COMEX Academy Pakistan affairs lecture 3 Prepared by Mr.

Atif Shafique (PAS)

Q1. Define Ethnicity…What do you know about ethnicity in Pakistan? Ethnic Issues in Pakistan….Do you
think its emergence is a serious threat to the national integration of Pakistan? Explain your opinion with
reference to various scholarly evidence and suggest your recommendations to deal with it. What is
national integration…why it is necessary for a nation….challenges in national integration of
Pakistan…..examples and incidents from history….different ways to achieve national integration….while
answering use local and international authors....make slides of it

Slide 1: Title Slide

Topic:
Ethnicity in Pakistan and National Integration: A Critical Study

Slide 2: Understanding Ethnicity – Conceptual

Framework
Definition:

"Ethnicity is a form of group identity based on shared culture, language, religion, and ancestry."
— Fredrik Barth (1969), Ethnic Groups and Boundaries

Key Components of Ethnicity:

• Shared history and ancestry

• Common language or dialect
• Cultural symbols and traditions
• Group consciousness

Relevance in State Politics:

• Ethnicity as a mobilizing force (Connor, 1994)

• Linked to nationalism and identity politics

Slide 3: Ethnic Composition of Pakistan

Ethnic Group Approx. % Language Region
Punjabis ~48% Punjabi Punjab
Pashtuns ~18% Pashto KP, Balochistan
Sindhis ~14% Sindhi Sindh
Baloch ~4-5% Balochi Balochistan
Muhajirs ~7-8% Urdu Urban Sindh

CSS | PMS Hyderabad 0334-2654880

COMEX Academy Pakistan affairs lecture 3 Prepared by Mr. Atif Shafique (PAS)

Ethnic Group Approx. % Language Region

Saraikis ~10% Saraiki South Punjab
Others ~2% Burushaski, Shina, etc. GB, Chitral

“Pakistan is a multi-ethnic state with an artificial sense of unity created through religion but

challenged by ethno-linguistic identities.”

— Ian Talbot (2009)

Slide 4: Ethnic Issues in Pakistan – Root Causes

a. Centralized Governance

• Over-dominance of Punjabi-led civil-military elite

• Limited autonomy for provinces

b. Unequal Development

• Balochistan: Rich in resources but poorest province

• Disparity in NFC Award distribution

c. Language Politics

• 1948: Urdu declared sole national language → Bengali alienation

• Lack of promotion of regional languages in media and education

d. Political Underrepresentation

• Ethnic minorities feel excluded from mainstream decision-making

• MQM and Baloch nationalist grievances

a. Centralized Governance

• Over-centralization in Islamabad, dominated historically by Punjabi civil-military

bureaucracy.
• Provinces lack true administrative and financial autonomy, despite constitutional
provisions.
• Violation or partial implementation of the 18th Constitutional Amendment.

“Centralization fuels alienation when multi-ethnic federations suppress provincial autonomy.”

— Ayesha Jalal (1995)

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COMEX Academy Pakistan affairs lecture 3 Prepared by Mr. Atif Shafique (PAS)

b. Unequal Economic Development

• Balochistan remains underdeveloped despite being resource-rich (natural gas, minerals,

Gwadar port).
• Sindh’s rural areas vs. Karachi – development imbalance within provinces too.
• Disparity in NFC Award perceived to favor Punjab disproportionately.

c. Language Politics

• 1948: Urdu imposed as sole national language → Bengali protests (led to 1971
secession).
• Indigenous languages like Pashto, Sindhi, Balochi, Saraiki marginalized in education
and state media.
• No comprehensive language policy to accommodate linguistic diversity.

d. Political Underrepresentation

• Ethnic minorities underrepresented in national politics, military, and bureaucracy.

• MQM emerged from urban Muhajir alienation in Sindh.
• Baloch nationalist parties sidelined or militarily suppressed rather than engaged
politically.

e. Ethnic Profiling and Human Rights Violations

• Pashtuns, Baloch, and Hazaras often face ethnic profiling, extrajudicial killings, and
enforced disappearances.
• PTM (Pashtun Tahafuz Movement) emerged against military abuses in tribal areas.

“Suppression under security doctrines deepens ethnic grievances rather than resolving them.”
— Stephen P. Cohen, "The Idea of Pakistan"

f. Imbalanced Resource Exploitation

• Local populations in Balochistan and KP feel exploited as natural gas, coal, and
minerals are extracted without fair compensation or local benefit.
• CPEC projects seen as Punjab-centric, with minimal economic spillover to Balochistan.

