Fall

08
Winter
16

Ethnic Issues, Religious

Extremism And National
Integration

Sana Khan
Rabeeya Shahid
Khadija Nasir
Mehak Asif
Nayab Waheed
BBA 4 O

Lahore School Of Economics

 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 2

ETHNIC ISSUES, RELIGIOUS

EXTREMISM, AND NATIONAL
INTEGRATION
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................3
LITERATURE REVIEW...............................................................................4
ETHNICITY AND ETHNIC CONFLICT IN PAKISTAN...................................................................4
VIOLENCE IN KARACHI; IS IT POLITICAL, ETHNIC OR RELIGIOUS CONFLICT?..............................5
NATIONALISM IN PAKISTAN: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ETHNIC FACTORS IN EAST PAKISTAN AND
BALUCHISTAN.............................................................................................................. 6
A HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF TRENDS IN PAKTOON ETHNO-NATIONALISM..................................9
PASHTUN ETHNIC NATIONALISM: FROM SEPARATION TO INTEGRATION...................................12
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS..........................................................................13
ETHNICITY AND ETHNIC CONFLICT IN PAKISTAN.................................................................13
VIOLENCE IN KARACHI; IS IT POLITICAL, ETHNIC OR RELIGIOUS CONFLICT?............................15
NATIONALISM IN PAKISTAN: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ETHNIC FACTORS IN EAST PAKISTAN AND
BALUCHISTAN............................................................................................................ 17
A HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF TRENDS IN PAKHTUN ETHNO NATIONALISM................................25
PASHTUN ETHNIC NATIONALISM: FROM SEPARATION TO INTEGRATION...................................25
CONCLUSION........................................................................................28
BIBLIOGRAPHY.....................................................................................30
 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 3

Introduction

There is hardly any state in the world, which is not ethnically plural. Pakistan is also no

in regard and is a country with unique ethnic diversity. The process of national integration can be

secured only when ethnic identities would be given adequate representation. (Majeed, 2013)

Different scholars studied this phenomenon with different tools and methodologies. Some

name ethnicity as; minority,aborigines,and immigrants and others who studied it in terms of

insiders and outsiders. After getting independence from the clutches of colonies masters most of

the post colonial states have faced the problem of ethnicity is one form or other ever since.

Ethnic, regional, linguistic, and cultural minorities plague western democracies as well as

socialist states of Europe. All these examples are a reminder that the problem of ethno

nationalism remains unsolved despite the socialist or secular democratic political framework,

which may otherwise have many other achievements to their credits (Majeed, 2013)

Many countries of the world have been experiencing some sort of ethno dissonance

encompassing various level of intensity of politicized ethnicity even developed countries of the

world.eg USA. There are many ethnic groups in different parts of the world that have been

demanded or demanding a separate province, state or region within the same or region within the
 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 4

same country or greater autonomy for existing province or a separate and independent state.

(Majeed, 2013)

Anthropologists describe ethnic as:

A group possessing some degree of coherence and solidarity composed of people who are

or at least latently, aware of having common origin and interests. (Majeed, 2013)

According to Devos:

An ethnic group is self-perceived inclusion those who hold in common a set of tradition

not shared by others with when they are in contact. Such traditions typically include religious

beliefs and practices, language a sense of historical continuity and common ancestry or place of

origin. (Majeed, 2013)

One can define that ethnicity is a group of individuals living side-by-side but not

intermingling with each other. These people grouped together on the basis of territory,

professions, languages, and geography without conflicting with each other. Ethnicity itself is not

harmful for the existence of any state. The intensity of different variables creates contradictory

point of view and hostile environment within that creates a contradictory point of view and

hostile environment within the territory. (Majeed, 2013)

Literature Review

Ethnicity and ethnic conflict in Pakistan

 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 5

There are different variables that have been playing a vital role in generating more

conflicting situation in the country such as ethnic conflict on religion ground, ethnic conflict on

the basis of language, ethnic conflict on the basis of territoriality and ethnic conflict on the basis

of caste. (Majeed, 2013)

Zulfiqar Ali khan who entered in the power was unable to bridle the forces, which he

himself had unleashed.G.M syed in Sindh, Mengals in Baluchistan. The Khans and Khattaks in

KPK became more vocalists against the central ruling authority. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto did not take

the identities seriously .the germs of regionalism got fertile soil in Sindh. Karachi attacked the

majority of urdu speaking.local sindhis began hating the urdu speaking.benazir and Nawaz sharif

government also remained unable to control the unleashed forces and situation became worse.

(Majeed, 2013)

Violence in Karachi; is It Political, Ethnic or Religious Conflict?

