Political Violence in Pakistan: Causes, Consequences, and Challenges

Former prime minister Imran Khan’s arrest by Pakistan Rangers on Tuesday 9 May 2023 sparked unprecedented protests targeting police and military installations. The outrage reached a boiling point when protesters ransacked the Lahore Corps Commander’s House. Although arrests of politicians and large political protests are common in Pakistan, the recent political violence is unprecedented in Pakistan.

Political violence has been an unfortunate reality in Pakistan, posing significant challenges to the country’s democratic stability and socio-economic development. This article aims to provide an overview of the recent political violence in Pakistan, exploring its causes, consequences, and the challenges it presents to the nation.

Definition and Scope of Political Violence

Political violence refers to acts of violence that are politically motivated and occur within the context of the country’s political landscape. It encompasses a range of activities, including terrorism, state violence, and violence perpetrated by political parties or other groups. The scale, scope, and geographic distribution of political violence in Pakistan have not been systematically studied, but it has been a longstanding issue in the country. Decision makers in Pakistan lack credible quantitative data to assess the relative costs of politically motivated violence compared to other challenges the country faces.

Overview of recent political violence in Pakistan

Pakistan has a long history of political violence, dating back to its independence in 1947. The country has been plagued by a number of different groups, including religious extremists, separatists, and criminal gangs. In recent years, there has been a rise in political violence, as well.

The recent violence surrounding the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan is just one example of this trend. Khan was ousted from power in April 2022, after losing a vote of no confidence in Parliament. He has since accused the current government of being illegitimate and has called for protests.

On May 25, 2022, Khan led a large rally in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. The rally turned violent, as protesters clashed with security forces. At least 25 people were killed and several hundred were injured.

The violence surrounding Khan’s arrest is a reminder of the deep political divisions in Pakistan. The country is facing a number of challenges, including a weak economy, a growing security threat from terrorism, and a lack of trust in the government. These challenges are likely to continue to fuel political violence in Pakistan.

Factors Contributing to Political Violence

Several factors contribute to political violence in Pakistan. These include:

1. Socio-Political Divisions: Pakistan is a diverse country with various ethnic, religious, and regional identities. Political violence often stems from tensions and conflicts arising from these divisions.
2. Extremism: Pakistan has faced challenges from extremist groups that promote violence as a means to achieve their ideological goals. Extremist ideologies fuel acts of terrorism and targeted violence.
3. Power Struggles: Competing political parties and factions engage in power struggles, which can lead to violent clashes, protests, and disruptions of the political process.
4. Sectarian Tensions: Pakistan has experienced sectarian violence, particularly between Sunni and Shia communities. These tensions arise from differing religious beliefs and ideologies.
5. Gender-Based Violence: Violence against women, including domestic violence, honor killings, and acid attacks, is prevalent in Pakistan. Such violence can also have political dimensions when women’s rights activists face threats and attacks.
6. Economic Disparities: Socio-economic inequalities, high poverty rates, and lack of access to basic services contribute to social unrest, which can manifest as political violence.
7. Historical and Regional Conflicts: Pakistan has faced historical conflicts and regional disputes, such as the situation in Kashmir and tensions with neighboring countries. These conflicts can spill over into domestic politics and contribute to political violence.

Role of Political Parties and Electoral Dynamics

Political parties and electoral dynamics play a significant role in political violence in Pakistan. Here are some key aspects:

1. Party Competition: Intense competition among political parties for power and influence can escalate tensions and lead to violent clashes during elections or political campaigns.
2. Electoral Fraud and Rigging: Allegations of electoral fraud and rigging have often sparked protests and violent confrontations between rival political parties and their supporters.
3. Party Patronage: Political parties in Pakistan often rely on patronage networks to secure support and maintain their influence. This can lead to rivalries and violence between different factions competing for access to resources and benefits.
4. Electoral Violence: Instances of violence, including attacks on candidates, supporters, and polling stations, have been observed during elections. These incidents can disrupt the electoral process and create an environment of fear and insecurity.
5. Party Militancy: Some political parties in Pakistan have been accused of maintaining militant wings or engaging in violent activities to advance their political agendas. This includes using armed groups for intimidation, coercion, and to suppress rival parties.
6. Sectarian and Ethnic Politics: Political parties in Pakistan often align along sectarian and ethnic lines, which can exacerbate tensions and lead to violence between different groups.

