Imran Khan on Islamic welfare state

E-Paper | March 01, 2026

THIS is in response to Salman Munir’s letter ‘Imran Khan on Islamic welfare state’ (July 4). Firstly, the writer should clear his perceptions over what exactly an Islamic welfare state is. An Islamic welfare state is not what is portrayed by the extremists, because every religion teaches patience and tolerance.

An Islamic welfare state is where people are given equal rights, regardless of their caste, colour or creed. Freedom of practising religion is yet another basic aspect of an Islamic welfare state. Non-Muslim communities under Muslim rule are to be protected by the Dhimmi laws, which guarantee them rights to worship and follow their religious laws.

It is the responsibility of the state to protect the life, property and honour of its citizens. An Islamic welfare state is to be run on the principles of justice and equality and be completely away from class discrimination.

Islamic economics lies on two primary goals: to combat poverty, and provide for a just and equitable distribution of wealth.

Almost all western countries have derived their structure from the principles of an Islamic welfare state. So if Imran Khan vows to make Pakistan an Islamic welfare state, what’s wrong with that? We all dream for Pakistan to become a state where justice is given priority; a place where everyone is treated equally. Why not achieve this dream through an ‘Islamic’ welfare state?

ZUHA SOHAIL Karachi

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Dr Shaaz Mahboob

Jul 18, 2012 03:54pm

@Zuha, what you have described in true sense is a "secular" welfare state which protects the freedoms of all citizens, regardless of their race, ethnicity and relligion. Islam in itself is a religion where self-regulation is a responsibility of all adults and state only acts to impose laws where the rights of individuals must be protected. Therefore, what Imran is proposing, and has been the case when Islamic Welfare state(s) were present, is a secular system of governance.

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metah punnu

Jul 18, 2012 04:30pm

Dear writer, We have learned from history time and time again, mixing religion with affairs of the state is catastrophic for governance, liberties and freedoms. Contrary to popular opinion, there is no current or historical example of Islamic welfare state, you cannot treat people who practice Islam differently than those who do not. Mixing God with governance is dangerous and ends up into an invitation for religious zealots to impose their own interpretation of Islam. Sunni or Shia, Debandi or Barelvi Ghuda affiz or allah hafiz, If Imran keeps calling these welfare laws "Islamic Welfare" he will end up being sucked into drawing lines what really is Islamic and what is not. In the current environment we have no tolerance in society for a different thought, we are killing Ministers and Governors in the name of Islam, and not providing protection for Malangs, innocents, christians and faquirs.... calling governance system Islamic will be invitation to extreme views. Lets just build a Welfare state that protects everyone in its territorial boundaries and laws/actions are not tainted by cast, creed, religion, sects, language, and many other segmentations we current exist in... I wish Imran well but lets focus on affairs of state vs religion and focus on goodness of man and society. concerned

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Mahmood Minhas

Jul 18, 2012 01:43pm

Imran Khan is good player but it will take time to become a good leader.

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sobriquet

Jul 18, 2012 11:55am

@ Zuha Sohail Although religions and some rulers have promoted alms-giving, 'help for the poor' philosophy, this cannot be termed a welfare state. The origins of the welfare state can be traced to the state-sponsored, public welfare programs of the early 1840s in the German states of Prussia and Saxony, which were later adapted by Otto von Bismarck. There is no historical record of any Islamic state ever having a similar system prior to the German model, so stop making claims that are not true.

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Musarrat

Jul 18, 2012 11:51am

I think we should give a chance to Imran Khan this time as all our politicians are corrupt and their past is full of corruption. They have not done anything for country so far. As Imran khan seems to be truly sincere Pakistani.

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Musarrat

Jul 18, 2012 11:50am

I think we should give a chance to Imran Kahan this time as all our politicians are currupted and their past is full of curruption. They have not done anything for country so far. As Imran khan seems to be truly sincer Pakistani.

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shiva

Jul 18, 2012 03:35pm

The writer is contradicting himself. He talks of "equal rights" for all under the Islamic welfare state but also says "Non-Muslim communities under Muslim rule are to be protected by the Dhimmi laws, which guarantee them rights to worship and follow their religious laws." We all know what "status" non-muslims have under "dhimmi laws"....pay jazia and heed supremacy of islam if you know whats good for you!!

