Saraiki and Hazara Provinces Movements in Pakistan: A Matter of Primordial Emotions or a Strategic Choice for Political Gains?

Author(s) : Muhammad Mushtaq, Misbah Shaheen, Syeda Aalia Hussan, Adil Zaman

Abstract:

Identity politics and ethno-political mobilization have attracted enormous scholarly attention. But despite its multiethnic complexity, Pakistan has received little attention in literature. Furthermore, only a few studies have focused on understanding the phenomenon of identity politics through the lens of nationalism theories, such as primordialism and instrumentalism. Hence, this study set out to determine whether the ethnopolitical demands for the creation of new provinces in Pakistan’s Saraiki and Hazara regions are based on primordialist emotions and sentiments or if ethnic affiliations are being politicized for political and socioeconomic gains. It uses primary evidence gathered through a public opinion survey. The findings show that no single theory adequately explains the ethnopolitical mobilization for territorial autonomy in the selected regions of Pakistan. Furthermore, the comparative findings indicate some similarities as well as differences between the two cases. While the Saraiki province demand is primarily grounded on regional disparity, the Hazara province movement is more concerned about the identification and preservation of Hazara identity. It is argued that the territorial aspect of Saraiki identity has contributed to its growth and long-term survival. However, the Hazara identity has failed to grow since it relied solely on the Hazara identity while ignoring territorial issues. Hence, it can be inferred that the primordial impetus for the masses to mobilize politically is not long-lasting, insofar as the political agenda revolves around the protection or promotion of socio-cultural value systems and linguistic distinctiveness. In fact, ethnopolitical mobilization gets momentum once the ethnic elites politicize and manipulate ethnic identities.