Definition and Meaning 🌟
The Islamic Democratic Alliance (IDA) was a coalition of Islamic and right-of-center political parties in Pakistan formed following the death of General Zia-ul-Haq. This alliance played a significant role in Pakistani politics at the end of the 20th century, primarily comprising the Muslim League and Jamaat-i Islami. Initially, the IDA was a significant counterforce to the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), led by Benazir Bhutto.
Etymology and Background 🏛️
Islamic Democratic Alliance:
- Islamic refers to principles or matters pertaining to Islam.
- Democratic concerns governance by representation and free elections.
- Alliance signifies a formal agreement between two or more parties for mutual benefit.
The coalition was born in the politically turbulent period following General Zia-ul-Haq’s plane crash in 1988. The formation of IDA was critical for right-wing and Islamic factions aiming to maintain Zia’s policies and keep secular influences at bay.
Historical Context 📜
Key Events and Dates:
- 1988: Formation of the IDA.
- 1988 Elections: IDA emerged as a major opponent to the PPP.
- 1990 Elections: IDA came to power under Nawaz Sharif.
Major Parties:
- Pakistan Muslim League (PML): Right-of-center party a proponent of General Zia’s policies.
- Jamaat-i Islami: An Islamist political organization with considerable social influence.
Significance:
- Against PPP: IDA primarily challenged PPP’s secular and left-leaning stance.
- Leadership: Under Nawaz Sharif’s leadership, it secured a victory in the 1990 elections, subsequently affecting Pakistan’s political direction.
Cultural Differences and Similarities 🤲
- Secular vs Religious Politics: There’s a stark contrast in political ideology between IDA and PPP.
- Urban vs Rural Support: IDA had strong support in conservative, rural areas, while PPP was popular in more liberal, urban regions.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms 📚
- Synonyms: Right-wing coalition, Islamic political alliance
- Antonyms: Secular political parties, Left-of-center alliance
- Related Terms:
- Pakistan People’s Party (PPP): Major secular opponent
- Nawaz Sharif: Key political figure within IDA
- General Zia-ul-Haq: Former military ruler, had significant influence on IDA policies.
Engaging Facts and Quotations ✨
Exciting Facts:
- First Female Prime Minister: IDA’s main opponent, PPP, was led by Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan’s first female Prime Minister.
- Short-lived Alliances: Despite initial successes, the alliance went through internal conflicts and was short-lived.
Quotations:
- “Democracy needs support, and the best support for it is the creation of mutual trust.” – Nawaz Sharif
- “The best politics is right action.” – General Zia-ul-Haq
Recommended Literature and Sources 🌐
-
Books:
- Democracy in Pakistan by Junaid Ahmed
- Politics of the Right Wing in Pakistan by Zamir Akram
-
Journal Articles:
- “Political Alliances in South Asia” by Ahmed Hasan
- “The Post-Zia Era in Pakistan” by Rahim Habib
-
Further Reading:
- Benazir Bhutto: Daughter of Destiny by Benazir Bhutto
- Nawaz Sharif: A Political Triad by Aisha Ismail
Translations 🌐
- Arabic: تحالف الديمقراطية الإسلامية (taḥāluf al-dīmuqrāṭiyya al-islāmiya)
- Urdu: اسلامی جمہوری اجتماعیت (Islami Jumhuri Ittehaad)
- Turkish: İslami Demokratik İttifak
- Indonesian: Aliansi Demokratik Islam
Quizzes 🤔
### What significant political role did the Islamic Democratic Alliance play in Pakistan?
- [x] A coalition of Islamic and right-wing parties that ruled in 1990.
- [ ] A cultural organization promoting Islamic values.
- [ ] The parliamentary body for religious scholars.
- [ ] A secular progressive political group.
> **Explanation:** The IDA was a coalition of Islamic and right-wing political parties in Pakistan, which came to power in 1990 following the elections.
### Which Prime Minister of Pakistan's tenure was challenged by the Islamic Democratic Alliance?
- [x] Benazir Bhutto
- [ ] Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto
- [ ] Imran Khan
- [ ] Pervez Musharraf
> **Explanation:** The IDA primarily challenged Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party during the 1988 elections.
### Under whose leadership did IDA win the 1990 elections in Pakistan?
- [x] Nawaz Sharif
- [ ] Benazir Bhutto
- [ ] Pervez Musharraf
- [ ] General Zia-ul-Haq
> **Explanation:** Nawaz Sharif led IDA to victory in the 1990 elections.
### What was the Islamic Democratic Alliance's stance towards General Zia-ul-Haq's policies?
- [x] Largely in favor and supportive
- [ ] Neutral and non-aligned
- [ ] Opposed vehemently
- [ ] Unrelated to
> **Explanation:** The IDA favored General Zia-ul-Haq's policies and aimed to maintain his political legacy.
### Which two major parties were the key components of the Islamic Democratic Alliance?
- [x] Pakistan Muslim League and Jamaat-i Islami
- [ ] PPP and ANP
- [ ] MQM and PTI
- [ ] JUI and PPP
> **Explanation:** The key components of IDA were Pakistan Muslim League and Jamaat-i Islami.
### In what year did IDA sustain its formation after General Zia-ul-Haq's death?
- [x] 1988
- [ ] 1990
- [ ] 1985
- [ ] 1983
> **Explanation:** The Islamic Democratic Alliance was formed in 1988 following the death of General Zia-ul-Haq.
### What type of areas predominantly supported the Islamic Democratic Alliance?
- [x] Conservative, rural areas
- [ ] Liberal, urban regions
- [ ] Mixed industrial zones
- [ ] Coastal trading cities
> **Explanation:** The IDA had predominant support in conservative, rural areas.
### Which key political figure emerged from the Islamic Democratic Alliance in the 1990 elections?
- [x] Nawaz Sharif
- [ ] Imran Khan
- [ ] Asif Ali Zardari
- [ ] Pervez Musharraf
> **Explanation:** Nawaz Sharif emerged as a key political figure and led IDA to a victory in 1990.
Thank you for exploring the historical and political significance of the Islamic Democratic Alliance with us. This intriguing part of Pakistan’s history demonstrates the interplay of religion and politics in shaping a nation’s governance.
Farah Khan-Anwar October 4, 2023
“As we explore the past, we uncover the roots that anchor our present and inspire our future.” 🌟
