Vigilante Islamists - Religious Parties and Anti-State Violence in Pakistan

For over three decades the Pakistani state has had to contend with the rise of violent anti-state movements that have sought to overthrow the government for being insufficiently Islamic. This book provides an inside look at how Islamist political parties-which often have sympathies with these radical groups, but also have a stake in the democratic system-make decisions about whether to support or undermine violent movements that are challenging the state. With five studies that span three decades, the book provides a detailed look at some of Pakistan''s most interesting and controversial political parties.