SUB NATIONALIST MOVEMENTS AND THE RISE OF PERIPHERAL NATIONALISM IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Multi-ethnic and multi-national states are prone to the rise of peripheral nationalism. Pakistan is also a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual state. It has been facing the challenge of nationalism at peripheries since its inception in 1947. Pakistan got dismembered by virtue of the Bengali nationalism in 1971. It is still fighting the insurgents in Balochistan. Currently, the state is facing the revival of Pashtun nationalism in the shape of Pashtun Tahfuz Movement (PTM). Why there is the rise of peripheral nationalism in Pakistan? This work provides an insight of the social, political, and economic reasons which provided ground for the emergence of nationalism at peripheries. It also recommends the way to reduce the alienation of the ethnic groups from state structures and institutions to promote civic nationalism based on citizenship.