Ghamidi Sahab's Old Views
I wasn’t able to verify the Ishraq Q&A you shared above first hand, however, it seems authentic. I did verify that at that time Ghamidi sahab did in fact hold these views in regard to an Islamic state. That said, we should realize that no one is born with all the knowledge. Initially everyone subscribes to the views that are common in their society. As they learn and grow in knowledge, their understanding of things and consequently their views change over time. Such is the journey of human knowledge. In fact Quran uses non-progression in it’s own knowledge as an evidence of it being divine. The important thing is one’s attitude towards the truth as it becomes clear to him. Does he stubbornly hold on to his falsified views due to arrogance or some worldly gains, or does he surrender to the truth no matter what price he must pay? Clearly Ghamidi sahab took the latter route, and I think that it only goes to show his greatness as well as his commitment to the truth.