پاکستانی معاشرے میں مذہبی رواداری کا فکری پس منظر

The Intellectual Background of Religious Tolerance in Pakistani Society

Abstract

This paper explores the intellectual background and evolution of religious tolerance in Pakistani society, tracing its roots from Islamic teachings, Sufi traditions, and the sociopolitical philosophy of the nation’s founders. It discusses how religious pluralism and moral coexistence have historically been part of South Asian thought and how they continue to influence Pakistan’s modern identity. The study examines the role of education, religious leadership, and state policy in fostering or hindering interfaith harmony. It argues that while Pakistan was ideologically conceived as a tolerant and inclusive society, socio-political polarization and sectarianism have posed serious challenges to this vision. The paper concludes by suggesting that the revival of intellectual discourse and ethical education rooted in Quranic and Sufi traditions is essential for rebuilding a culture of tolerance and unity in contemporary Pakistan.