Sectarian Conflicts: A dominant threat to Pakistan’s Internal Security

Abstract

The major threat Pakistan today faces is militant extremism. Militant extremism has serious repercussions particularly for Pakistani society and state and generally for global security. Religious militancy at present poses a potential threat to security of Pakistan. Militant groups both local (Taliban) and foreign (AlQaeda) have spread to the settled areas of Pakistan. Different sectarian groups have now become a part of their network. These groups with their mutual understanding have been initiating various acts of religious terrorism. These militants have created fear amongst people through initiating indiscriminate suicide attacks leading to the killings of innocent individuals. The political, economic and social conditions of Pakistan have further fueled religious extremism in Pakistani society. The aim of the study is to delineate the emergence of sectarianism more forcefully during General Zia-Ul-Haq’s era and increase in the rate of sectarian violence after 9/11 incidents throughout Pakistan; suggest various strategies to counter the menace of sectarianism.