The author has tried to investigate the primary driver of ethnic clashes in Pakistan in the

above article. The significant issues in ethnic clashes in Karachi, the propensity influencing

changes in ethnic issues and the ramifications of these progressions for national reconciliation in

Pakistan. "Ethnic" is gotten from Greek word "ethnikos"; which alluded to significant

population groups who share basic racial and social qualities. It is likewise one's very own sign

knowledge as the individual from the of the specific gathering. Its essential capacity is to

separate the gathering individuals from the summed others up. Ethnicity gives the essentials of

patriotism. (Ali, 2012)

As indicated by an overview directed in 1992, very nearly twelve out of 132 countries

which could be seen as homogeneous, a quarter century have single ethnic gathering containing
 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 6

90% of the aggregate population, though a quarter century have a population involving 75

percent single ethnicity. In 39 countries no single gathering surpasses half of the aggregate

population. It implies that a nation could be dwelled by a solitary vast ethnic gathering or

numerous ethnic gatherings. Pakistan has a place the third sort of nation, which has a main ethnic

gathering including fifty to seventy-five percent of the aggregate population. (Ali, 2012)

The issue of ethnic confinement has been boiling in Baluchistan and NWFP since the 70s.

Likewise, the Mohajirs of Pakistan were ascending as an unmistakable ethnic gathering with the

development of Mohajir Qoumi Movement (MQM) since the 80s as significant drive in urban

territories of Sindh, particularly in the greatest city of the nation, Karachi, and in the nearby city,

Hyderabad. In 2010 alone, 1,247 individuals, when contrasted with 8012009, were killed in its

significant city, Karachi. (Ali, 2012) The circumstance of lawfulness because of ethnic conflicts

have smashed financial exercises in urban Sindh where there has been confirmation of an

exchange of funding to different locales and very nearly a total stop with respect to outside

speculation.

Nationalism in Pakistan: A comparative analysis of Ethnic

factors in East Pakistan and Baluchistan

The earth constitutes of different nations states, which are comprised of sub-nationalities.

Some states have homogenous while others have a heterogeneous population. Each ethnic group

residing in such an heterogeneous state have their needs and demands which are hard to

completely fulfill. When this happens, the demands might turn into a movement where people
 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 7

from a certain ethnicity raise their voices so that the ruling elites might hear them and address

their concerns accordingly. States like Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka are facing issues of ethno-

nationalism. A certain ethnicity may ask for provincial autonomy, devolution of power and even

independence. In Pakistans case, there are ethnic groups like Punjabi, Pathan, Baluchis,

Singhis , Muhajirs who are giving rise to ethno-nationalism and leading the separatist elements

within the country. (Ghani, Mustaq, & Mehmood, Fall 2014)

This research (paper) discusses in detail the issue of disintegration of East Pakistan that

was detrimental to the political system of Pakistan. Moreover, it will also help analyze the

various factors and causes of ethnic rivalry by the people of East Pakistan and Baluchistan.

(Ghani, Mustaq, & Mehmood, Fall 2014)

Soon after Pakistans creation, the untimely death of Quaid-e-Azam hampered the new

states development. The majority of the other leaders were driven by personal power and greed.

In order to get absolute power the leaders brought in civil and military bureaucracy into politics

thus harming the democratization process and the countrys unity, this led to a rise in the sense of

deprivation and frustration between the ethnic groups residing inside Pakistan. As the system was

highly centralized, and there was no devolution of power the demands of many ethnicities were

not taken into account. The unequal distribution of resources and power resulted in a widened

gap between the have and have nots. All of this has actually resulted in the promotion of ethnic

nationalism. (Ghani, Mustaq, & Mehmood, Fall 2014)

 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 8

South Asian ethnic insurgencies are mostly indigenous. These issues emerged from states

having past colonial socio, cultural, economic and political heritage, mostly in reaction to unwise

government policies. Brown states that corrupt/bad leaders or neighbors who turn political

instability into warfare trigger Asian ethnic conflicts. (Ghani, Mustaq, & Mehmood, Fall 2014).

Feroz Ahmed is of the view that ethnic conflict emerged in Pakistan due to the fact that elitist

leaders failed to accept the heterogeneity of the different regions in their control. The residing

people were not accepted as different and this caused various ethnic issues over regional

language, culture and identity. (Ghani, Mustaq, & Mehmood, Fall 2014). Adeel Khan and Tahir

Amin see the ethnic conflicts in Pakistan merely as a struggle for power between the dominant

and non-dominant groups. He reasoned that ethnic conflicts have political roots and hence if all

the ethnic groups (major or minor) have their share in power and equal participation, in every

field the ethnic turbulence can be minimized. (Ghani, Mustaq, & Mehmood, Fall 2014).The

powerful ruling elite has remained reluctant to accept the varying demands of its heterogeneous

population, naming the arising conflicts as law and order problems rather than a case of bad

governance which remains the real cause of ethnic conflict and nation disintegration explains

Veena Kukreja. (Ghani, Mustaq, & Mehmood, Fall 2014)

