State Responses to Ethno-political and Ethnoreligious Conflicts in Pakistan: A Comparison of Military and Democratic Regimes (2001-2018)

Abstract

The study aims to compare the nature and patterns of the state’s response to ethnoreligious and ethno-political conflicts during the Military Government period (1999- 2008) and the Democratic period (2008-2018) in Pakistan. It also evaluates the state’s underlying motivations behind these responses. This study employs a qualitative methodology, using descriptive and interpretive methods to address the research objectives. Data was collected from primary and secondary sources, with thematic analysis applied to interpret the findings. The study finds that the military government adopted an approach of dominance toward ethnic groups, while democratic governments offered amnesties and accommodated ethnic groups through economic and political concessions. However, these efforts did not satisfy ethnic groups as operations continued, and the strategies remained flawed. Religious identities, on the other hand, appeared to face repression under both military and democratic governments. This repression was not perceived as genuine, as alliances between the state and religious groups on strategic and political matters remained intact. In contrast, ethnic identities did not play this role and, at times, opposed the state’s objectives. The study concludes that a practical approach involving compromise for ethnicities and integrating religious identities would foster a more stable and inclusive political environment.