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The concept of the Two-Nation Theory on which Pakistan was founded, was largely based on Muslim nationalism.[1][2] Secularism in Pakistan went from being a matter of practice in law by the Government of Pakistan to a political movement opposing the Islamization policies of the military dictator General Zia-ul-Haq in the 1980s. The supporters of Islamisation on the other hand assert that Pakistan was founded as a Muslim state and that in its status as an Islamic republic, it must thereby implement Islamic laws, known as Sharia. Secularists feel that Ali Jinnah argued for an implementation of Islam in which all religions would have equal rights and live as free citizens as supported by the Islamic jurisprudence itself as distinguished from a religious oligarchy.[3]
One of Pakistan's most popular media outlets, Dawn, was originally founded by Jinnah and still identifies as secular.[4][5][6][7] Other popular media outlets like Express Tribune, Daily Times, and Pakistan Today also identify on a liberal and progressive platform.