Barelvi political activism and religious mobilization in Pakistan : the case of Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP)

Abstract

This paper explores the evolution and political activism of the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP), a religio-political group, from a protest movement to a political party, while retaining its character as a movement. Consequently, TLP has a hybrid structure where the lines between the movement and party are blurred. TLP, in the last few years, has asserted itself in Pakistan’s political-religious arena by championing the cause of Khatm-e-Nabuwat (finality of Muhammad’s prophethood) and Namoos-e-Risalat (honour of the Prophet Muhammad). As a movement, TLP uses protests and agitation to shape the political agenda, while utilizing the political structures to demand or block policies deemed detrimental to its religious interests. The emergence of TLP is a by-product of post-9/11 religio-political developments in Pakistan and the changing patterns of state patronage towards religious groups. TLP chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi’s framing of Barelvis’ grievances around the blasphemy issue in opposition to his rival groups offers insight into the group’s exclusionary and sectarian politics. Rizvi provides redemption for his followers in the protection of Prophet Muhammad’s honour.