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Agha Ata

Jul 18, 2012 12:23pm

What is the difference between Islamic Welfare State and the welfare state of Norway?

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Sultan Khan

Jul 18, 2012 12:22pm

Millions of Muslims are living as citizens in non-Muslim states like America, Israel, India etc. There they have not only those rights which are available to their non-Muslim compatriots but also have full rights to worship and follow their religious laws. Are they also protected by the "Dhimmi Laws".

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AHA

Jul 18, 2012 04:38pm

Keep dreaming!

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Lodhi

Jul 18, 2012 04:18pm

The attributes of an Islamic welfare state mentioned by Zuha are nowhere discussed in Quran.Islam does not prescribe any specific model of economics or welfare.It preaches pragmatism and situational approach.

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M. Alvi

Jul 18, 2012 01:26pm

Money is there, but it is not being used properly. Imran's job will be to use it right. I am sure that he can do it.

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AHMAD ZAHIR KHAN

Jul 18, 2012 04:20pm

If this dream comes true it will be a model for muslim and non muslim countries INSHA ALLAH

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Syed Mohsin Ali

Jul 18, 2012 11:04am

Agree entirely with comments made in this well written letter by Zuha Sohail.

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Razwan Ghumman

Jul 18, 2012 10:42am

If people have concerns about Imran's Islamic Welfare State , they should ask Imran to elaborate his vision in media . So that we could be clear about what kind of state exactly he is talking about, as people here in this country are scared from word "Islamic". Since in recent memory people have seen only Taliban's version of Islamic State.

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Lodhi

Jul 18, 2012 06:10am

Western countries have different history .In fact Ommaiads adopted Greek system of governance .

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iftikhar saeed

Jul 18, 2012 03:02am

Islamic welfare state is simply defined as a state where have nots are the responsibility of the haves and collectively of the state

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Dr Javaid Khan

Jul 18, 2012 03:45am

Imran Khan and PTI will make Pakistan a truly Islamic welfare state.

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Asghar

Jul 18, 2012 03:24pm

I am sorry brother but we need to understand Imran khan he is not doing politic in the name of Islam he only talks about about walfare state to provide justice and empower common people which is align to the Islamic principle. So please it is not fair to compare PTI policy to PPP policies. Well most of people will agree with me if I say PPP policies dies with Benazir now it's Zardri raj and Zardari policies that takes priority over every thing else.

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Noorani

Jul 18, 2012 05:21am

Where as all others so far have worked only for their own welfare, it seems we will pretty soon get a chance to witness how and for whose welfare does Mr. IK work for. Sweet dreams are good for health.

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sja

Jul 18, 2012 05:23am

Sure, Inshaullah, like his hospital, the only charecteritically endeavor besides playing cricket for prestige and money and fame. Fame is all that matters and then devotion to provide services free for all and lot of charity collection by musical shows world wide specially in the USA. We have seen that happening in the last 18 years and not one time elected to any office ----- except pro bono ex officio of the Khanum Cancer Hospital. The icon of welfare for the entire PAKISTAN through a lot of Tsunamis in the making under his leadership ------ God help us all Pakistanis and Pakistan. Ameen suma ameen.

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Basit Khan

Jul 18, 2012 05:23am

I may be the biggest supporter of Imran Khan, but, he should explain where is he going to get the money and people to implement this dream? I am sure that he knows that Pakistan is bankrupt financially and morally.

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malik

Jul 18, 2012 05:41am

Dream on

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Albeit

Jul 18, 2012 06:30am

Islamic Welfare State is a Welfare State (like European Countries) with the word "Islamic" added in front to win the vote of the masses who like anything if it is labelled "Islamic" and mistrust anything that is "Western". Because you see the European welfare states all have equal rights and freedom of religion. In fact they have more equality than Islam could ever offer: any person regardless of religion can be head of state for example; women and men are not differentiated between in their laws etc.

