Publication

This report focuses on sectarianism in Pakistan and its consequences. It outlines domestic extremism and the state's responses and examines sectarianism in selected regions, such as the Punjab and Balochistan. It argues that sectarian conflict in Pakistan is the direct consequence of state policies of Islamization and marginalization of secular democratic forces. Co-option and patronage of religious parties by successive military governments have brought Pakistan to a point where religious extremism threatens to erode the foundations of the state and society.