In the chosen research paper the various factors responsible for the rise of ethno-

nationalism in East Pakistan as well as Baluchistan are analyzed in order to find their differences

and similarities. Factors that contribute to ethno-nationalism in both provinces of Pakistan

constitute of the following:

These are namely, culture, inequalities in different areas, less representation of Bengalis

and Balochis on influential positions, elitist policies, scarcity of resources, centralized system,
 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 9

role of military and military operation, underdevelopment, role of foreign powers and human

right violations. (Ghani, Mustaq, & Mehmood, Fall 2014)

A Historical Analysis of trends in Paktoon Ethno-Nationalism

The Irredentist trends in Pakhtun ethno-nationalism seemed to gain popularity at least

twice in the history of Pakistan. The first such separatist notion was witnessed in the immediate

period preceding and following the creation of Pakistan in 1947. And the second wave of

separatism gained traction in 1973 in the wake of dismissal of NAP government in Baluchistan

by Zulfiqar Ali Bhuttos regime and the subsequent resignation of NAP government in the

Frontier province. (Aman & Jan, July-December 2015)

Pakhtun ethno-nationalist struggle can be traced to the 1929 formation of the Khudai

Khidmatgar Movement by a social reformer and landlord of Charsadda - Abdul Ghaffar Khan.

The movement, which initially began as a social reformist movement soon turned into a struggle

for social justice and unity among the Pakhtuns against British imperialism, was gaining traction

in the process among the Pakhtun peasants and other classes. Ghaffar Khan inspired by Gandhis

non- violent struggle and Congress Partys anti-imperialist stand sided hisTehreek (movement)

with the largest party in India and worked tirelessly among the Pakhtuns to secure support for

their cause of anti-colonialism. (Aman & Jan, July-December 2015) The period prior to 1970

reflects mixed trends in Pakhtun ethno-nationalist movement from demands for greater

provincial autonomy and break up of the One-Unit system to efforts at integration in mainstream

national politics.
 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 10

The state played a two-way role in fomenting and controlling ethno-nationalist

sentiments among the Pakhtuns. On the one hand, the Frontier region remained disadvantaged in

terms of resource allocation for development (both industrial and agricultural) in post

independence. Nationalistic sentiments intensified among Pakhtuns after states (Z. A. Bhuttos

regime) intrusive intervention in dismissing National Awami Partys government in Baluchistan

and resignation by NAP government in protest in the Frontier province in 1973. NAP activists,

who crossed over into Afghanistan and raised the banner of independent Pakhtunistan in 1973,

further reflected such nationalistic sentiments in the armed struggle.

First, from a Marxist perspective, it is important to understand the class feature of those

groups who supported secession among the Pakhtuns. The demand for independent Pakhtunistan

was supported primarily by medium class landlords or petty bourgeoisie, who unlike the large

bourgeoisie were left out of the race to become industrial capitalists and therefore raised the issue

of Pakhtunistan as a form of protest. The large bourgeoisie, though few in number but owning

huge lands. (Aman & Jan, July-December 2015)

Second, the NAP failed to support its nationalistic rhetoric with its practical politics,

reflected in for example, award of tickets and accommodation in governments of some known

industrialists; making Urdu the official language; banning workers strikes and suppressing

peasants; and agreeing to a constitution (1973) that granted less provincial autonomy than even

the 1935 Act. Ahmed (1999) attributes these contradictions to stem from failures of national

petty bourgeoisie in post colonial states (he calls them pseudo-bourgeoisie and comprador

bourgeoisie) to free themselves from economic submission to the dominating countries

 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 11

bourgeoisie, manifested in structural ties of trade and aid with global imperialism and

misappropriation of development funds in contracts, job distribution, etc. (Aman & Jan, July-

December 2015)

Third, the demand for an independent Pakhtunistan failed to muster large-scale support

from the Pakhtun proletariat (peasants/ workers). This reluctance results from fears of losing

support from peasants in other parts of Pakistan and chances of settlement outside the Frontier in

case of evictions, as happened under the Green Revolution. There was entrenchment of capitalist

farming and eviction of tenants as a side effect of the Green Revolution under Ayub Regime

(Zaidi, 2005: 28-36). (Aman & Jan, July-December 2015)

Besides separatism and integration, a third and more recent trend explored by scholars

(Der Veer, 1994; Shaikh, 2009; Vali R Nasr, 2002: 85-114; Verkaaik, 2007: 86-87) in explaining

current trends in Pakhtun ethno-nationalism is the close and growing relationship between

ethnicity and Islam in Pakistan. (Aman & Jan, July-December 2015)

Such identification took new meaning with the post 9/11 developments. In this period,

though global and regional trends reinforced Islamic revivalism among the Pakhtuns, however,

