Sectarianism, which is eating into the vitals of Pakistani state and society, needs to be eradicated. That is imperative not only to achieve social harmony but also to achieve security and stability, which will help in attracting foreign investment in the country. While differences among people may continue to persist, the way forward is linked to learning to live with those differences. Above all, the state should unpack how sectarian identity has been institutionalized through a range of administrative measures, such as compulsion of seminaries to affiliate to sect-based boards.
These are some of the findings of this report, which is the outcome of a daylong closed round table PIPS held on sectarian harmony, on 19th of December 2018, in collaboration with the German Embassy in Islamabad. Renowned and credible religious scholars of all Islamic schools of thoughts as well as experts on the subjects participated.
The dialogue noted that sectarian violence has been on decline in Pakistan: in 2018, only 12 incidents of sectarian violence were reported from across the country, most of which were of minor nature. This was in contrast with 2013, when 220 such incidences were reported.