Faith, politics, and power: Understanding JUI-F's political strategy in Sindh

Abstract

The paper discusses the political ideology and policy of JamiatUlama-e-Islam FazlurRehman (JUI-F) in Sindh, which is a historically secular, linguistic and nationalist dominated province. This study is carried out with reference to Political Mobilization Theory, Patron-Clientelism, and Weberian Religious Authority theories that assist JUI-F to establish and maintain its political activities in the region using religious organizations, organizational networks, and faith-based discourses. The importance of madrassahs and religious clerics as the main outreach, voter mobilization and ideological support hubs is highlighted. The paper also looks at the ways in which JUI-F is functioning in a very competitive environment that is influenced by the political parties like the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), MuttahidaQaumi Movement (MQM), and other parties with nationalist interests. Results show that even with the structural difficulties of capturing urban constituencies, the party still remains politically relevant due to its strategic alliances, grassroots ties as well as a calculated balance between religious commitments and pragmatic politics. The religious rhetoric and symbolism used by JUI-F also makes it more attractive in rural and semi-urban constituencies. Our research adds to the general body of knowledge of religious-politics intersections in Sindh, Pakistan, and has broader implications on how religious political parties can adjust their strategies to different sociopolitical settings in South Asia.