The Politics and Ethnicity in Pakistan The Case Study of MQM

Abstract

This study envisages the theoretical parameters of ethnicity and factors contributing to the ethnic movements in Pakistan with focus on the rise and politics of Mohajir Quomi Movement (MQM). Ethnicity implies the sense of belonging together as the cultural group in a society. The process of rapid political transformation, modernization and economic liberalization has caused the emergence of many ethnic movements all over the world. There are different internal and external factors responsible for the rise of ethnic awareness among the people. The internal factors relate to what is unique about the group. The external factors can be located in the society in which the group is situated. This study seeks to examine the role of ethnic, linguistic and territorial diversity in shaping and directing the political process in Pakistan. The policies of the successive governments i.e. imposition of One – Unit, unfair distribution of resources and centralized state structure evoked ethnicity among the deprived ethnic communities. Moreover the influx of Mohajirs in the urban areas of Sindh exacerbated the ethnic consciousness among the local Sindhis. This study emphasizes the role and impact of MQM in the politics of Pakistan. Initially the Mohajir community (Urdu speaking) dominated the state structure but with the passage of time their privileged position declined due to the policies of the governments. Especially during Bhutto era the introduction of new quota system caused resentment among them. They perceived it as an attempt to exclude them from the power structure. This changing political scenario paved the way for the emergence of MQM. This study empirically verifies the phenomenon of ethnicX polarization in the province of Sindh which increased the momentum of MQM activities. It analyzes the politics of MQM during 1986 – 2008.