Islam and Human Rights: Reimagining a Space for Dialogue Between Islamism and Secularism in Pakistan

This thesis examines the prospects for a conversation between Islam and human rights. The basic question addressed is: where does the Islamic tradition fit in a secular discourse that inherently rejects religious doctrine? The case study of Pakistan focuses on the role of Islam in politics, and how secular human rights NGOs insert themselves in a polarized national debate about Islam in political life. What emerges is a statement of the importance of patient and complex intellectual labor within the Islamic tradition, showing how reformulating our understanding of secularism and the Islamic state is crucial for opening up a space where the promotion of protection of human rights can flourish