CSS | PMS Hyderabad 0334-2654880

COMEX Academy Pakistan affairs lecture 3 Prepared by Mr. Atif Shafique (PAS)

g. Faulty National Integration Model

• Pakistani nationalism often defined negatively (against India) or monolithically (one

religion, one language).
• Lack of space for sub-national identities in the national narrative.

h. Manipulation of Ethnic Identities by Political Elites

• Ethnic identities are often politicized for electoral gains, leading to ethnic polarization
(e.g., MQM, ANP, BNP).
• Politics of patronage and biradari (clan networks) favor dominant ethnicities.

i. Sectarianism Overlapping with Ethnicity

• Sectarian violence (e.g., Shia Hazara genocide in Quetta) often intersects with ethnic
persecution.
• Ethnic groups become easy targets in sectarian narratives, e.g., Shia Pashtuns, Hazara,
and Baloch.

j. Weak Local Governance and Participation

• Ethnic minorities lack access to decision-making at the local level.

• Delayed local body elections reduce the ability of ethnic communities to influence
governance directly.

k. Historical Neglect and Identity Suppression

• Ethnic histories excluded from school curricula and state discourse.

• Perception that Punjab’s history dominates the national narrative.

“Nation-building in Pakistan has been synonymous with erasing ethno-linguistic pluralism.”

— Christophe Jaffrelot (2002)

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COMEX Academy Pakistan affairs lecture 3 Prepared by Mr. Atif Shafique (PAS)

Slide 5: Ethnic Conflicts and Historical Incidents

1. 1971 – Bengali Secession (East Pakistan)

• Ignored linguistic and cultural identity

• Political marginalization in national legislature
• Led to civil war and creation of Bangladesh

2. Baloch Insurgencies (1948, 1958, 1973, 2005–present)

• Conflict over resource control and autonomy

• Enforced disappearances and military operations

3. Sindh Riots and MQM Movement (1980s–2000s)

• Muhajir identity politics vs. Sindhi nationalism

• Ethnic clashes in Karachi

4. Pashtun Nationalist Movements

• PTM and calls for justice, recognition, and rights

Slide 6: Scholarly Perspectives

• Dr. Ayesha Jalal: State’s failure to recognize sub-national identities is at the heart of
ethnic discord.
• Stephen P. Cohen: Pakistan’s ethnic diversity requires devolution, not centralization.
• Benedict Anderson: Nations are “imagined communities” — failure to include all
ethnicities disrupts nationhood.
• S. Akbar Zaidi: National integration has been a top-down project that ignored ground
realities.

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COMEX Academy Pakistan affairs lecture 3 Prepared by Mr. Atif Shafique (PAS)

🇵🇰 Slide 7: What is National Integration?

Definition:

“The process of achieving national cohesion, stability, and unity while respecting diversity.”
— Karl Deutsch (1953)

Components:

• Political unity
• Cultural acceptance
• Economic equity
• Legal justice

Importance:

• Ensures political stability and peace

• Prevents secession and insurgency
• Strengthens state legitimacy

Slide 8: Challenges to National Integration in Pakistan

1. Ethnic Nationalism vs. State Nationalism
2. Absence of Inclusive Political Structures
3. Use of Force over Dialogue (e.g., Balochistan)
4. Over-centralized Military Role in Politics
5. Neglect of Ethnic Education & Languages
6. Sectarianism Intertwined with Ethnicity

Slide 9: International Comparisons

Successful Cases:

• Switzerland: Power-sharing among French, German, and Italian-speaking regions

• India: Linguistic states model (1956) reduced ethnic tensions
• Canada: Dual language policy and Quebec autonomy

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COMEX Academy Pakistan affairs lecture 3 Prepared by Mr. Atif Shafique (PAS)

Failed Cases:

• Yugoslavia: Ethnic fragmentation led to civil war

• Sri Lanka: Ethnic suppression led to 26-year Tamil insurgency

Approaches to National Integration (with Examples)

1. Consociationalism (Power-Sharing Model)

Definition:
A form of democratic power-sharing in deeply divided societies where major ethnic, linguistic,
or religious groups are guaranteed political representation and autonomy.

Key Features:

• Grand coalitions of major groups

• Mutual veto power
• Proportionality in political institutions
• Group autonomy (especially cultural/educational)

Examples:

• Lebanon: Confessional power-sharing (President must be Maronite Christian, PM Sunni,

Speaker Shia)
• Belgium: Dutch and French linguistic communities have shared institutions and cultural
autonomy
• Switzerland: Multilingual cantons (German, French, Italian) with collective federal
government

Arend Lijphart’s model of consociational democracy is considered ideal for fragmented

societies.

2. Federalism (Territorial Power Distribution)

Definition:
A system in which sovereignty is constitutionally divided between a central government and
constituent political units (states/provinces), allowing self-rule and shared rule.

Key Features:

• Division of powers between center and units

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COMEX Academy Pakistan affairs lecture 3 Prepared by Mr. Atif Shafique (PAS)

• Autonomy in local governance

• Fiscal federalism (independent revenues)
• Cultural and language recognition

Examples:

• India: Linguistic states allow ethnic-linguistic identities (e.g., Tamil Nadu, Punjab)
• USA: States have autonomy in education, law, and taxation
• Nigeria: 36 states with ethnic diversity accommodated through federal structure

Federalism helps reduce ethnic conflict by giving groups control over local matters.

