Caste is Another country, Another time; Navigating the social and religious discrimination in Pakistan.
In Pakistan, class, caste, and social prejudice are strongly ingrained in society. These concerns significantly impact people’s life, frequently determining access to education, work, and even basic human rights. Let’s take a closer look at how various types of prejudice appear and what may be done to combat them.
The Roots of Caste Discrimination in Pakistan go back to the subcontinent’s ancient social systems. Although caste is traditionally associated with Hinduism, it has also influenced Muslim communities in Pakistan. This system persists today, particularly in rural areas, where social hierarchies are strongly enforced. The social discrimination in Pakistan is based on religious differences, cultural (provincial) differences and economic status differences.
Religious Minorities and Social Exclusion:
Religious minorities in Pakistan, such as Hindus and Christians, often face significant social exclusion. For instance, many Hindu families in Sindh work as bonded laborers in brick kilns, where they are treated poorly and have little chance of improving their circumstances. Social discrimination against these communities is pervasive, affecting their access to education, employment, and even basic services.
Economic Inequality
Economic inequality in Pakistan is stark. The richest segments of society live in luxury, while a significant portion of the population struggles with poverty. This economic divide is often highlighted in places like Islamabad, where affluent neighborhoods exist alongside impoverished slums.
Cultural Discrimination Among Provinces in Pakistan.
The four provinces—Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and Balochistan—often experience cultural discrimination that affects national unity. Punjab, being the largest and most powerful province, sometimes seems to dominate the cultural and political scene. This dominance can make people from the other provinces feel overlooked and undervalued. For example, Sindhis, Pashtuns, and Baloch often feel that their languages, traditions, and local issues don’t get the attention they deserve. The feeling of being neglected is worsened by unequal distribution of resources and political power, leading to frustration and a sense of injustice.
In Sindh, especially in cities like Karachi, there is a noticeable divide between native Sindhis and Urdu-speaking Muhajirs who moved there during the partition. This has sometimes led to ethnic conflicts. In KPK, Pashtuns often feel they don’t get enough credit or support despite their important role in the country’s security and stability. Balochistan, although rich in natural resources, remains economically poor and underdeveloped, which has fueled local anger and calls for more autonomy. To fix these issues, it’s important to appreciate and respect the unique cultures and contributions of each province. Fairly sharing resources and creating inclusive policies can help build a more united and harmonious Pakistan.
Role of media, land reforms and NGOs
The media in Pakistan also plays a crucial role in either perpetuating or challenging social discrimination. Often, media portrayals reinforce stereotypes, such as showing lower-class characters in negative roles. However, there are also efforts within the media to highlight and challenge social injustices, helping to raise awareness and promote change.
Furthermore, land reforms aimed at reducing class inequality have had mixed success in Pakistan. For example, the land reforms of the 1950s and 1970s intended to redistribute land to the poor. However, in many cases, the benefits were captured by the elite, leaving the intended beneficiaries without significant improvement in their social status. Also, Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society groups are working to combat social discrimination. For example, organizations like the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and the Edhi Foundation provide support to marginalized communities through legal aid, education, and healthcare services.
The Need for Class Mobilization in Pakistan
To end the discrimination in Pakistan, there is an urgent need for class mobilization. This involves uniting individuals across different social strata to collectively demand and work towards greater social justice and equity. Class mobilization can empower marginalized communities, minorities, amplify their voices, and ensure that policies and reforms are both inclusive and effective. It encourages solidarity, fosters a shared sense of purpose, and can drive significant social change. By mobilizing across classes, and cultures and embracing religious and ethical differences, Pakistan can dismantle the longstanding social hierarchies and build a more just, equitable society as a single strong unit. Moreover, there should be legal and political reforms to incorporate justice and unity among all the sects, castes and classes of Pakistan.
