IMPACT OF SECTARIANISM ON POLITICAL STABILITY IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

In recent years, sectarianism has become one of the most important factors affecting the stability of Pakistan politically. Besides the impact of violence caused by the division, there are numerous other aspects of the situation, such as problems with governance, institutional performance, political processes, and social dynamics. Although the roots of the conflict lie in theology and the division between Sunni and Shia communities, this issue has grown significantly due to politics, geopolitics, institutional inefficiency, and socio-economic discrepancies. Thus, sectarianism has turned into an important structural factor affecting the state's stability.

This research focuses on assessing how sectarianism impacts political stability in Pakistan. In particular, it looks at the effects this process has on state structure, institutional performance, and governance in general. It employs a qualitative historical-analytical methodology based on the existing literature and information about the current situation in the region during 2020-2024. It draws on theories of political mobilization and institutional performance to interpret the findings.

From the analysis, it became evident that sectarianism threatens the political stability of the state via several channels. It reduces the efficiency of state institutions and weakens the power and capacity of governance. Political instrumentalization of the conflict, inconsistent state responses, and other trends add up to these threats. At the same time, some new aspects, such as the digital mobilization, appear recently.

The results indicate the necessity to adopt a comprehensive approach to the problem. To achieve stable political performance and reduce the likelihood of conflicts, the government needs to introduce security policies and institutional improvements while maintaining consistent approaches.