Sectarianism as a Menace to Social, Economic and Political Participation: A Case Study from Pakistan

Abstract

Pakistan is a heterogeneous society where people belonging to different religions, cultures and languages are living side by side with each other. Within the dominant religion Islam there are two major sects, shia and sunni, who have a roller coaster history of mutual relations. The purpose of this research is to investigate the current status of the one of the sub groups of shia community, Hazara; dominantly living in and around Quetta city. Several shades of terrorism also include sectarian colouring and Hazara community has been facing severe attacks by militants. Study of the effects of terrorist attacks on the socio-political and economic position of this community is the primary subject matter of this research. Using an observational, cross-sectional, and quantitative research design, a face-to-face field survey was conducted in Hazara-populated areas in Quetta, Pakistan. Hundreds of people have either lost their lives or been subjected to severe injuries in dozens of terrorist attacks. The Hazara people are living in a profound sense of insecurity and distrust, which makes this community one of the most beleaguered in Pakistan.