3. Multiculturalism (Recognition Approach)

Definition:
An approach that promotes equal respect for all cultural and ethnic identities within a unified
nation-state.

Key Features:

• Legal protection for minority languages, customs, and religions

• Representation in media and education
• State-funded cultural diversity programs

Examples:

• Canada: Official bilingualism (English & French); promotion of indigenous and

immigrant cultures
• UK: Recognition of ethnic diversity in public institutions (education, police, politics)
• Australia: Celebrates cultural diversity through integration programs

Multiculturalism builds national integration by fostering a sense of belonging without

assimilation.

4. Civic Nationalism (Inclusive Citizenship Model)

Definition:
A model where national identity is based on shared civic values and citizenship rather than
ethnicity, religion, or race.

Key Features:

• Emphasis on rights, democracy, and rule of law

• Equal citizenship regardless of background

CSS | PMS Hyderabad 0334-2654880

COMEX Academy Pakistan affairs lecture 3 Prepared by Mr. Atif Shafique (PAS)

• Promotion of patriotism through shared institutions

Examples:

• France: Secular, unitary identity based on French citizenship

• USA: "Melting pot" idea—diverse origins but unified by constitution and ideals

Civic nationalism promotes integration by offering all groups equal stake in the nation.

5. Integration Through Education (Nation-Building Approach)

Definition:
National identity and cohesion are developed through a unified education system that emphasizes
shared history, language, and values.

Key Features:

• National curriculum and civic education

• Teaching a common national language
• Cultural symbols and national narratives

Examples:

• China: Use of Mandarin and patriotic education to unify ethnic minorities

• Indonesia: Bahasa Indonesia as national language; Pancasila as civic doctrine

Education systems shape national identity across generations.

6. Devolution and Autonomy Models

Definition:
Granting regional autonomy without full federal status to accommodate ethnic or linguistic
minorities.

Key Features:

• Delegated administrative powers

• Cultural autonomy (e.g., education, language)
• Often used in unitary states

Examples:

• United Kingdom: Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have devolved parliaments
• Spain: Catalonia and Basque Country enjoy cultural and fiscal autonomy

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COMEX Academy Pakistan affairs lecture 3 Prepared by Mr. Atif Shafique (PAS)

Devolution offers flexibility without full federalism, helping reduce separatist pressures.

7. Nation-Building Through Economic Inclusion

Definition:
A developmental approach that seeks to reduce ethnic and regional disparities through equitable
economic growth and infrastructure development.

Key Features:

• Inclusive economic policies

• Investment in underdeveloped regions
• Equitable resource sharing

Examples:

• Malaysia: New Economic Policy (NEP) aimed at uplifting Bumiputera (Malay majority)
• China: Belt and Road projects aimed at integrating western provinces

Economic grievances are major drivers of ethnic conflict—development promotes unity.

8. Hybrid or Mixed Models

Definition:
A combination of multiple approaches tailored to local contexts.

Examples:

• India: Combines federalism, multiculturalism, and civic nationalism

• Canada: Blends bilingualism, multiculturalism, and federal governance
• South Africa: Uses constitutional democracy, group rights, and civic equality post-
apartheid

Choosing the Right Model

The effectiveness of any national integration approach depends on:

• Nature of diversity (ethnic, linguistic, religious)

• Historical grievances
• Political culture and institutional maturity

For Pakistan, a federal-consociational hybrid model with strong civic nationalism and
economic inclusion may offer the most balanced path to national unity.

CSS | PMS Hyderabad 0334-2654880

COMEX Academy Pakistan affairs lecture 3 Prepared by Mr. Atif Shafique (PAS)

Slide 10: Policy Recommendations

Short-Term:

• Engage in political dialogue with ethnic leaders

• Media representation of marginalized communities
• End enforced disappearances and human rights violations

Long-Term:

1. Strengthen Federalism
o Fully implement the 18th Amendment
o Provincial control over resources, education, and culture
2. Economic Inclusion
o Develop backward areas (Balochistan, GB, FATA)
o Fair resource-sharing through revised NFC Award
3. Civic and Multilingual Education
o National curriculum reflecting ethnic diversity
o Official recognition of all regional languages
4. Cultural Federalism
o Celebrate ethnic identities as part of national heritage

Slide 11: Conclusion

• Ethnic diversity is not a threat—exclusion is.
• Pakistan must embrace its pluralistic nature.
• Integration requires dialogue, decentralization, and justice.

“Unity in diversity is the foundation of national strength.”

— Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1948)

Slide 12: References

• Ayesha Jalal (1995) – The State of Martial Rule
• Ian Talbot (2009) – Pakistan: A Modern History
• S. Akbar Zaidi (2014) – Issues in Pakistan’s Economy
• Stephen Cohen (2011) – The Idea of Pakistan
• Benedict Anderson (1983) – Imagined Communities

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