Politicization of Ethnic Identities in Pakistan: Implications for National Unity and Cohesion

Abstract

This study explores the factors that led to the politicisation of ethnic identities in Pakistan and the effects on the country's social and national cohesion. Ethnic Diversity has been characteristic of the demographic fabric of Pakistan; Punjabi, Sindhi, Baloch, and Pashtuns have contributed significantly to Pakistan's political, social, and cultural canvas. Given the path-dependent nature of the topic of politicisation of Pakistan's ethnic identities, the research paper identifies some critical movements like the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), the Baloch nationalist movement and rights movements like 'The Baloch Yakjehti Council' and Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM). The research paper elucidates how political elites exploit and hijack the grievances of the masses and give them an ethnic colour to strengthen their political positions. They exacerbate social-political cleavages. This study uses qualitative research approach based on quantitative data and recognises the limitations of relying on secondary data. It strengthens the conclusions presented in the research, informing mechanisms of ethnic identity mobilisation and policy recommendations for a more inclusive political climate. The study concludes that in tackling ethnic grievances, there needs to be an understanding of the structural causes, which include equitable resource mobilisation and distribution, solving the matrix of political, civil, and military representation, and fiscal and administrative decentralisation through local governments as fundamental in the quest of national integration in the long run.