Verkaaik (2007) also emphasizes that such global Islamist influence has become intertwined with

ethnic Pakhtun identity, especially the notion of Jehad has been interpreted as a war against

infidels and been revived as a Pakhtun tradition. The recent transformations in the Pakhtun

region have affected adversely the authority of Khans and Sayyids and traditional leadership

categories of the Pakhtuns, but it has nonetheless kept intact the cultural institutions of
 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 12

Pakhtunwali and Jehad on which their authority was based. Non-traditional elite in the Afghan

war of 1980s used both tribal honour and Jehad as slogans to mobilize fighters. (Aman & Jan,

July-December 2015)

Formerly based on the Pakhtunwali or tribal code of honor, Pakhtun ethnic identity has

now become a mixture of refashioned traditions,as Pakhtunwali and Jihad and has been

significantly influenced by global Islamism. These cultural traits have become popularized and

are no longer primarily shaped by the landowning aristocracy and religious specialists. (Aman &

Jan, July-December 2015)

Pashtun Ethnic Nationalism: From Separation to Integration

This article critically examines the myths the orientalists have created about the Pashtuns

and their changing pattern of politics. It also studies on The Pukthun Ethnic Movement which

was non violent and anti colonial ethnic movement of the small khans and peasants which was

opposed to the partition of Pakistan and India and later which turned into a party of those who

aspired to control administrative power in the province and to have a decent share in the

Pakistani state system. (Khan, 2003)

Despite their intelligence, they were the third most powerful entity in the Punjabi Mohajir

dominated civil and military bureaucracy of Pakistan within three decades and their main

concern has been is their place in power hierarchy rather than their ethnicity and according to the
 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 13

article, played a key role in the destruction of Afghanistan. (Khan, 2003)

The author explores and tries to discover and reinterpret Pukhtun nationalism to figure

out its origins and formation by considering two perspectives. One of Anthony Smith, which

focused on the awakening of ethnicity and considered it as a part of a political movement while

Ernest Gellner focused on Industrialism and print capitalism. (Khan, 2003) Trying to distinguish

the differences and establish one common ground but towards the end of the article, he concludes

that Nationalism became nationalism for name only and that conspiracies and myths werent just

myths.

Discussion/Analysis

Ethnicity and ethnic conflict in Pakistan

Factors leading to ethnic conflict and divide within Pakistan:

Ethnic conflict on religious grounds:

Religious forces became active for achieving their specific objectives.in Pakistan peculiar

circumstances the differences between shia and sunni preclude any possibility of the acceptance

by the entire nation of religious state with the single religious ideology. After the death of Quaid-

e-Azam and Liaquat Ali khan, political leaders who assumed power were politically weak and
 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 14

could not develop strong democratic political system even among Sunni blocs; sharp differences

exist in religious beliefs and practices. The most prominent of these being Brelavi and Deobandi,

these religious groups do not want to perform their religious practices at same time under same

imam. Ulemas was very crucial because the people of both these sects have great affiliation with

religion but with weak knowledge about the basic principles of Islam they follow ulemas of their

specific sect. Sectarianism emerged more forcefully in the era of general Zia .the organized

gangs of sectarian thug by Sunni and Shia sects were involved in sectarian violence and serial

killings, suicide bombing created terror in the society of Pakistan. Law enforcement agencies

have been initiating different steps to control extremist elements of society.

Ethnic conflict on the basis of language:

Language can be unifying force; it can also awaken and sustain a community sense of its

separate existence as with other symbols of identities. Pakistan is the multilingual state where the

Pashtuns, Balochi, Punjabi, Mahajir and siraki identities are expressed through Balochi Pashto,

sindhi,Balochi and Punjabi.

Balochi, brahvi, Pashto are spoken by major ethnic groups in Baluchistan. Balochis have

been facing many problems since 1947.they perceive that have been deprived by the central

ruling authority to preserve their specific identity. Ethnic problems are high in Sindh.sindhi

language is an important aspect of sindhi identity in the presence of Urdu speaking

mohajirs.linguistic groups have been involved in conflicting situation with each other on various

occasions.in Khyber Pakhtoonkuwa majority speaks Pashto as a result Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan

always used Pashto as an identity marker and as punjabis dominate political structure and being

rulers give less importance to Punjabis than other ethnic identities. It is pertinent to mention here

that ethnic identities of Pakistan adopted language movements for determining their identity.
 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 15

Ethnic conflict on the basis of territory:

Territoriality has been another dominant cause for sowing seeds of conflicting situation

among different ethnic groups of different regions of Pakistan. The basic structure of Pakistan

structure of Pakistan is that of a federation comprising federating units. Water sharing problems

between provinces and sense of alienation among deprived ethnic identities. Another irritant that

has become the cause of conflict among different ethnic groups is the fact that the ruling elite

always followed the policy of centralization of power instead of decentralization thus alienating

the locals.

