Sectarianism in Pakistan and State Response to Counter Sectarianism:

Abstract

In Indo-Pak Subcontinent the sectarianism can be traced back to 12th
century A.D. and sectarian violence was mostly directed against Ismaili
Shia community but it was more political than religious. After the
foundation of Pakistan, Sectarianism can be divided into three periods.
From 1947-77, there was harmony between Sunni and Shia communities,
because they faced a common threat of Ahmadis. The second period can be
mark as from 1977-88, in which both tried to grab more and more political
space and focus was laid over militarization. Islamic Revolution in Iran,
Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan, Iranian support of Shia community in the
region to transport revolution, Rise of Mujahedeen in Afghanistan,
Madrassah culture in Balochistan and the Saudi Arabian involvement;
militarized and strengthen sectarian violence in Pakistan, which produced
security threat for Pakistan.
The government of Pakistan tried to counter sectarianism but there
is some loophole in government policies. There is very less cooperation
between federal governments and provincial and there are also
communication gapes among security agencies and lack the information
sharing culture.
The Federal Government of Pakistan must fully implement the
already designed policies and also required to come with affective new policies. The Provincial Government of Balochistan is required to suggest
recommendations for policy making on research and rational basis. The
law enforcement agencies are required to inforce the policy approved by
Provincial and federal government.