States come into being with the integration of nations. National integration is the feeling of unanimity within the state irrespective of race, ethnicity, religion, language and creed. National integration solidifies the very foundations of statehood. The road to state-building goes through national integration. National integration aims at creating the psychological sense of oneness and the integration of nations into one unit. Pakistan is home to multiple cultures, languages, ethnicities and dynastic political system.
Bad governance, ethno-lingual differences, socio-cultural polarization, the militarizing of political issues and politicizing religious affairs are some of the burning issues which have put the integration of Pakistan in danger and dragged the country into the morass of irreparable economic losses and territorially disintegrating movements. The incumbent political government, military corridors, state institutions and civilians have to solidify integration of the state, before they disintegrate.
Generally, residents of every nation have a lot in common to live together. Having common goals, common history, common geography and common destination bring unanimity and togetherness. The integration of various races, ethnicities and languages for common destination bore fruit to a new nation – Pakistan. In primitive years, Pakistanis had common enemy and common destination; but soon after the independence, the efficacy of two-nation theory, the sense of Islamic statehood and democratic norms became merely a nightmare.
Leadership dilemma, bad governance, provincialism, regionalism and dictatorship shook national integration to the core, and the country got disintegrated in the clad of East wing. Foreign interference, socio-economic disparities, intra-provincial disputes over power sharing, sub-nationalist politics and civil-military confrontations put integration of the country at stake. For the sake of political vested interests, political parties kicked off to contest elections based on ethnicity, race, religion and language. Resultantly, social evils such as poverty, illiteracy, economic disparity, corruption, nepotism, social injustice, crimes and mutiny against state’s sovereignty took place in the country.
Naturally, the sense of deprivation and rebellious motives take roots in the suffocated segment of society. National integration in Pakistan has been a far-fetched dream to be materialized. National integration calls for religious harmony, ethnic homogeneity, lingual uniformity, racial similarity, economic equality, social justice and political inclusion to confront with faced problems. Unfortunately, national integration in Pakistan suffers from cultural and lingual multiplicity.
Every province of the country insists on promoting its own local language and culture rather than supporting national language and culture. At religious level, there are various sects, such as Bareelvi, Sunni, Shia, etc. In such a scenario, it is conjectured that, due to the lack of national integration, the country has taken a paradigm shift from Islamic nation to a territorialized nation.
For a state, political and ethnic territorialism becomes a matter of grave concern. National integration is, indeed, a political process that is panacea for rampant problems in our country. For instance, the separation of East Pakistan provoked rebellious drives in the suffocated ethnicities of the country. On the other hand, political and military corridors did not take lessons from the tragedy. Militarizing the political issues of Balochistan and showing sheer negligence in timely compensating of the war-on-terror-hit IDPs of the erstwhile FATA and tribal districts paved the way for the disintegration of the nation.
The separatist movements by Marri, Bhughti and Mengal tribes in Balochistan; PTM-like aggressive movements in KP; the slogans of Greater Punjab in Punjab; and the shibboleth of Sindho Desh in Sindh speak volumes for the existence of a fatal disintegration in Pakistan. In this respect, 18th amendment to the constitution; the induction of NFC award; the initiation of Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan package; the establishment of National Action Plan (NAP); and the merger of FATA did not work well to solidify national integration in Pakistan.
History is replete with the facts that the world has been ruled by integrated nations; while disintegrated nations have been rough materials for united nations. National integration becomes a myth when it comes to Pakistan. Due to national disintegration, Pakistan is in the tight grip of FATF and IMF. Pakistan faces foreign conspiracies, provinces-federation mistrust, religious intolerance and mutinous movements. To revive national integration in the country, Ijthehad-based Islamic teachings need to be followed.
Political issues must be demilitarized and religion must be depoliticized. Intra-provincial internship programs be launched. Balochistan and KP must be given top priority. Justice, equality and tolerance should be the identity of the nation. Masses of the nation must be educated, and disparities be eradicated. Secessionists be appeased and mainstreamed politically. The wise use of media may heal the deep wounds of national disintegration in Pakistan.
Newly unveiled National Security Policy (NSP) and National Rehmatul-Lil-Aalamin Authority (NRA) may put an end to the disintegrative factors in the country, providing implemented in letter and spirit. However, the introduction of Single National Curriculum (SNC) is an appreciating step toward reviving national integration in Pakistan, and may put an end to educational apartheid − looming large in the state. In order to overcome conventional and sub-conventional threats to national integration, the state has to treat all the provinces alike.
In a nutshell, for a state, national integration is the foundation base of development and prosperity. An integrated nation is like a paradise. To be a paradise for its dispersed masses, Pakistan has to develop all the virtues of national integration. Pakistan has already suffered from the course of disintegration and it cannot afford it anymore. Thus, it is never too late to save Pakistan from the menace of whole disintegration.