Ethnic conflict on the basis of caste:

Caste system is one of the major sources to give birth tension among different segments

of society. Caste systems play an important role in the politics of Pakistan than the political

parties. Political parties issue party tickets to those candidates who belong to dominate caste.it

can be stated that with the working of political parties ethnic groups are assimilated in the main

stream of the society.

Violence in Karachi; is It Political, Ethnic or Religious Conflict?

The picture of Pakistan rising up out of its ethnic condition is uncovered by its financial

and political circumstance. There are four ethnic gatherings the Punjabis, the Sindhis, the
 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 16

Pashtuns and the Baloch and the Urdu-talking. Karachi was little town of anglers encompassed

by mud defenses. Karachi's port was a critical knot in the local proto-globalized economy since

the eighteenth century. In 1947 and 1951 colossal exiles brought Karachi under serious

demographic pressure yet it additionally provided it with a profoundly capable workforce and an

accomplished bureaucracy. Its history is clear of a conspicuous monetary achievement mitigate

by brutal ethnic and sectarian clashes. They were urban battles between the restricting nearby

gatherings for the control of the city. They include Mafias, land grabbers and criminals.

They battled to gain the power of various parts of the city. Occupants of these zones were

compelled to pay recover for the wellbeing of their homes and business. The Afghan jihad in 80s

in northwest parts conveyed to Karachi a flow of drugs and viciousness. Karachi has confronted

conflicts between Ahmadis, Pathans and Biharis and amongst Mohajir and Sindhis as well. From

1987 to present, the MQM strongholds are situated in Azizabad, Nizamabad, Liaqatabad, New

Karachi and Gulshan-e-Iqbal. PPP has control over district south and ANP has control over

district West. The ascent of MQM in 1984 was quick and exceptional. Its leadership and

individuals had a place with lower working class. It remained persuasive in urban parts of Sindh.

It has accomplished noteworthy constituent support in Karachi and Hyderabad. Different

expansive scale issues made clashes amongst legislators and armed force and remotely India and

Pakistan encircled the state's ability and will to seek after smaller scale level issues, for example,

urban arranging, instructive and manpower procedures and in addition rural-urban and inter

provincial migration.

The state fizzled on different counts such as lawful protection of life and property.

Karachi has been encountering periodical brutality in the form of target killings over the years,

the drive-by-shootings are usually remain untraced by the government. Political rivalries and
 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 17

exceptional individual competition in terms of sect and language has been the major reason

behind these blind murders. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan did a survey on these

killings in Karachi in 2009 and the results were shocking to be 747 killings in which 291 were

target killings. The city is responsible for Pakistans major trade industry a half of its GDP.

Therefore, these shocking figures of target killings have affected the overall economy of

Pakistan.

The rising death rates in Karachi are mainly because of the weaponization in the city. It

was said that efforts were done for de-weaponization but it has only a minor effect on the results.

Kalashnikov and many other variations in weapons were made in northwest of the country and

they were highly in demand in pre-Afghan war era. Law has never been followed in terms of

keeping weapons. Also, the migration to Karachi has made the situation worsen. Keeping peace

in Karachi is close to impossible due to Taliban extremist making turmoil in the city. Rehman

Malik (Interior Minister of Pakistan) says that arrangement of armed forces in Karachi is not

possible because rangers are involved. Long-standing plans shold be made by the government to

erase the chaos and army should be called when situation is not been handled by the government

properly.

Nationalism in Pakistan: A comparative analysis of Ethnic

factors in East Pakistan and Baluchistan

Culture

Culture refers to the way of living, language and traditions of any distinct group. The first

bone of contention between East Pakistan and the central elected government was on the
 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 18

language issue when it was declared that Urdu would be the only official language of the State

of Pakistan. It gave rise to ethno-nationalism because Bengalis were not ready to accept Urdu

as they contended that they were the largest ethnic group within the country hence national

language should be Bengali.

Urdu was supposed to increase national integration, however it was hard to suppress the

Bengalis. As a result of this strong ethnic language movement within Pakistan, Bengali was

accepted as on of the state languages in 1954. The language movement is seen as the forerunner

for sub-nationalism in East Pakistan.

On the other hand, Baluchistan did not even have full provincial autonomy status at this

point in time. While they were concerned with preserving their respective culture, they lacked

the intensity, vigor and zeal of the Bengalis. Culturally they were aware enough to take part in

numerous projects for the promotion of their culture when the first government was installed in

Baluchistan. Under Lal Baksh Rind they formed their national council of arts in Quetta to

promote Baloch literature/culture. Moreover they formed their own press as well as rural police

Dehi Muhafiz. They wanted the Baluchi language to be in Roman script as opposed to the

Arabic script, but this movement failed to gain much popularity and Urdu was ordained to be

provincial language.

