The article deals with political disputes related to the contemporary interpretations of Islam in the context of constructing the very idea of Pakistan, and then of continuously re-defining its ideological foundations. Two contrasting concepts are analyzed, viz., the political philosophy of a modern, democratic Islamic State as elaborated by Muhammad Allama Iqbal, officially recognized as “the Spiritual Father of Pakistan”, and the traditionalist (fundamentalist) vision of an Islamic State as promoted by Abul A’la Maududi, the founder of Jamaat-e-Islami, one of the most influential Muslim organizations in Asia. The selected elements of both ideological visions have been implemented in Pakistan by various political players over the period of seventy years. The implications of these ideological disputes have always had a serious impact on the final shape of Pakistani society, policies and law. The process of de-radicalization or de-talibanization of the State, coincided with a military operation “Zarb-e-Azb”, appears to be deeply rooted in ideology and its success may, to some extent, depend on the effectiveness of ideological arguments presented by the fighting parties.