National Integration is the pursuit of harmony within the state. This entails that people of a country irrespective of ethnicity, religion or caste are unified together for a common cause, they develop common goals and strive for them.
Challenges to national integration in Pakistan
- Diverse ethnicities
Pakistan was created together by amalgamation of 5 territories. These territories hail different cultures. People have different way of life, worldview, language, and goals. Hence, a national narrative could not evolve which would unite these people together for a common cause. Although Islam was used as a means to unite different ethnic groups for achieving Pakistan, the bubble of religious unity burst after the secession of East Pakistan.
- Different educational streams
Public, private and madrassahs. These are the three educational streams
in Pakistan broadly speaking. Each inculcates in their own students their own
ideology, goals, skills, and overall outlook on life. Hence, these students
find it difficult to cooperate amongst themselves later on in life.
- Unequal economic opportunities
A major cause hampering national integration. Absence of adequate
economic opportunities makes people vulnerable to external and internal
elements which may harm national unity. Case in point: Maligning Balochistan
and ex-Fata and lack of development there allowed people there to be
manipulated. Gave rise to sub nationalist tendencies like BLA and BRA.
- Weak Federalism
The tendency of central govt. to impede on autonomy of provincial govts. Creates a distrust. Flawed power sharing mechanism inhibits provincial autonomy and gives rise to resentments. Also quarrelling among provinces over formula of NFC and sharing of water resources.
How to strengthen National Integration
· No room for religious extremism
Dash out extremist texts, clerics. Mainstream madrassahs under the umbrella of Educational ministry. Federal oversight on educational curriculum to eliminate extremist content and promote tolerance.
· Promote Nationalism
Through national competitions vis a vis national sports, debates, writing and literary contests. This would enhance people to people connection and improve tolerance.
· Effective media role
No airtime for politicians and content which fuel linguistic and ethnic divide. Evolve a national rhetoric for common cause, unity and pride. Healthy debates between clerics of different sects to promote religious acceptance.
· Good Governance
Provide equal economic opportunities- use of CPEC industrialization to create jobs. Rule of law to clamp down against those who oppress minorities. Pay attention to economic development of ex-FATA region.
· Establish local govts.
Local govts. are an effective way of meeting the needs of people at
grassroot level. It also helps maintain law and order and would help in
evolution of democracy. When people feel there needs are being met a national
unity and integration would evolve.
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