East Pakistan consisted of a major ethnic group and a homogenous population with a

shared culture, where as Baluchistan is heterogeneous in nature therefore Culture and role of

language is lesser cause for the propagation and spread of ethno-nationalism within that region.

Inequalities in different areas

 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 19

Inequalities in different areas like power, prestige, development and economic issues give

fire to the ethnic conflicts in East Pakistan and Baluchistan. The grievances as a result of

inequality played a fundamental role with regard to both provinces in the outbreak of ethno-

nationalism. In order to resolve the depravity of both provinces they urged the government to

give them more provincial autonomy so that they could oversee the development of their

respective regions. However autonomy was not given and this led to a rise frustration between

the Baluchis as well as the Bengalis. E.g. There was unequal distribution of income between East

and West Pakistan, Rs 373 in West Pakistan, and Rs 288 in East Pakistan (1959/60).

The condition of Baluchistan is also the same. Despite the fact that that it is rich in

mineral/ natural resources, it lags behind the other provinces economically. Balochi people are

exploited economically be different central governments. They are not given their due share in

mea projects developed in their province. E.g. Baluchistan receives a head price (royalty) of

$0.38 per thousand cubic feet for their natural gas reserves while some sites in Sindh/Punjab get

up to $2/3 per thousand cubic feet respectively.

Less representation of Bengalis and Baluchis on Influential positions

Some ethic groups are over-represented in on important position in bureaucracy and

military resulting in the underrepresentation and threat to the existence and interest of other

ethnic groups. Even though the Bengalis were the largest ethnic group of Pakistan, they were

under-represented in the army as well as the bureaucracy. Similar is the position of Balochis;

they are a stark minority in Pakistans military and civil services. This consistent under-

representation and bias policies adopted by the government officials have created resentment

among the both ethnic groups, further increasing the existing ethno-nationalism in the State of

Pakistan
 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 20

Elitist Policies

The ill planned and elitist policies of Pakistan have created a hot bed for ethno-nationalist

feelings. These policies were adopted by several Pakistani heads and have badly affected the

overall integration of the country. Feelings of resentment have risen due to the highly centralized

government, lack of devolution of power, the unawareness/ utmost ignorance to the aspirations

as well as demands of the different ethnicities that preside within the state of Pakistan. E.g.

Ayubs on unit policy (1955) harmed the overall integration of Pakistan as Bengalis were not

given the right to govern their province as they saw fit. The distributive system of resources and

power was not based on merit and this led to economic inequality among both regions (East and

West Pakistan)

Same is the position of Baluchistan currently. It achieved full-province status by 1970.

The elites failed to learn from their past mistakes and are advocating dictatorial policies in the

Baluchistan region. E.g. In 1973 Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto chose to dissolve the democratically elected

government in Baluchistan. Moreover the decision to build cantonments in Baluchistan, the use

of military force in Baluchistan which resulted in the death of Nawab Akbar Bugti as well as the

exclusion of recruiting the local population in different development projects in the vicinity of

the province have led to hatred between the locals and the center. All these policies established

by the ruling elite at the center have convinced the Bengalis and Balochis that they have to look

after their own self-interests. Hence, this dilemma has led to other related issues like war over

scarce resources among different provinces in Pakistan.

Scarcity of Resources
 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 21

In any developing state the scarcity of resources creates issues, as there a varied number

of groups competing to fulfill their n needs. Similar is the case with Pakistan, as all the groups

are in a competition with each other to acquire more resources than the others. This has led to

problems in relation with both East Pakistan ad Baluchistan, as the usage of their evident

possessions inculcates a sense of depravity and rivalry between the ethnic groups. E.g.

Baluchistan is paid less in royalty for their gas reserves (exploitation of it) as compared to other

regions in Pakistan. More over Sui Gas was supplied to other areas as opposed to Baluchistan

where it was first found, same is the situation regarding mega projects in Baluchistan currently

(Saindak copper project) This displays an apparent discriminatory attitude by the government

(And other actors involved).

Similar was the case in East Bengal initially, from where the majority of jute was

exported (Major export of Pakistan), while West Pakistan used to get more money for their

development purposes. The Bengalis disapproved of not attaining their fair share of monetary

gains. Hence, this initial struggle for the attainment/control over scarce resources turned in the

movement for a separate homeland, where they would be able to use their resources to increase

their standard of living.

Centralized System

After the creation of Pakistan, the ruling elite thought the only way to unite the

heterogeneous people of Pakistan was through a centralized system. Instead of integrating the

regions of Pakistan, the central system created ethnic rivalry. Soon enough different ethnic

groups were calling for greater provincial autonomy though which they could utilize their
 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 22

resources and better look after the welfare of the people. The provinces within the state of

Pakistan were not satisfied with the policies administered at the center. Neither were they in

favor of the One unit policy for East/West Pakistan.

