taken by successive governments to implement Islamic laws (Sharia) in the country. However, there is no account of the study to understand the impact of religion on the politics of Tehsil Jand of District Attock. District Attock, being close to Rawalpindi-Islamabad, which connects the southern Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the capital territory, is strategically important in the national politics of Pakistan. Therefore, this research seeks to not only explore the links between religion and politics in Tehsil Jand but also highlight the influence of Islamic political parties in the electoral politics as well as their performance in General Elections in Pakistan.