پاکستان میں تحفظِ عقیدۂ ختمِ نبوت کے مروجہ مناہج اور آئین و قانون سازی: ایک تنقیدی و تجزیاتی مطالعہ: A CRITICAL AND ANALYTICAL STUDY OF THE PREVAILING APPROACHES TO THE PROTECTION OF THE DOCTRINE OF THE FINALITY OF PROPHETHOOD IN PAKISTAN: A CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGISLATIVE PERSPECTIVE

Shehzad Qaisar; Hafiz Muhammad Arshad Habib; Muhammad Anas Raza

Authors

Qaisar Shehzad PhD Scholar Islamic Studies, NCBA&E Lahore, Multan Sub-Campus, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan (Corresponding Author). , National College of Business Administration and Economics
Dr Hafiz Muhammad Arshad Habib Assistant Professor Islamic Studies, NCBA&E Lahore, Multan Sub-Campus Multan, Punjab, Pakistan. , National College of Business Administration and Economics
Dr Muhammad Anas Raza Associate Professor Islamic Studies, Dar-ul-Madina International University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Keywords:

Khatm-e-Nubuwwat (Finality of Prophethood); Second Constitutional Amendment 1974; Ordinance XX of 1984; Blasphemy Law (Section 295-C, 298-B & 298-C); Zaheeruddin v. State, Pakistan & Islamisation.

Abstract

The doctrine of the Finality of Prophethood (Khatm al-Nubuwwah) occupies a central position in Pakistan’s constitutional and legal development and represents a significant area of consensus within the Muslim community. This study critically and analytically examines the prevailing approaches adopted for safeguarding this doctrine and evaluates the constitutional, legislative, and judicial measures developed for its protection. Employing a historical, analytical, and critical methodology, the study draws primarily upon constitutional documents, statutory provisions, parliamentary proceedings, and judicial pronouncements. It traces the evolution of these measures through the major developments of 1953, the Second Constitutional Amendment of 1974, Ordinance XX of 1984, relevant provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code, and subsequent judicial interpretations by the Federal Shariat Court and Supreme Court of Pakistan. The study further evaluates these developments in the light of Islamic legal principles, particularly Sadd al-Dharāʾiʿ and Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah, while considering contemporary legal and human-rights challenges.
The study finds that Pakistan’s framework for protecting the doctrine has evolved through an integrated process involving public commitment, scholarly discourse, parliamentary deliberation, constitutional enactment, and judicial interpretation. While acknowledging practical concerns, including misuse of legal provisions, false allegations, and delays in judicial proceedings, the study argues that such shortcomings require improvements in enforcement rather than repeal of the relevant legal framework. It recommends stricter evidentiary standards, safeguards against false accusations, greater transparency and fairness in implementation, stronger academic research, and more effective articulation of the constitutional and juristic rationale of these measures at the international level. The study concludes that Pakistan’s experience provides a significant case study of the interaction between Islamic doctrine, constitutional law, legislation, and public governance.

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