“Militarty Islamism, Moderate Liberalism And Theater Development In Pakistan”

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between Pakistani theatrical growth, moderate liberalism, and military Islamism. The intricate relationships between more liberal, secular forces and traditional religious views have molded Pakistan's cultural environment throughout the years. Historically, the military has shaped public policy and cultural expression by frequently aligning itself with Islamic forces in the nation's politics. As a result, there is now censorship and a closed atmosphere surrounding cultural pursuits, such as theater, which is frequently seen as a kind of social and political criticism. But moderate liberalism has endured as a counter-narrative, supporting progressive concepts and cultural advancement, in spite of these obstacles. [1]The evolution of theater in Pakistan has been greatly impacted by this conflict between Islamism and liberalism, as performers have had to negotiate censorship, social expectations, and ideological differences. In order to examine how political and ideological influences have both hampered and encouraged dramatic creativity, the article explores significant historical moments and significant people in Pakistani theater. It also looks at how Pakistani modern theater practitioners are recreating the genre while striking a balance between tradition and modernity in the framework of a changing national identity. This essay explores the relationship between political Islam, liberal thought, and theater in order to shed light on Pakistan's larger cultural problems and emphasize the importance of the arts in promoting critical thinking and conversation in a nation riven by ideological divisions. This article also explore the theatre development during two military dictators in Pakistan- General Zia-ul-Haq and Pervaiz Musharraf.