Saudi Reforms and the Fall of Pakistani Mullahs

Saudi Arabia, long considered the epicenter of Islamic conservatism, has embarked on a series of sweeping reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). These changes, aimed at modernizing the kingdom, reducing the influence of the clergy, and shifting away from an oil-dependent economy, have significantly impacted conservative religious narratives worldwide. One of the unintended yet inevitable consequences of these reforms has been the diminishing influence of Pakistani clerics who traditionally drew legitimacy and ideological strength from Saudi-backed Wahhabism.

Saudi Arabia’s Reform Agenda

Under the Vision 2030 framework, MBS has undertaken radical reforms in Saudi Arabia, including:

Curtailing Religious Police: The once-feared religious police (Mutawa) have been stripped of their authority to arrest individuals, reducing the influence of clerical enforcement.

Empowerment of Women: Women have been granted the right to drive, travel without male guardianship, and participate in the workforce.

Promotion of Moderate Islam: MBS has publicly declared his intention to return Saudi Arabia to a “moderate Islam that is open to all religions.”

Diversification of Economy: The kingdom is investing heavily in tourism, entertainment, and technology, moving away from its dependency on oil and religious tourism.

Curbing Extremism: The government has cracked down on extremist clerics and preachers who previously enjoyed state patronage.

These reforms signal a significant shift away from the puritanical Wahhabi ideology that has been at the core of Saudi governance for decades.

Impact on Pakistani Religious Establishment

Pakistani religious scholars, particularly those aligned with the Deobandi and Ahl-e-Hadith schools of thought, have historically relied on Saudi support—both financial and ideological. The shift in Saudi priorities has led to several consequences:

Loss of Saudi Funding
For decades, Saudi petrodollars funded madrasas, religious institutions, and clerics in Pakistan, fostering a rigid interpretation of Islam. With Saudi Arabia distancing itself from radical elements, Pakistani religious leaders have lost a significant financial backing, weakening their grip on power.
Delegitimization of Religious Narratives
Saudi Arabia’s move toward a more moderate Islam undermines the narratives propagated by Pakistani clerics who justified rigid religious laws by citing Saudi practices. The reforms challenge their authority and expose their ideological rigidity.
Declining Influence in State Affairs
Previously, Pakistani governments often relied on religious figures to influence policy, especially concerning blasphemy laws, women’s rights, and minority treatment. However, with Saudi Arabia itself embracing modernization, the Pakistani state is under less pressure to uphold hardline religious policies.
Backlash and Fragmentation
With their authority waning, Pakistani clerics have attempted to resist these changes through protests, opposition to reforms like women’s rights, and campaigns against modernization efforts. However, their influence is declining as state institutions and the public increasingly look towards economic progress and global integration.

Pakistan’s Path Forward

The fall of religious hardliners in Pakistan does not mean the end of conservative Islam, but it does indicate a shift towards a more pragmatic and less theocratic approach. Pakistan, heavily dependent on Saudi Arabia for economic aid and diplomatic support, may gradually align itself with the kingdom’s evolving stance. The Pakistani state now has an opportunity to:

Promote Religious Tolerance: With Saudi Arabia leading the way, Pakistan can curb extremism and encourage a more pluralistic society.

Strengthen Economic Ties Beyond Religion: By focusing on economic cooperation rather than ideological alignment, Pakistan can benefit from Saudi investments in technology, infrastructure, and tourism.

Reform Madrasa Education: With declining Saudi influence, Pakistan has the chance to modernize its religious education system, incorporating secular subjects and promoting critical thinking.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s reforms mark a paradigm shift in global Islamic politics, significantly impacting conservative religious movements in Pakistan. As the ideological and financial lifeline weakens, Pakistani clerics are facing an existential crisis. Whether Pakistan embraces the winds of change or clings to outdated religious dogmas will determine its future in an increasingly modernizing Muslim world.