观察家研究基金会-巴基斯坦：巴列维激进主义的新面孔（英）-2021.9-36页_3mb

Summary of "Tehrik-E-Labbaik Pakistan: The New Face of Barelvi Activism"

Core Content

The document analyses the emergence and rise of Tehrik-E-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) as a significant religious political party in Pakistan, representing a new and more assertive face of Barelvi activism. The Barelvis, a large and influential sect in Pakistan, have historically been sidelined in the country's religious and political discourse, despite comprising approximately 50% of the population. The TLP, formed in 2015, has become a powerful vehicle for the Barelvis to express their identity and assert their dominance in the religious political arena.

Main Points

• TLP's Rise: TLP has rapidly gained political strength, becoming the largest religio-political party in the 2018 general elections, demonstrating its electoral base and street power.
• Barelvi Background: The Barelvi community has traditionally been associated with Sufi practices, shrines, and pir-mureed relationships. Their religious culture has been seen as more inclusive and moderate compared to the Deobandi and Ahle Hadith sects.
• Historical Context: Since the creation of Pakistan in 1947, the Deobandis and Ahle Hadith have dominated religious and political spheres due to state support, militant activities, and ideological rigidity.
• Sectarian Rivalry: The Barelvis have long been in competition with Deobandis and Ahle Hadith over religious authority and political influence. This rivalry intensified with the jihadist movements in Afghanistan and Kashmir, where Barelvis were often sidelined.
• Political Fragmentation: The Barelvi community has historically lacked a unified political structure, with fragmented leadership and internal rivalries among Pir families. This made it difficult for them to compete effectively with more organised and ideologically cohesive groups.
• Mumtaz Qadri and TLP's Formation: The assassination of Salman Taseer in 2011, carried out by Mumtaz Qadri, a Barelvi cleric, became a pivotal moment. His actions and the subsequent acquittal of Aasia Bibi in 2018 catalysed the rise of TLP, which leveraged the event to mobilise support and assert its influence.
• TLP's Strategy: The party has used social media, mosque networks, and religious symbolism to build a mass movement. It has also engaged in street protests, public rallies, and direct confrontation with the government and other religious groups.
• TLP's Demands: The party has called for Shariah implementation, prohibition of anti-Islam NGOs, non-revision of blasphemy laws, and the execution of Aasia Bibi. It has also demanded the removal of Ahmediyyas from government positions and the unconditional release of religious leaders.
• Impact on Political Landscape: The TLP's emergence has disrupted the traditional religious power structure, as it has proletarianised Barelvi politics and moved away from the traditional elite of Sufi shrines. Its success in the 2018 elections has made it a major player in Pakistan's religious politics.

Key Information

• TLP's Electoral Performance: In the 2018 elections, TLP fielded 182 candidates for the National Assembly and 388 for the Provincial Assemblies, securing two Provincial Assembly seats in Sindh and performing well in other constituencies.
• TLP's Leadership: Khadim Hussain Rizvi has been instrumental in shaping TLP's political and religious narrative, using charismatic leadership and effective mobilisation to gain support.
• Role of Social Media: TLP has utilised social media platforms to organise protests, spread its message, and mobilise the masses, marking a modern approach to political activism.
• Reactions to Aasia Bibi's Acquittal: The 2018 acquittal of Aasia Bibi triggered mass protests and violent demonstrations, with TLP playing a central role in the unrest. The party's strong reaction highlighted its political clout and religious fervour.
• Future Prospects: Despite its growing influence, TLP's power is contingent on the military establishment's tolerance. If the military were to clamp down, TLP's influence could diminish rapidly.

Conclusion

The rise of TLP represents a new phase in Barelvi activism, marked by greater militancy, political organisation, and public mobilisation. While it has gained traction and influence, its success is fragile and depends on external support and internal cohesion. The TLP's emphasis on Khatm-e-Nabuwat (finality of Prophethood) and blasphemy laws has positioned it as a key actor in Pakistan's sectarian and religious politics, challenging the dominant Deobandi and Ahle Hadith factions.