Efforts to address political violence related to political parties and electoral dynamics involve promoting transparency and accountability in the electoral process, strengthening the independence and effectiveness of election commissions, enhancing security measures during elections, and ensuring fair and inclusive political competition. Additionally, fostering a culture of peaceful political discourse, promoting inter-party dialogue, and discouraging the use of violence as a means to achieve political objectives are crucial for reducing political violence in Pakistan.

Ethnic and Sectarian Tensions as drivers of Political Violence

Ethnic and sectarian tensions have been significant drivers of political violence in Pakistan. Here are key points to consider:

1. Ethnic Divisions: Pakistan is a diverse country with various ethnic groups. Political violence often arises when different ethnic communities compete for resources, power, and representation. Disputes over political boundaries, control of resources, and cultural rights can lead to conflicts and violent clashes.
2. Sectarian Divisions: Pakistan also faces sectarian tensions between different religious groups, particularly between Sunni and Shia Muslims. Extremist organizations exploit these divisions and engage in acts of violence, including targeted attacks on religious gatherings, mosques, and religious leaders.
3. Political Exploitation: Political parties sometimes exploit ethnic and sectarian fault lines to mobilize support and gain political advantage. They may align themselves with particular ethnic or sectarian groups, exacerbating tensions and contributing to violent conflicts.
4. Identity Politics: Ethnic and sectarian identities often shape political loyalties and voting patterns in Pakistan. This can lead to the formation of ethnically or sectarian-based political parties, which further polarizes society and fuels inter-group tensions.

Addressing ethnic and sectarian tensions as drivers of political violence requires promoting interfaith and interethnic dialogue, fostering inclusive governance and representation, ensuring equal access to resources and opportunities for all communities, and implementing effective law enforcement measures to prevent and respond to acts of violence. Additionally, promoting education and awareness about diversity and tolerance can help in reducing these tensions and fostering a more peaceful and inclusive society in Pakistan.

Impact of Regional and International Influences

Regional and international influences have had a significant impact on political violence in Pakistan. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Regional Conflicts: Pakistan’s geopolitical location places it in close proximity to regions that have experienced conflicts, such as Afghanistan and Kashmir. Instability and violence in these neighboring regions can spill over into Pakistan, leading to increased tensions and incidents of political violence.
2. Proxy Warfare: Pakistan has been involved in proxy wars in the region, particularly during the Soviet-Afghan War in the 1980s. Involvement of regional and international powers in supporting different groups within Pakistan for their strategic interests has fueled violence and insurgency.
3. Terrorism and Extremism: Pakistan has faced the brunt of regional and international terrorist networks. These groups, with their global reach and ideologies, have exploited local grievances and conflicts, leading to acts of terrorism and violence within Pakistan.
4. Refugee Influx: Pakistan has been host to millions of Afghan refugees over several decades. The presence of large refugee populations can strain resources, create social tensions, and potentially contribute to political violence.
5. Influence of External Actors: Various regional and international actors have sought to exert influence over Pakistan’s political landscape. Interference in domestic affairs, support for certain political parties or factions, and competing strategic interests have at times exacerbated political divisions and contributed to violence.
6. Financial and Military Assistance: Regional and international actors have provided financial and military assistance to different groups and parties in Pakistan. This assistance can indirectly contribute to political violence by strengthening certain factions and perpetuating power struggles.

Addressing the impact of regional and international influences on political violence in Pakistan requires fostering regional cooperation, resolving regional conflicts, and promoting dialogue among neighboring countries. Strengthening border security, enhancing intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and implementing effective counterterrorism measures are also crucial. Additionally, promoting diplomacy and ensuring non-interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs by external actors can help reduce external influences that contribute to political violence.