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Asghar

Jul 18, 2012 03:15pm

Indeed Imran Khan is honest and sincere man but we all need to support him and his party. It's our job to bring right people to the parliament if we want see justice and success in Pakistan.

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Amit-Atlanta-USA

Jul 18, 2012 02:53pm

The Islamic welfare state is a PLOY to proclaim the supremacy of Islam and make all other religions subservient in the garb of protecting them. That includes for example reserving senate seats for minorities to ensure that there is NOT even 1 in a billion chance of a govt. influenced by minorities. There's no need for special rights for any minorities. They just need to be made true equals. Also INSPITE OF the state sponsored repression, minorities have thrived in Pakistan and other Muslim countries mainly due to their own ingenuity.

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Noorani

Jul 18, 2012 07:13am

Where as all others so far have worked for their own welfare, it seems that the nation ( only if it qualifies to be called a nation) will pretty soon get to witness how and for whose welfare does Mr.Khan work for. Sweet dreams are good for health.

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Niat Wali

Jul 18, 2012 07:24am

Nothing wrong with Imran Khan's idea of Islamic Welfare State. In a talk show a few days ago however, Imran Khan could not define it as; for example, he was questioned about patwari system and replace it with what? similarly, what would be the role of existing judicial system.., what would be his model. His idea is not bad at all, but PTI is unable to chalk out and hence public a plan which is clear, comprehensive and practicable.

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Shahzad Kazi

Jul 18, 2012 03:09pm

Why not simply call it a welfare states. Are other welfare non-islamic or is there some sort of difference in concept for a state to be an islamic welfare state? By the way Imran cannot do much of anything as he lacks the experience and will not be elected in a fair election.

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latif

Jul 18, 2012 08:42am

Why bring islam here. If you keep welfare of the people in mind,that will cover everybody.

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Gerry D'Cunha

Jul 18, 2012 08:57am

I only hope and pray Imran Khan succeed in his mission to make Pakistan free from poverty and terrisiom, so that all and the coming generation can live in peace and harmony.

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Abdur Razzaque

Jul 18, 2012 09:47am

I think with my past experience of the PPP manifesto, Imran Khan adopted a same policy like them. When Islam itself guarantees a complete and well sucred life style we don't need this kind of vague and confusing term with the word of Islam. From the creation and as of today every political leaders and the parties whoever ascended the govt. position made a lie to the common people in the name of Islam. Nothing did change their morality and greediness and finally they put the whole blame on Islam. Again Islam is a great and unparallelled constitution. If anybody likes to introduce Islam and Islamic laws in Pakistan they only needs to show their good intentions. Because Islam is just like 'A tree that is known by its fruit'.

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ShahidShaikh1

Jul 18, 2012 05:20pm

It is very easy to criticize any one, but I know for fact that Imran Khan is the one who has build the hospital, he is the one who has build the university, he is the one who got us the world cup. I think he has all the qualities of the top leader, however we as a nation has to give a try because what we had for 65 years did not produced any positive results. Just Imagine if we did not have Imran and Edi in Pakistan what would happen. Shahid Shaikh Brampton, Ontario, Canada

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ShahidShaikh1

Jul 18, 2012 05:20pm

The objectives he has set for the nation is not the easy one, but one has to have vision without this we are just going as a blind man. We also know, it will take may be 20 years to accomplish some or majority of his objectives. Nations building is not a 5 years plan but we can setup its path and direction reaching to its destination will may take long time. I live in Canada for last 40 years but our heart is always beating with Pakistan. I wish him and all Pakistani to stand with Imran Khan to achieve these objectives if for some reason he or his team is not able to deliver than people have right to use their vote next time to some other party, which one did not we have try all those guys. I sincerely pray that this time we all have to stand with him if not, I see severe consequences for Pakistan. God Bless Pakistan and its people. Shahid Shaikh Brampton, Ontario, Canada

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Saleemi

Jul 19, 2012 05:31am

Why Islam? 97% of population of Pakistan is Muslim and concept of "Islamic welfare state" attracts them ? if you have any doubt check any survey by any organization on this topic........ Those who believe Islam is reason of every problem in Pakistan neither know anything about Islam nor about history of Pakistan....

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