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1. Are Muslims Intolerant of Non-Muslim Minorities? The Case of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Author:
Jamal Shah, Bican Şahin, and M. Sheharyay Khan
Publication Date:
12-2022
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Review of Human Rights
Institution:
Society of Social Science Academics (SSSA)
Abstract:
In the wake of terrorist attacks carried out by radical Islamist groups such as Al Qaida, Bocco Haram and ISIS, there has been a growing tendency in the western societies to dub Muslims as illiberal and intolerant of religious minorities and Islam as a religion of terror. Muslims are presented as people oppressing cultures which they disapprove of. In this article, this negative portrayal of Muslims as intolerant, non-accommodative and discriminative is questioned in the context of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The paper, firstly, surveys the liberal theories of multiculturalism and secondly, evaluates the attitudes of religious groups in KP towards religious differences by collecting 2977 questionnaires and conducting 80 personal interviews from four religious groups. The paper shows that as a Muslim majority entity, KP society is tolerant, accommodative and non-discriminative with majority of the respondents supporting state neutrality in term of religion.
Topic:
Religion, Minorities, Pluralism, Exclusion, Intolerance, and Accommodation
Political Geography:
Pakistan, South Asia, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

2. Cultural Diversity and Pluralism

Publication Date:
05-2017
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS)
Abstract:
This brief summarizes the findings of the eighth working group’s meeting on Counter-Violent Extremism (CVE), which examined the spaces for cultural diversity and pluralism in Pakistan and their link to extremism and CVE discourses. Cultural diversity is anathema to an extremist body. One of the first acts of militants has been attacking symbols of cultural diversity.
Topic:
Security, Terrorism, Culture, Violent Extremism, Pluralism, and Countering Violent Extremism
Political Geography:
Pakistan and South Asia

3. Ethnic Politics: An Issue to National Integration (The Case of Pakistan)

Author:
Rehana Saeed Hashmi
Publication Date:
07-2014
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
South Asian Studies
Institution:
Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab
Abstract:
National integration has remained an evolving pursue in all the post-colonial divided societies. Although various approaches and strategies of national integration have been opted , but the situation remained complex. The state of Pakistan is also facing problems in the creation of national integration. These problems are due to conflicting socio-political fibre of Pakistani Society which was not handled properly. The diverse fibre of Pakistani Society was based on its ethnic composition. The state adopted an authoritarian policy to expand and consolidate its power and position. While responding authoritarian policy, ethnic groups provoked ethnic politics and started movements for the preservation of their identity. With due course of time, these ethnic movements become a challenge to the national integration. The study has its focus on various approaches to national integration. The research has also highlighted that although federalism is the best suited system for plural societies but effective working of federal institutions is required. For the creation of national integration, assimilationist strategy should be avoided and a pluralistic approach must be incorporated. Central government’s role as facilitator can diffuse the tension and brighten the process of national integration.
Topic:
Politics, Authoritarianism, Ethnicity, Assimilation, Federalism, Integration, Pluralism, Identity, and Society
Political Geography:
Pakistan and South Asia