Consequences of Political Violence in Pakistan

Political violence in Pakistan has profound consequences for the country, affecting various aspects of society and governance. Here are some key consequences of political violence in Pakistan:

1. Loss of Human Life: Political violence results in the loss of innocent lives, including civilians, activists, politicians, and security personnel. Terrorist attacks, targeted killings, and clashes between different political groups have claimed numerous lives, leading to immense human suffering.
2. Erosion of Public Trust: Continuous political violence erodes public trust in the government and political institutions. Citizens lose faith in the ability of the state to provide security and maintain law and order, which can undermine social cohesion and stability.
3. Political Instability: Political violence often leads to political instability, making it challenging to establish and maintain effective governance. Frequent protests, strikes, and confrontations between different political factions disrupt the functioning of the state, hindering policymaking and implementation.
4. Economic Impact: Political violence negatively impacts the economy of Pakistan. It deters foreign investment, hampers business activities, and disrupts trade and commerce. The destruction of infrastructure, such as transportation networks and industrial facilities, further hampers economic development.
5. Social Divisions: Political violence exacerbates social divisions within Pakistani society. Ethnic, sectarian, and religious tensions are often exploited, leading to polarization and fragmentation. This can deepen societal rifts, fuel intolerance, and undermine social cohesion.
6. Human Rights Violations: Political violence is often accompanied by human rights abuses. Extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, torture, and restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly are among the violations observed during periods of political unrest.
7. Impediment to Development: Political violence diverts resources away from social and economic development. The allocation of funds for security measures and counterterrorism efforts reduces the availability of resources for education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, hindering overall progress.

Addressing the consequences of political violence in Pakistan requires efforts to promote peace, dialogue, and reconciliation among different political factions. Strengthening the rule of law, ensuring accountability for human rights abuses, and fostering social inclusion and cohesion are vital steps towards reducing political violence and its adverse effects.

Challenges in addressing Political Violence in Pakistan

Addressing political violence in Pakistan is a complex and challenging task. Here are some key challenges that hinder efforts to effectively address political violence in the country:

1. Lack of Security: The persistent security challenges in Pakistan, including terrorism and insurgencies, pose a significant obstacle to addressing political violence. Weak law enforcement, porous borders, and the presence of armed militant groups make it difficult to maintain peace and stability.
2. Ideological and Sectarian Divisions: Pakistan’s society is characterized by deep ideological and sectarian divisions, which fuel political violence. Extremist ideologies, sectarian tensions, and ethnonationalist movements contribute to a volatile environment, making it challenging to foster political reconciliation and dialogue.
3. Weak Rule of Law: Weak institutions and a lack of effective rule of law undermine efforts to combat political violence. Corruption, impunity, and a sluggish justice system impede the accountability of perpetrators and erode public trust in the state’s ability to ensure justice and security.
4. Political Fragmentation: Pakistan’s political landscape is marked by fragmentation, with numerous political parties and factions competing for power. Infighting, rivalries, and power struggles within political parties can escalate into violence, hindering collective efforts to address political violence in a unified manner.
5. Socioeconomic Factors: Socioeconomic challenges, such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality, contribute to political violence. These factors create a fertile ground for radicalization, recruitment by militant groups, and social unrest, necessitating comprehensive socio-economic reforms alongside security measures.
6. External Influences: Pakistan’s geopolitical environment and its relations with neighboring countries can have both positive and negative impacts on political violence. External influences, such as cross-border conflicts and the involvement of external actors, can exacerbate existing tensions and complicate efforts to resolve internal conflicts.
7. Inadequate Data and Research: Limited data and research on political violence in Pakistan hinder the development of evidence-based policies and strategies. The lack of comprehensive and accurate data makes it challenging to identify trends, root causes, and effective solutions to address political violence.

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that includes security measures, promoting inclusive governance, strengthening institutions, addressing socioeconomic disparities, promoting interfaith and interethnic harmony, and fostering dialogue and reconciliation among different stakeholders. International cooperation and support can also play a vital role in addressing political violence in Pakistan.