Pakistan ethnic diversity | Analysis | Security Lense | 07-Aug-2024
Introduction
The protest in Bangladesh began in early July 2018, led by Students Against Discrimination, and rapidly gained momentum due to widespread frustration over corruption and lack of meritocracy. Nahid, a prominent student activist and leader of the protests, became a key figure in the movement. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s inflammatory comparison of protesters to “razakars” (collaborators with Pakistani forces during the independence war) escalated tensions, leading to violent responses from the student wing of the ruling Awami League, the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), and police crackdowns. These demonstrations highlighted deeper issues of economic and political discontent in Bangladesh.
The international community has been captivated by the recent Sturm and Drang in Bangladesh, Last month’s peaceful protest of students against job quotas for descendants of Bangladesh’s 1971 independence war fighters escalated into widespread demonstrations and civil unrest across the country of 170 million people, which led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Raising questions about the potential for similar uprisings in neighboring countries. Will we see a mini revolution in Pakistan like Bangladesh? why we won’t see a mini revolution in Pakistan like Bangladesh? However, the possibility of similar revolution stretch out in Pakistan appears remote due to the country’s distinct historical, political, and socio-cultural landscape. This article explores the specific factors that make a revolution in Pakistan unlikely.
Ethnic Nationalism: case of Bangladesh
The 1971 liberation movement in Bangladesh origins was largely driven by the powerful force of ethnic nationalism, originate from the Bengali people’s distinct cultural identity and language, which conflicted with the political and economic control exerted by west Pakistan. This underlying sentiment of ethnic nationalism continues to influence the country’s politics as evidenced by the recent crisis, highlighting the keen sense of unity and identity among the Bengalis. For Example, The Bengali Language Movement of the early 1950s was crucial in shaping Bengali ethnic nationalism by championing the recognition of Bengali as a state language. This movement laid the groundwork for a collective identity that has significantly influenced political activism in Bangladesh. The importance of language as a core element of cultural identity was again highlighted during the 2018 student protests, where demands for fair educational and cultural rights were prominent issues. This continuity shows how deeply ingrained the fight for linguistic and cultural recognition is in the Bengali ethos.
Pakistan’s Diverse Ethnic Landscape
Historically, Pakistan’s national identity has been rooted in Islam, seeking to bring together its diverse population under a common religious banner. Nevertheless, the unifying power that united Pakistan in 1947 has diminished over time, allowing ethnic identities to gain prominence. Presently, ethnic groups like the Pathans, Punjabis, Baloch, and Sindhis frequently place a greater emphasis on their regional and cultural identities than on a cohesive national identity, creating a significant obstacle to a unified revolutionary movement.
In Pakistan, socio-economic disparities and regional injustices manifest differently than those that drove the Bengali movement. The grievance in Pakistan is more region-specific with each province experiencing unique challenges. For example, the province of Balochistan exemplifies these differences vividly. As Pakistan’s largest province by land area, Balochistan is plagued by profound underdevelopment and uneven resource distribution. Recent protests in 2023 have highlighted these concerns, with demonstrators advocating for increased resource allocation, and enhanced investment in local development initiatives.
In contrast, Sindh confronts its own set of challenges, particularly the stark divide between its urban and rural areas. Karachi, as a major economic center, contrasts sharply with the underdeveloped rural regions of Sindh, which face issues such as poor infrastructure and limited access to essential services.
Mini Revolution: A Far-Fetched Dream
The concept of a mini revolution in Pakistan may seem like a remote and unrealistic dream. A strong civil society is essential for holding authoritarian governments accountable. In Pakistan, there is a precedent for civil society to challenge dictatorships, exemplified by the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy’s (MRD) opposition to Zia ul Haq’s regime. To increase civil society’s impact, revival is necessary, especially amid the current political divisions. Fostering a national dialogue and reconciliation process is vital to narrow the gap between the government and citizens. To initiate a national dialogue, form a neutral mediation body with respected civil society members, create an inclusive agenda addressing key grievances, and implement confidence-building measures to reduce mistrust between the government and protestors.
Conclusion
The recent events in Bangladesh highlight the potential for political change through popular movements, the unique socio-political landscape of Pakistan makes a similar mini-revolution unlikely. The combination of ethnic diversity, political fragmentation, and regional grievances creates a complex environment where unity for a common revolutionary cause is difficult to achieve. Instead, Pakistan faces the risk of splintering, with various ethnic groups pursuing their aspirations for autonomy or independence. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for visualizing Pakistan’s future and navigating its political landscape. Instead, any significant political unrest in Pakistan is more likely to worsen existing ethnic divides and lead to further fragmentation, rather than a unified revolutionary movement.
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