The use of Pashtun ethnicity as a basis for separatist agenda demands a normative understanding of ‘ethnic-nationalism’. The issues faced by Pashtuns in erstwhile FATA cannot be considered persecution or subjugation of an ethnicity.
![Political activism of PTM was directed towards the issues faced by the people of Erstwhile FATA now KPK, due to the military checkpoints [Image Credits: Naseer Ahmed/Reuters].](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/5acc715046085-320x179.webp)
The Resurgence of Sectarianism in Pakistan: A Threat Matrix?
Sectarianism is so deep-rooted in our society that even the state deems it ‘normal’ and does not react unless extremist manifestations of the phenomenon start turning ugly. The state’s typical response entails the ‘concealment and appeasement’ approach, which was evident from its dealing with the recent upsurge in sectarian tensions in the country.