The constitution of Pakistan (1956&1962) also laid grounds for a strong center despite

demands for a stronger provincial base (autonomy). The failure to address the Bengali issue

regarding greater provincial autonomy deteriorated their relations with the central government as

well West Pakistan. The Bengalis wanted provincial resources in their hands so that they could

use it to develop their specific province/implement policies as they saw fit, however their

demands were brushed aside and they grew angry and desperate for Independence as their

needs were not met properly.

After Baluchistan gaining provincial status after the 1970s, the unfair/ centralized policies

of the Pakistani state forced them to ask of provincial autonomy. E.g. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto

dissolved the first elected government of Baluchistan. The Baluchis saw this act as a dictatorial

policy applied by the center with no regard for their sentiments. Moreover during the Musharraf

era many large-scale projects were initiated in Baluchistan, however the locals were not sought

approval or taken into confidence. (The locals were of the view that the revenue generated from

these ventures was not invested into the development of the Baluchistan region but to the

development of Punjab or went into the governments own pockets) This has built up into a

general mistrust of central governments and their agendas regarding Baluchistans mineral rich

lands and natural resources. Thus, the centralized discriminatory policies employed by the

government to maintain control over East Pakistan and Baluchistan has led to the rise in ethno-

nationalism in both regions.

 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 23

Role of Military and Military Operations

The army and the numerous military operations that have taken place in the various

regions of Pakistan. Military dictators have run the Islamic republic of Pakistan various times.

The unwise policies and the use of military operations to deal with conflicts have led to the

outbreak of ethno-nationalism in the country. E.g. During Ayubs era according to the one unit

policy employed, there was no provincial freedom and everyone had to obey the central

government. His policies also aggrieved the masses whose standard of living did not improve.

The Bengalis in the 1960 s especially felt exploited and used over the lack of economic

development seen in East Pakistan as compared to the West. Military operations were conducted

in both Baluchistan as well as East Pakistan in different time periods, however the circumstances

involving both differ greatly, it can be supported on the grounds that India became involved in

East Pakistan and therefore the Pakistani army was forced to intervene. (The military operation

in 1971 by Yahya Khan started an open civil war between the East and West Pakistan and led to

the final secession of Bengal from Pakistan in its entirety)

Forces were used in Baluchistan in 1948,1958,1973,2006 and continue to be used till

now. The use of military power in Baluchistan has significantly increased the power of the

separatist groups and led to increased sense of ethno nationalism within the region. E.g The

motive of the military action is to capture oil and gas resources of the area (Ghani, Mustaq, &

Mehmood, Fall 2014)Mir Khuda Baksh)

Due to this eruption of ethno-nationalism and as a direct result of military force by the

government the demand for greater provincial autonomy has transformed into the demand for an
 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 24

independent state for the Baluchistan people. Military intervention in these issues can be avoided

and negotiation with several groups can be used as an instrument to resolve the occurring

problems with the local population in order to curb rising tension, mistrust and a sense of

deprivation among the Baluchis.

Role of Foreign Agencies and Human Rights Issue

The hand of foreign agencies has led to the escalation of ethnic nationalism and has led to

the rise of separate elements in different regions of Pakistan. Taking advantage of the hotbed of

turmoil, they use this situation to further their own interest within Pakistan. Although the

involvement of foreign hands is not the fundamental cause of ethnic nationalism and discord

with state it has played it role in worsening the situation of East Pakistan and Baluchistan E.g.

India openly aided the Bengalis against the West Pakistan forces , training as well as

weaponising them. .

As the ethno-nationalism in a specific region or province rises within Pakistan, there is an

increased chance of a wave of human right violations accompanying it. . In the advent of

governmental / military operations there is a surge of human right violations in that respective

region. This further aggravates the developing situation. E.g. Military forces were involved in

defending the boundaries of Pakistan during the civil war of 1971. Moreover there have been

many military operations conducted in Baluchistan during different regimes (During the time of

Musharraf etc.)
 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 25

A Historical Analysis of Trends in Pakhtun Ethno

Nationalism

The Pakhtun Ethno-Nationalism is a form of class struggle against the dominant class for

attainment control over state power; Pashtun middle class bourgeois dominates such a category.

The state suppression of ethno identify displayed in operation against the Baluchistan insurgence

in 1970 and regional support by the Afghan government of Pakhutanistan issue also played part

in strengthening the irredentist trends. Also the rise Taliban may be attributed to the long-term

policy of the state of Pakistan towards Afghanistan. Pakistans support to the Islamic group since

1970 emerged as a strategic move to counter the appeal of Pakhtunistan. This policy found a new

ideology of Islam and jihad. Later the conflict and war and state failure in Afghanistan led to a

radicalization of the pak Afghan border. Also religious militants have conspicuous class factor,

which helped in resistance movement against the forces of imperialism and feudalism in the state

Pashtun Ethnic Nationalism: From Separation to

Integration

Pakhtun origins are from southern parts of Afghanistan and the northern parts of Pakistan.

