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Sarah Raza Ahmed
27110021
SS100 - Writing and Communication
Section 10
Professor Zainab Sattar
7th December 2023
Do Identity Politics Positively Influence Pakistan’s Global Image?
Identity politics, by definition, is the role of a group or organization’s ethnic, linguistic or
cultural background that affects their movements and actions as a political group. This is a
pivotal factor in the image and identity of Pakistan. Pakistan is home to various ethnic, linguistic,
and cultural groups with many diverse identities. Although identity politics can be a source of
fragmentation and social divide, it can also establish the inclusive identity of Pakistan, create
empowerment and awareness for marginalized communities, and help Pakistan in forging
strategic international alliances.
Identity politics deeply influenced the creation of Pakistan in 1947 during the partition of
British India and has a significant impact on Pakistan's socio-political landscape and global
image. The movement for Pakistan grew out of a sense of distinct Muslim identity amidst their
marginalization within the Hindu-majority Indian subcontinent.
Under the leadership of
Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the All-India Muslim League strategically mobilized the idea of ​a
separate Muslim identity to gain support for an independent state. The two-nation theory asserted
that there were irreconcilable differences between Hindus and Muslims and advocated separate
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homelands to protect their respective identities and interests. Jinnah answered the following
question for the Muslims: “Are we content to lose our identity and to be relegated to the position
of political pariahs?” (Moore) This partition led to the formation of India and Pakistan and was
marked by large-scale immigration. This division between the two nations exacerbated
communal mistrust and left a lasting scar on the socio-political situation in both countries.
However, both communities were better off separately, hence proving the point that the identity
politics revolving around Muslims striving for a separate state do strengthen the national fabric
of Pakistan. Aspirations to be a Muslim-majority state led to the concept of Pakistani nationalism
being rooted in Islam as a unifying force. Jinnah also “maintained that the Moslems as a separate
nationality had the sole right to decide… whether to separate from India or not…” (Hasan)
Globally, the emergence of Pakistan as an independent Islamic state has recognized identity
politics resulting from religious nationalism to be the very reason that the country came into
being.
The intertwining of religion and politics is an enduring feature shaping Pakistan's
socio-political landscape. Religion is an element that is amalgamated with politics and is a
prevalent feature in Pakistan’s socio-political landscape. This was initiated to exploit religion for
political gain, and it created complications within the country. (CITE) There is immense pressure
on the unity of the nation while these forces are at play, as they cause many sectarian tensions
and create a blockage for any pluralistic potential for the nation. This was and continues to be a
common strategy employed by political parties competing for electoral advantage. This not only
emphasizes social divisions but also wrongfully promotes the idea of using religion as
ammunition for short-term gain. This, in turn, hinders the country's socio-economic development
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as it results in a fragmented political environment. In pursuing government positions, political
leaders sideline other critical issues, such as the country's flailing economy, and, therefore, do not
give much thought to policymaking for the country’s well-being and economic progress. This
type of political landscape, which perpetuates divisions and does not promote the integration of
diversity in the governance structures, can prove to be very harmful to the nation. (Rana) Also,
the rise of religion-based identity politics essentially increases the violence taking place in the
country, which, again, is an element that can essentially weaken the national fabric of Pakistan.
An example of this is how, currently, there are many tensions due to Shia and Sunni conflicts,
especially amongst associated political parties. However, with the rise of other sects, this
violence is bound to increase. (Noor)
However, when used moderately, identity politics can catalyze the democratic inclusion
of a common religious or cultural identity. This increases civic engagement and is beneficial for
the country. There are many examples of how, throughout Pakistan’s history, identity-based
movements have encouraged social consciousness and brought about positive change in the
country. For instance, advocacy for the rights of minorities and marginalized groups has resulted
in better representation and protection for these people in Pakistan. (Chaudhry) Thus, contrary to
the idea that identity politics perpetuates social divisions, in some cases, it has helped address the
concerns of marginalized groups and even different religious groups. Initiatives such as the
“Minorities Rights March” (Khan) have been a step in the direction of breaking down barriers
placed by socio-economic inequalities. This preserved Pakistan's cultural heritage by including
all groups in the country's governance. This leads to policymaking in favor of these groups to
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allow for a diverse environment, eventually leading to the country's socio-economic progress.
(Ahmed)
Another element that enrichens the fabric of Pakistan is the diversity of ethnic and
linguistic identities present. The many different ethnic groups in Pakistan include Punjabis,
Sindhis, Pashtuns, and Baluchis, and they have played a significant role in shaping Pakistan’s
identity. The diversity in Pakistan has encouraged identity-based political and social movements
that advocate greater autonomy and representation for these groups. This is the defining aspect
of the country’s pluralistic aims. Ethnic and linguistic diversity are features that contribute to a
nation's global strength and image. For example, movements like the Baloch struggle for
independence (Ahmer) or perhaps the Sindhi movement (DAWN) for rights are domestic
aspirations to address marginalization. When initiated constructively, these movements serve as a
mechanism to seek solutions for these ethnic groups. They negotiate a more equitable
distribution of resources and political power rather than creating divisions amongst people.
