Social Movement Theory: The Case Study of Pashtoon Tahafuz Movement in Pakistan

Abstract

Social movement theory”. The social movement theory explains and provides different This study is focused to explore the case of “PasthoonTahafuz Movement” with the lens of approaches and categories which enable us to understand the purpose and cause of social movement under study. The theory of social movement discusses classical approach, structural approach and social constructivist approach (New Social Movement), under these paradigm different perspectives that manifests a social movement are mentioned. The social movement theory has been applied to the case of PashtoonTahafaz Movement in order to contextualize and gain perspective over the objective and comprehend the ideology behind the Movement. The PashtoonTahafaz Movement is a contemporary issue in Pakistan, which revolves around the grievances and challenges being faced by Pahstoons which is the second largest ethnic community of Pakistan. The epic center of the movement originated from the Federally Administered Tribal Area, subsequently gaining its popularity over all cities of Pakistan. The movement is represented by a young leader Manzoor Ahmad Khan who belongs from South Waziristan. The focus of this social movement is to highlight the inequality and profiling of Pashtoons as well putting forwards their demands to end the discrimination that has started to root into the sentiments of Pashtoon identity, creating staunch resentment over the state policies suppressing their due rights. Neither there is an inadequate theoretical foundation developed to comprehend the base root cause of the social movement nor enough substance to address the grievances of PashtoonTahafaz Movement. The case of Pashtun Tahffuz Movement started from the tribal areas of Pakistan which lacked sufficient economic and social resources, as it has been part of a conflict zone. The strategic location of the tribal area especially North and South Waziristan where the movement emerged from has been regulated with a distinctive law called Frontier Crime Regulation (FCR). The area has been securitized for many years and had terrorization in its atmosphere. These lawless, lack of social and economic institutions and then militancy coupled altogether created such an impact to the Pashtun population living in those areas to feel alienated and distorted from the main stream. These sentiments have not yet been address to overcome the long term perception that has now been rooted in them. Though, the state efforts are trying to achieve their best to address the challenges. FATA merger is one of the struggles trying to unify and eradicate the inequalities along the grievances of the Pashtun community has been facing, but the impact of the development is at a pace that needs to be given more attention for effective and efficient outcomes.