Introduction
Ethnic conflict is a topic that researchers have studied for a long time. The purpose of this inquiry is to identify the causes of this conflict. At the moment, there are two opinions, one of which considers ethnicity and nationality “constructed” and the other “natural” phenomena. The first focuses on economic, geopolitical, or ideological cleavages. Ethnic conflict is significant in studying its origins and dynamics in Pakistan through opposing perspectives of constructed and natural phenomena.
Studying Ethnic Conflicts Using Pakistan’s Example
Pakistan is an example of a country that has experienced several ethical conflicts. One of the main consequences of one of these clashes of politics and ethnicity was the dismemberment of Pakistan in 1971 (Salim). Therefore, the study of a given country on “constructed” or “natural” causes of ethical conflict.
Research underlined that “Pakistan is a plural society with the objective of national consensus without extremist ethnicity” (Malik 63). Examples of these groups are Punjab, Sindh, Balochs, Pashtuns, and Mohajirs (Sushant and Shah). Thus, various kinds of clashes can develop due to the large number of representatives of different cultural and ethical groups.
Conflict Origins
Historical
The origin of the ethical conflict in Pakistan is based on historical factors. Being part of the British Indian Empire, the country was divided by administrative boundaries based on ethnicity and religion into what is currently known as India and Pakistan. The new state was based on the idea of a Muslim-majority state, which, however, caused the separation between ethnic groups. This circumstance caused the politicization of ethnicity and the emergence of political parties. The main task of these formations was to mobilize the ethnic groups they represent and expand respect for their cultural and linguistic values.
Economic
Another reason that has caused an increase in ethical conflicts in Pakistan has been economic disparities, varying degrees of financing and investment in countries, and uneven development in various regions of the country. The country’s economy is characterized by increased centralization, in which all the primary valuable resources are located in cities such as Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Due to this difference in access to the resources of the Baluchistan region, it has become necessary to require autonomy and control over natural resources, such as gas and oil (Raza 100788). For a long time, corporations have exploited people working in factories, which caused a nationalist movement among representatives of ethical groups. People fought against human rights abuses, disappearances, and extrajudicial killings.
Social
Furthermore, an example of the emergence of an ethical conflict in the history of Pakistan is the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement. The basis of this movement was following the specialized Pashtun code. It requires “to take Badala (revenge) to compensate for his humiliation, to offer Melmestia (hospitality) and to grant Nanawatey (asylum) to anyone who asks for it, even to his deadly foes” (Ahmed and Khan 221). Therefore, the country’s emergence of discrimination and marginalization caused discontent among the movement’s followers. They demanded an end to the cruel treatment of the inhabitants of the country and continue their activities to this day.
Geopolitical
Geopolitics also plays a significant role in the emergence of ethical conflicts in the country. This is because Pakistan is close to such states as India and Afghanistan. Relations with these countries and territorial proximity have contributed to concerns about security and political decisions. Henceforth, after the division into Pakistan and India, it became one of the most prominent opponents due to the struggle for the region of Kashmir (Rizvi 47).
Research shows that the leading cause of the dispute lies in the fact that “India blames Pakistan for stirring the unrest by backing separatist militants in Kashmir – a charge its neighbor denies” (Kashmir: Why India and Pakistan Fight over It 12). The consequence of this confrontation between the countries was the disparaging attitude and marginalization of ethnic groups in Pakistan. These include the previously mentioned representatives of the Pashtun movement, who are seen as adherents of the position of the Indian population, which cannot be accepted in the country.
Its relatively long partnership with the United States of America also plays a unique role in Pakistan’s geopolitics. The American government supports this country in such areas as “energy, trade and investment, health, clean energy and combating the climate crisis, to Afghanistan stabilization and counterterrorism” (Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs para. 1). The last two factors are most strongly reflected in the emergence of ethical tensions in Pakistan.
This instability arises because the United States requires the state to suppress the militant groups that dominate the country. Because of this circumstance, the Pakistani government supports some of their given kinds of movements, and others become targets of the United States’ anti-terrorism policy. The listed factors, geopolitical, historical, and economic, are evidence from the “constructed” point of view on the problem of ethical conflicts in Pakistan.
Is Pakistan’s Ethnic Conflict “Natural”?
There is an opinion that ethnic conflicts are a “natural” phenomenon. If researchers examine this perspective, it can be assumed that the main driving force for the emergence of this kind of dispute in Pakistan is the ideological difference in the population. Hence, in the country, a wide variety of ethical, cultural, and religious groups clash, creating tension.
The main religion of Pakistan is Islam; “96 percent of the population is Sunni or Shia Muslim” (Office of International Religious Freedom para. 1). Between the latter groups, there are often quite violent clashes, which may include bombings and shootings. Because of this, communities suffer, which may or may not be directly related to the conflict. In addition, the confrontation between religious groups led to the marginalization of other ethnic and religious groups who are considered non-Muslims.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the debate between the “constructed” and “natural” phenomena of ethnic conflicts can be considered in the example of Pakistan. For many years, clashes have occurred in the country on an ideological, historical, geopolitical, and economic basis. These feuds have a severe impact on local Pakistani communities and the marginalization and discrimination of many minority groups. Based on the facts presented in this paper, I think the ethical conflict in Pakistan has a “constructed” nature based on economic, geopolitical, and historical factors. All of them have contributed to the emergence of clashes with various ethnic groups, which often escalate into violent and threatening situations that disrupt stability and peace in the country.
Works Cited
Ahmed, Raja Qaiser, and Rafiullah Khan. “The Rise of Peripheral Nationalism in Pakistan and the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement.” Asian Ethnicity, vol. 23, no. 2, 2022, pp. 215-229.
“Kashmir: Why India and Pakistan Fight over It.” BBC News. 2019. Web.
Malik, Iftikhar H. “The Politics of Ethnic Conflict in Sindh: Nation, Region and Community in Pakistan.” Subnational Movements in South Asia, Routledge, 2019, pp. 68–103.
Office of International Religious Freedom. “2021 Report on International Religious Freedom: Pakistan.” U.S. Department of States. 2022. Web.
Raza, Muhammad Amir, et al. “Energy Demand and Production Forecasting in Pakistan.” Energy Strategy Reviews, vol. 39, 2022, p. 100788.
Rizvi, Gowher. “India, Pakistan, and the Kashmir Problem, 1947-1972.” Perspectives on Kashmir. Routledge, 2019. 47-79.
Salim, Ahmad. “Bangladesh and the Dismemberment of Pakistan.” Herald. 2019. Web.
Sushant, Sareen and Kriti M. Shah. “The Mohajir: Identity and Politics in Multiethnic Pakistan.” ORF Occasional Papers, no. 222, 2019.