Curbing the Menace of Sectarianism in Pakistan: A Securitization Model Perspective

Abstract

Islam has been, as much, a force of unity, as of dis-unity. With a multi-faceted ethnically driven society, Pakistan is home to many religions and sects. The basic principles on which the state stands tall; the ideology of Pakistan, is challenged every single time when masses are strangled to death over radicalization and extremism rooted by sectarianism. This article gives an in-depth analysis of religious extremism as an impetus to sectarian violence that has dismantled the social fabric of the state. This paper figures out the dichotomy underpinning correlation of sectarianism with the political identity of the state. Contingent upon the qualitative methodology and primary as well as secondary sources of data collection, the paper intends to shed light upon the internal dynamics and role of external players, adding fuel to fire, in this grave threat to the security of the state. The geo-strategic threats and the polarization of Shia Sunni conflict have taken a massive turn after the Islamic Revolution in Iran and the promotion of Wahabi/Salafist movement by Saudi Arabia as well as the intrusion of hard-line religious groups of Afghanistan in the internal politics of the country. A grave threat imposed on the state and its security through the suicide attacks at mosques and Imambarghas targeting either sect has led the country into the pit of sectarian divide. Under the lens of Buzan’s notion of security, and the securitization theory, this paper unveils the reasons to securitize the issue of sectarianism. The paper extends to look deep into the correlation of political identity and the rising sectarian violence with the failure of policies to curb sectarian conflicts. Moreover, the reason for the failure to resolve the sectarian divide lies in the role of external factors that have only launched a proxy war in the country. The representation of policies to tackle the violence and extremism caused by the sectarian divide is the core purpose given by the author to determine the internal security threat of the country.