Changing Dynamics of Sectarianism in Pakistan

In Pakistan, sectarianism is generally taken as a conflict between the Sunni majority and the Shia minority. This narrative is vague, making it difficult to understand who is battling whom. Factually speaking, these two sects are not homogeneous; instead, they each have their sub-sects with different schools of thought. For example, the Sunnis are divided into several groups, including Brailvis, Deobandis, Wahabis, and Ahle Hadith. In contrast, the Shia sect includes Ithna Ashari, Zaidis, Isma'ilis, and Bohris. The paper explores a historical account of sectarianism (both inter- and intra-sect) in Pakistan with special reference to its changing dynamics over the years. The paper applies a historical approach to delineate this phenomenon thoroughly while using primary and secondary sources, i.e., archival records, original sources, books, research journals and magazines, electronic sources, etc. A key finding of this research is that Pakistan has been the victim of both inter- and intra-sect disputes and violence since its emergence, rather than considering it as the development of General Zia-ul-Haq’s period and onwards. It is a significant historical truth that researchers and authorities on sectarianism and sectarian violence in Pakistan have not adequately acknowledged or highlighted so far. Thus, academic misconceptions in this regard led to the distortion of historical facts in the course of time.