Students, Politics and Ideologization: An Analysis of Jamiat Talba Islam Pakistan

Abstract

Aim of the Study: Student organizations have played a significant role in the political history of Pakistan. Jamiat Talba Islam (JTI), an organization affiliated politically and ideologically with Jamiat Ulama Islam Pakistan (JUI), was established in 1969. It was primarily aimed at bridging the gap between mister (university and college students) and mulla (madrassa students). Moreover, it's aimed at the establishment of the Islamic system exemplified by the four rightly guided pious caliphs. To achieve this objective, all its affiliates were to be socialized and ideologized harmoniously. This paper is an attempt to investigate the process of ideologization and political socialization of the JTI affiliates.

Methodology: The data were collected through interviews and focus group discussions in three different universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A purposive sampling technique was adopted for the respondents.

Findings: It was found that the uniform mechanism of socialization and the promotion of harmonious ideological ideals inculcate uniform politico-social values in the affiliates, and thus, all the affiliates have the same understanding of political events and issues around them.

Conclusion: The organization is more effective in terms of promoting harmonious ideas and ideals among the affiliated students, irrespective of their educational background.