Qazi Hussain Ahmad and Transformation of the Jamaat-i-Islami of Pakistan

Abstract

This study focuses on two critical areas - it explores the theoretical relationship between charismatic leadership and evolution of political parties; and, in that broader context makes a case study of Jamaat-i-Islami (the Jamaat or JI) of Pakistan, under the leadership of Qazi Hussain Ahmad (1987-2009). It breaks fresh ground by examining the role and relevance of the JI in contemporary Pakistan by analysing the attempts that Qazi Hussain Ahmad made to transform the JI into a populist movement and mainstreaming it as a political party while Pakistan made a transition to democracy. Did he succeed in transforming the JI? Is the JI now better prepared to participate in and contribute effectively to the democratic process in Pakistan? These are some of the questions that this study will attempt to answer.