Pluralism in Pakistan: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

Every state in the world does have plurality in terms of religion but there is hardly any country in the world which is ethnically not plural. In this regard Pakistan is no exception as it has unique ethnic and religious diversity. The aim of this study will focus on the concept of Pluralism and two variables such as religion and ethno cultural identities. Both identities faces intolerance in terms of their socio economic success, they have been socially excluded from the social setup because of discriminatory factor. No sense of acceptance triggers the extremist sentiments against the religious minorities resulting into violence. The emerging problem of prejudices and stereotyping towards the ethno cultural and religious identities became the mainstream issue in Pakistan. Identities like religious and ethno cultural comes into conflict when they face imbalance in the society. The process of national integration can be protected only when these two identities will be given adequate representation in accordance to the Constitution of Pakistan 1973. Such initiatives towards religious minorities and ethno cultural identities may decide their future and the opportunities which will help them to flourish their specific cultural identity. The economic resources should be equally distributed among diverse religious and ethno cultural identities. The higher authority should use their capability to generate resources and use these resources in the best interest of different segment of society.