Jessica Manzuk
Pakistan
Greenfield High School
Recognition and Preservation of Indigenous Cultures
Indigenous groups consist of people who are native to a region, but do not make up the body who is in power in that region. The leader of a region has the power to grant rights to whomever he may chose. The United Nations recognizes and gives equal rights to indigenous people of all countries. However, Pakistan feels that it is in the best interests of their people not to grant the indigenous peoples recognition.
Pakistan is a relatively new country, gaining independence only sixty years ago. This means that their government, economy, and so on are new also and still developing. The area called
Pakistan today has had a long history of conflict between religions and the different cultures.
When they did receive their independence, Pakistan was still divided into East and West based on various culture differences. Riots and other forms of violence were occurring regularly. The two regions were individually recognized as independent nations in 1971
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. Pakistan feels that recognizing the numerous and widespread indigenous cultures of the region would lead to instances that they have previously experienced. Pakistan, however, does not shun the indigenous groups. They are able to practice their culture and religion, but they are not legally recognized by the government. This allows for the preservation of the indigenous cultures, but not by the government.
Recognizing the many indigenous cultures of Pakistan would possibly mean multiple leaders in a single country. Having varying and numerous leaders does not seem to be appropriate because it could spark war when discomfort between two leaders is present. By unifying the Pakistani people under one president, the people are all following the same laws which provides for a more solidified nation.
Pakistan’s policy on the recognition and preservation of Indigenous cultures does not recognize the indigenous cultures. Pakistan is a very new country with a history of ongoing violence between differing cultures. The best way to avoid internal chaos which could possibly lead to civil war is by recognizing one culture and form of religion. This does not mean that others are not allowed to practice, but simply that they are not formally recognized.

"Independence of Pakistan." Independence of Pakistan. Wikipedia. Web. 2 Feb. 2010.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Pakistan#Independence_of_Pakistan>.
Indigenous People and Conservation. WWF, 18 Oct. 1996. Web. 2 Feb. 2010.
<http://lucy.ukc.ac.uk/rainforest/indigeng.html>.
Indigenous People and Ethnic Minorities of Pakistan. Amazon. Web. 2 Feb. 2010.
<http://www.amazon.co.uk/Indigenous-Peoples-Ethnic-Minorities-Pakistan/dp/0700711597>.