Embracing these diverse aspirations can strengthen Pakistan's national structure by promoting a
sense of belonging and interdependence amongst various ethnic communities. Therefore, when
properly undertaken, identity politics based on ethnic differences can prove to be a uniting factor
in order to shape the national identity of Pakistan. (Ahmed, Ethnicity)
Fragmentation along ethnic and linguistic lines in Pakistan's diverse social landscape
makes pursuing national integration much more difficult. The presence of different ethnic
groups, each with varying languages, cultures, and historical backgrounds, often gives rise to
tensions and conflicts that endanger the unity of the country. Thus, diversity in identity has
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sometimes fostered a sense of division. These divisions lead to insecurity, instability, and even
violence in times of conflict. (DAWN, Ethnic Tensions). Some groups even use their differences
in ethnicity and language to further their own agendas, hence driving the wedge further. The
inability to adequately address the concerns of different ethnic communities further fuels
discontent and alienation. This impedes the development of a shared sense of belonging among
all citizens. “The ethnic polarization and antagonism of the South Asian states have weakened
the capacity of collective action, provoked inter-group antagonism, and undermined the capacity
of the state to manage conflicts of interest…” (Baqai)
Pakistan's identity politics, including diversity arising from ethnic and linguistic groups,
can be seen as a source of fragmentation. However, it is also essential to the country's resilience
and strength. Numerous examples highlight the appreciation and exploitation of Pakistan's
diverse cultural structures. Various regional festivals, cultural events, and heritage celebrations
showcase the country's cultural diversity and promote a sense of unity. These events not only
showcase the unique characteristics of each ethnic group but also affirm the country's
multicultural spirit. This cultural exchange creates an image of Pakistan that attracts people and,
therefore, can benefit economically by attracting tourism. For example, recently, Pakistan has
noted an increase in the number of tourists during the day of the religious festival of Eid.
(Report, Dawn) This way, the unity amongst the celebrations of different cultures can be a stream
of revenue, allowing for the betterment of the country. It is a paradoxical concept, but diversity
can help bring together people from all these ethnicities and backgrounds.
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Identity politics in Pakistan has promoted the empowerment and social recognition of
marginalized communities, giving them opportunities to advocate for representation and
inclusion. Through identity-based movements and political parties, historically marginalized
groups have found a platform to voice their concerns, assert their rights, and demand equal
representation in various sectors of society. These movements have made significant
contributions to efforts to expand political participation, challenge the status quo, and be
included in sociopolitical frameworks. Additionally, political parties have started emerging,
representing different ethnic backgrounds, and have shaped Pakistan's political landscape with
different perspectives. “Pluralism is actually seen as a key component of stable democracy, as it
allows for a range of voices and perspectives to be heard and for power to be shared among
different groups.” (Zaheer Ul Haque) These unique narratives contribute to the improvement of
the country’s socio-economic position. Representing diverse voices in politics also promotes a
sense of belonging and creates a more inclusive environment that values ​cultural diversity. This
increased awareness of identity-based issues has led to unraveling the country's pressing
concerns, and most of the time, it has to do with the aim for autonomy for marginalized groups.
An example of an ethnic group demanding rights for themselves was the instance of Balochs
demanding that they be recognized by ethnicity rather than language in the census. (Notezai)
This example is a testament to how groups can work towards their betterment when given the
opportunity, and this, in turn, can lead to the betterment of the country as a whole. It also
includes conversations about cultural heritage, language preservation, and protecting indigenous
identities. This has fostered dialogue between communities and promoted mutual understanding,
tolerance, and respect between them. “Thus, the pursuit of group interest appears to be the most
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important factor in the development of ethnic movements in Pakistan” (Jaffrelot, Christophe, and
Rasul)
Pakistan's identity politics has significantly impacted the country's global image and
involvement in international relations. Identity politics plays a significant role in diplomatic
interactions and foreign policy decisions. Embracing and presenting the diversity of Pakistan on
an international level presents a diverse and inclusive environment of Pakistan. (CITE) Also,
identity-based considerations are vital factors that Pakistan considers when building strategic
alliances and partnerships with other countries. Using a shared identity from similar ethnicities
and cultures fosters stronger ties and mutual understanding that Pakistan can have while creating
bonds with other countries. For example, Pakistan's relations with various Islamic countries are
often based on shared religious affiliations, allowing for beneficial collaboration in areas such as
trade, culture, and security. An example of this is how Pakistan has very strong ties with Saudi
Arabia as a fellow Muslim country. The Saudi Arabian ambassador was reported talking about
the bond between the two countries and how they both have immense “...cooperation in sectors
such as economy, education, energy, trade and investment”. (DAWN.COM, “Saudi Arabia,
Pakistan Enjoy Strong Relations”) Cultural exchange, arts, literature, and heritage festivals
promote international friendship and connections, such as the example mentioned earlier of
tourists coming to the country to see the festivities. These factors also contribute to
demonstrating Pakistan's commitment to promoting the appreciation of diverse identities.
Identity politics acts as a bridge through which Pakistan interacts with the world.
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Conclusively, these are the reasons why identity politics plays a pivotal role in
establishing a positive global image for the country. Factors such as extremism and violence that
are the by products of identity politics may be disadvantageous to the global perception of the
country. However, there are several factors that also have a positive impact on the nationalism of
this country. This includes the inclusivity and the richness of cultures, which further promotes
advocacy for the rights of marginalized communities and also in helping Pakistan forge valuable
connections with countries on the basis of identity based considerations.
Works Cited
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no. 47, 1996, pp. 3050–53. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/4404794. Accessed 17
Dec. 2023.
Ahmer, Moonis. “Politics: Why Is the Current Baloch Nationalist Movement Different From the
Rest?” DAWN.COM, 6 Nov. 2016, www.dawn.com/news/1294424. Accessed 17 Dec.
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www.dawn.com/news/1770891/saudi-arabia-pakistan-enjoy-strong-relations.
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Accessed 17 Dec. 2023.
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Notezai, Muhammad Akbar, and Ali Raza Rind. “Ethnic Recognition in Census Demanded.”
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