Religion and Politics: A Conundrum of Identity Formation and Political Movements in Malakand, Pakistan

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17305601

Abstract

This paper examines the dynamics of religious identity, exclusivism, and violence, and their impact on socio-political transformations in the Malakand Division of Pakistan. The people of Pakistan—particularly those in Malakand—demonstrate a deep emotional attachment to religion, which is often exploited by extremist groups in the region. The intersection of religion and politics here is both intricate and far-reaching, exerting a profound influence on the Pakistani state and society. This study is grounded in field research and relies on primary data collected through interviews, focus group discussions with diverse social groups as well as an analysis of friday sermons (Khutbah) in mosques in the research area. The thematic findings are generated by using the theoretical framework of Mary Douglas’ Enclave Theory. The findings suggest that rigid religious ideologies, intra-faith doctrinal differences, contested dogmatic narratives propagated by radicals at the societal level, and the emergence of counter-narratives promoting peaceful coexistence, compassion, and pluralism, all shape the socio-political landscape of Malakand. The religious rhetorics generated within the tribal social order were made more complex by state interventions. The post-colonial state structure has influenced local level power alliances in an attempt to transform the social order from informal tribal led governance to more formal state led one. The study argues that faith-based divisions and the polemics employed by religious scholars has impacted traditional cultural and religious identity and significantly contributed to provocation and violence in the region, which is apparently associated with Pashtun culture.

Keywords: religious identity, exclusivism, violence, socio-political transformation, narrative, world view