Rising Ethno-Nationalism in Pakistan: Imperatives of a Comprehensive National Security Paradigm

Abstract

Ethnonationalist and religious factors had been part of security challenges to Pakistan after independence with varying magnitude in different phases. Current ethnic nationalist forces in Pakistan blame the state for political and economic deprivation, using religious and ethnic sentiments to strengthen their struggle. This research aims to investigate the ethno-nationalist rebellions essentially in northern and southwestern parts of Pakistan, their triggering grounds, and the consequences of these movements for the country's national security strategy. Using a qualitative methodology, the study analyses historical and contemporary occurrences to identify impacts and responses to the Pashtun and Baloch ethno-nationalist movements. The theoretical framework encompassing social contract theory, constructivism, and neorealism offers insight into state-citizen contracts, identity issues, and state strategic reactions. While analysing the governance weaknesses and less successful national security policy, consequent threats to national security and various strands of revamped national security policy have been suggested to not only curb the sub-nationalist trends but also to ensure an inclusive political process as part of national reconciliation for the settlement of disputes.