The ideology of Pashtun society, exaggerates the notions of honor, freedom and bravery and not

that of inequality hierarchy and authority. Even today the society cant be considered tribal as its

own value system (not legal system) continues to be regulated by tribal codes and customs.
 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 26

According to the Mughal King, Babur, described the tribes political interest and

influence growing with an increase in their population as well as their role as mercenaries in the

Persian and Mughal armies.

History tells us that the southern part of Afghanistan was captured by the Sikhs and later

conquered by the British who later used it as a buffer zone between British India and Russia due

to strategic importance but failed to comply economic and commercial interest as Pakhtun tribes

were virulently resistant to colonial rule and therefore retaliated brutally amongst them.

Secondly, with them not being given a separate recognition but rather as a par of Punjab

province. Being considered as a gateway, NWFP attracted invaders and being cut outside from

the outside world, their society remained dependent on non productive economic means of war

and plundering, causing them to become more conscious on their survival and security and as a

result social and cultural isolation made them more inward looking.

Pakhtuns have been considered insolent and a noble savage, as they could not be tamed

nor conquered and would rather die for their code of honor than submit to will of the alien

British power. Theyve ben stereotyped due to their actual geographical and economic conditions

of the region and neglecting the notions of bravery honor, freedom and egalitarianism that

encompassed in Pukhtanwali.

But looking over to the colonial rule under the British, there were many significant

developments. Introduction of westernized education, development of railways and roads,

 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 27

revenue system, recruitment to the army, market economy and so on gave a rise of class to the

Pukhtuns merchants, who acquired a prominent position in the power hierarchy through legal

right to own land who took benefit out from the most of the new developments. While the British

and bureaucracy created class differences amongst salaried individuals who had to interact with

all ethnic groups, however, because 60% of the arable land was under the control by the

landlords, majority of the working class/peasants were unable to pay such high taxes.

All the new laws had in reality just given birth to bourgeoisie and proletariats, as most of

the land was infertile and the colonial administration could not expect enough land revenue. The

inefficient administration caused the tribal belt or proletariats to to develop its own black market

of smuggled goods such as arms and ammunition that were manufactured locally.

But the cherry on the top for the movement itself was the conflict of interests between the

big and small khans. And because of the resentment feeling against the colonial government,

resulted the small khans to achieve a common ground and win a responsive audience amongst

the low class and peasants which caused an up roar into nationalist and anti colonial sentiment.

(Khan, 2003)

One of the major weaknesses faced by their society was social and political change

brought by a change in the attitudes and perceptions of the people. Their strength was the class

differences that didnt exist. Rich or poor, would dine together, apparel, food and house

infrastructure were kept simple and moral standards were very high therefor there were no
 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 28

gender discrimination. Class differences were to exist in terms of the type of job a person had i.e.

Goldsmith, Carpenter, Butcher, and Barber etc.

But generations to generations, theyve not achieved much as till present, they continue

to live in tribal code and customs.

Conclusion

The rise of ethno-nationalism as well as ethnic and religious divides within the state of

Pakistan has led to the destabilization of the country. Moreover, the use of military force instead

of negotiations with the locals has only caused increased bloodshed, alienation between the

central and provincial government and an ever-widening gap between the Haves and the Have-

nots. In order to promote solidarity and as a measure to build trust among members of different

ethnicities/religious belonging caste, color and creed, more provincial autonomy should be

granted to the provinces like Khyber Paktunkuwa and Baluchistan.

Appropriate measures should be undertaken to protect the rights of the minorities within

Pakistan. Pakistans borders should be closed in order to improve the security issue within the

country. Moreover the Central government should act like a By the people, and for the people

democracy, in align with this it should implement policies and start project that promote growth

and development in the less developed areas of Pakistan. All these actions will help decrease

ethno-nationalism, religious extremism, sectarian violence and the problems associated with

these macro level issues.

 Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 29

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Pakistaniaat: A Journal of Pakistan Studies , 4 (3).
Aman, S., & Jan, M. A. (July-December 2015). A Historical Analysis of Trends in
Pakhtun Ethno-Nationalism. South Asian Studies , 231-246.
Ghani, F., Mustaq, S., & Mehmood, N. (Fall 2014). Nationalism in Pakistan : A
Comparative Analysis of Ethnic Factors in East Pakistan and Baluchistan. Berkeley
Journal of Social Sciences , Vol. 4.
Khan, A. (2003). Pashtun Ethnic Nationalism; From Separation to Integration. Asian
Ethnicity , Vol.4 .
Majeed, G. (2013). Ethnicity and Ethnic Conflict . Journal of Political Studies , 1 (2 ),
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Ethnic Issues, Religious Extremism And National Integration 30