Polarizing Pakistan: The Impact of Zia-ul-Haq's Regime on Sectarianism

Authors

  • Ifrah Khalid Alvi M.Phil. Scholar, Department of International Relations, National Defence University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55737/qjssh.791391439

Keywords:

Shia-Sunni, Sectarianism, Zia-ul-Haq, Pakistan, Geopolitical

Abstract

The essay examines Pakistani sectarian politics and bloodshed under General Zia-ul-Haq. Sectarianism is the division and struggle between religious or ethnic groupings. In contrast, sectarian politics promotes the interests of specific communities within the political system. Pakistan was formed as a Muslim state, but its identity is currently challenged, with Islam playing a major role. The Islamization efforts of General Zia are thoroughly investigated as a major factor in heightening sectarian tensions and separating Pakistani society. The article discusses how Zia's authoritarianism fueled the Shia-Sunni conflict and sectarian violence. The text investigates whether Zia's initiatives caused the rift or if other internal or external factors contributed. The paper analyzes geopolitical factors that caused sectarian violence during Zia's tenure to fill gaps in the literature. This examination will clarify the practicalities. The study seeks to explore the causes of sectarian fighting in Pakistan and shed light on religious and political issues.

Author Biography

  • Ifrah Khalid Alvi, M.Phil. Scholar, Department of International Relations, National Defence University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

References

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Daechsel, M. (1997). Military Islamisation in Pakistan and the spectre of colonial perceptions. Contemporary South Asia, 6(2), 141–160. https://doi.org/10.1080/09584939708719810

Hoodbhoy, P. (1986). Rewriting the history of Pakistan. In: A state; the Pakistan Experience. London: Zed Books, pp. 164-177.

Khan, A. (1999). "Faction replay". Herald newspaper.

Khan, Z. (1996). "Crime and Punishment", The Herald.

Khan, Z. (1999). ''Peace at Raiwind", The Herald.

Zahab, M. A. (2020). “It’s Just a Sunni-Shia Thing.” Oxford University Press EBooks, 147–162. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780197534595.003.0010

Published

2023-06-30

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Alvi, I. K. (2023). Polarizing Pakistan: The Impact of Zia-ul-Haq’s Regime on Sectarianism. Qlantic Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 4(2), 28-35. https://doi.org/10.55737/qjssh.791391439

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