Abstract:
This study envisages the theoretical parameters of ethnicity and factors
contributing to the ethnic movements in Pakistan with focus on the rise and
politics of Mohajir Quomi Movement (MQM). Ethnicity implies the sense of
belonging together as the cultural group in a society. The process of rapid political
transformation, modernization and economic liberalization has caused the
emergence of many ethnic movements all over the world. There are different
internal and external factors responsible for the rise of ethnic awareness among
the people. The internal factors relate to what is unique about the group. The
external factors can be located in the society in which the group is situated.
This study seeks to examine the role of ethnic, linguistic and territorial
diversity in shaping and directing the political process in Pakistan. The policies of
the successive governments i.e. imposition of One – Unit, unfair distribution of
resources and centralized state structure evoked ethnicity among the deprived
ethnic communities. Moreover the influx of Mohajirs in the urban areas of Sindh
exacerbated the ethnic consciousness among the local Sindhis. This study
emphasizes the role and impact of MQM in the politics of Pakistan. Initially the
Mohajir community (Urdu speaking) dominated the state structure but with the
passage of time their privileged position declined due to the policies of the
governments. Especially during Bhutto era the introduction of new quota system
caused resentment among them. They perceived it as an attempt to exclude them
from the power structure. This changing political scenario paved the way for the
emergence of MQM. This study empirically verifies the phenomenon of ethnicX
polarization in the province of Sindh which increased the momentum of MQM
activities. It analyzes the politics of MQM during 1986 – 2008.
