Hazara Shias at the Cross road of Religious and Cultural Identity, A Case Study of Hazara Community Quetta, Pakistan

Abstract

The present study aimed to explore the reasons for the factors encouraging sectarianism and the social position of Hazara identity, the Shia Sunni conflict in the region. The study examines different dimensions of sectarianism in Quetta city; how local people see Hazara social identity, sectarianism, socio-cultural reasons sowing sectarianism based on social and cultural identity, and how the Hazara community deals with sectarian attitude prevailing in society. The study employs Anthropological qualitative research methods and tools; entails participant observation, in-depth interviews, key informants, case study, and interview guide. This research is conducted in Hazara town Quetta, Pakistan. The study has illustrated many factors disseminating sectarianism attitude in society. Social identity is an important means of identification of any community. Although, the Hazara community was facing a social and religious identity crisis. This community was facing many challenges due to its social and religious identity. On the other hand, Hazara was a subordinate community with having fewer entitlements. Education has been encouraged as a vehicle of social equality has seemed failed to eradicate sectarianism among society. The social and religious differences are even present among educated members of the society. The reasons are low standard education, dissatisfactory content, and heavy influence of socialization and environment. Sectarian violence and social identity differences are also culturally constructed. This research explored the relationship of the Hazara community with other local ethnic groups, along sectarianism. Moreover, the position of political parties in the resolution of that conflict of Shia and Sunni to make the area equally positive for them