Ethnic mobilization and national integration: Dissecting the contours of Saraiki province movement in Pakistan

Abstract

The movement for a Saraiki province in the South Punjab region of Pakistan has gained momentum in recent years. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government promised during the election campaign to establish a South Punjab province along administrative lines. However, the Saraiki ethno-nationalists have demanded the establishment of the province along ethnic lines. The government fears this would challenge national integration by dividing the nation along ethnic lines. This study seeks to analyze the general sentiments of the people of South Punjab, where Saraikis form a majority, in order to explore whether the public sentiment resonates with the ethno-nationalist parties and factors behind the demand for a separate province. This study is conducted using quantitative methodology. Cross-sectional survey is used as a research tool for data collection, and SPSS is used for data analysis. Results show that mass sentiment does not support ethno-national federalism. Ethnic identity is not a significant factor in the demands for political autonomy.