Ethnic Inequality and Social Justice

In a democratic and multiethnic country, ethnic equality and social justice are expected with a governmental policy of inclusion. The policy of the state and societal pattern of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is highly responsible for ethnic inequality. From the beginning, the Panjab-centric developmental policy and preferential attitude of the federal government of Pakistan have created ethnic inequality in the society. Apart from Panjabi, Baluch, Pashtun, Sindh, and Muhajir, there are several tribal communities in Pakistan. They are not only constitutionally excluded but also socially abandoned and economically marginalized. Due to the ethic-based partial outlook of the government, Pakistan has witnessed numerous ethnic movements. Some movements are based on identity issues, and some are on developmental issues. The Baluchistan movement of Pakistan is a long-standing and irreconcilable ethnic movement known as a regional movement. The government of Pakistan lost its eastern wings (East Pakistan) in 1971 through a bloody warfare due to discriminatory linguistic policy against the Bengali ethnic group. Pakistan did not take any lessons from the East Pakistani experience. The deficiency of democracy, the resurgence of radical forces, and the domination of the army have collectively been responsible for the nonformation of a sensible and responsible government in Pakistan that could formulate a national policy on ethnic equality. Ethnic inequality had destroyed the social fabric of Pakistan. The process of nation-building has not been completed in Pakistan due to interethnic conflicts. This chapter intends to explore the hindrances of social equality, loopholes in the Constitution, and state policy in addressing ethical puzzles. The content analysis method will be followed in this study.