RACE AND RELIGION IN PAKISTANI SOCIETY: COMPLEXITIES AND EMERGING CHALLENGES FOR CULTURAL PLURALISM, HUMAN RIGHTS AND NATIONAL INTEGRATION

Abstract

As most of the scientific literature demonstrates, the relationship between race and religion is complex which requires a unique empirical outlook to understand its all layers. Contemporary research in the case of Pakistan overlooks emerging challenges pertaining to diversity, human rights, and national unity in favor of exploring inter-group harmony. This study tries to understand those overlooked dimensions through a mixed study method, garnering perspectives across communities alongwith how race and religion shape cultural norms, values, and beliefs, unveiling obstacles for pluralism, rights, and integration. Marginalized groups confront biases fueling conflict and impeding pluralism. We found that there is an alarmingly rising nationalism propagating intolerance, spurring hate crimes and discrimination against minorities and immigrants. This erodes pluralism and human rights principles. Proliferating social media, despite connecting diverse cultures, also enables anonymity-shrouded intolerance. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated hurdles, as nations restricted immigration, bolstering xenophobia. The discord between sovereignty and human rights becomes more pronounced as countries resist perceived external interference. Via interviews and surveys, this study probed experiences of diverse Pakistanis. Analysis of race and religion's role in shaping culture yielded insights into community challenges. It examined government policies, civil society initiatives, and religious institutions' influence on race-religion relations and integration. It identified areas needing greater efforts to further pluralism, rights, and unity. Recommendations equip stakeholders to confront these challenges.