Religion as a Political Instrument

Comparing State Assimilationist Strategies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan

Bibliographic Data

ID3522161
AuthorsUllah (0000-0002-1817-758X), Shakir Ullah (0000-0002-7691-1324, Henan Normal University), Ali Abbas (0000-0003-2804-3515, Henan Normal University, corresponding author), Usman Khan (0000-0003-0841-7989)
Year2025
Volume16
Issue7
Pages864
Publication date2025-07-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReligions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel16070864
OpenAlexW4411978677
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited35

This study explores the role of religion as a state-promoted tool for political assimilation in Pakistan's border provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. The study is based on five phases of fieldwork (2016-2024) combined with a thematic literature review. The research explores how religious strategies were deployed to forge a unified national identity in these regions. The findings reveal significant disparities in the effectiveness of these strategies. In KP, historical factors, cultural alignment, and geopolitical influences-particularly the Afghan conflict-largely facilitated the integration of Pashtun identity into Pakistan's broader Islamic-national framework. Tools such as madrassa networks, education reforms, religious slogans, and state-backed Islamist parties effectively promoted religious nationalism. In contrast, religious assimilation efforts in Balochistan largely failed due to entrenched ethnic nationalism, economic exclusion, and political marginalization. Attempts to expand madrassas, delegitimize nationalist leaders as "anti-Islamic," and support religious movements have been met with resistance, deepening distrust between the Baloch population and the state. The study found that religion alone cannot sustain national cohesion, particularly in regions with longstanding grievances and systemic inequalities. This research emphasizes the limitations of top-down, coercive assimilationist policies and underscores the necessity for more inclusive approaches, such as addressing economic disparities, recognizing regional identities, and promoting political participation as essential components for building a sustainable and unified nation. The study provides critical insights for policymakers, advocating for a shift from religious assimilation to strategies that prioritize justice, equity, and cultural accommodation, particularly in KPK and Balochistan

Cultural assimilation · Khyber pakhtunkhwa · Political science · Politics · Socioeconomics · Sociology · Law · Mathematics · Philippine History and Culture · Political Conflict and Governance · Politics and Conflicts in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Middle East