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Human Security Paradigm in Pakistan: The Case of Hazaras in Quetta, Pakistan


Article Information

Title: Human Security Paradigm in Pakistan: The Case of Hazaras in Quetta, Pakistan

Authors: Muhammad Zafar Haider

Journal: International Journal of Human and Society (IJHS)

HEC Recognition History
Category From To
Y 2024-10-01 2025-12-31
Y 2023-07-01 2024-09-30

Publisher: Educational Scholarly Horizons

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2024

Volume: 4

Issue: 3

Language: English

Categories

Abstract

Pakistan comprises a pluralistic society characterised by diverse ethnic, religious, cultural, and linguistic identities. Since its inception, Pakistan has faced numerous challenges, but diverse religious and ethnic minorities have emerged as a particularly major and complex concern for Pakistan. After gaining independence, the ruling authorities of Pakistan started to establish Islam in a manner that caused religious minorities to feel unsafe. Numerous sectarian clashes have affected the Shia Hazara community and other religious minorities. The study examines the complex nature of human security, encompassing personal, community, and political dimensions, and how these are critically endangered for the Hazara community. The Hazaras, an ethnic and religious minority, face severe threats due to sectarian violence, terrorism, and systemic discrimination, which undermine their safety, economic stability, and overall well-being.. The findings underscore the urgent need for a paradigm shift in Pakistan's approach to human security, advocating for policies that prioritize the protection and empowerment of marginalized communities. This study contributes to the broader discourse on human security by highlighting the specific vulnerabilities and resilience of the Hazaras in Quetta.
 


Research Objective

To examine the complex nature of human security, encompassing personal, community, and political dimensions, and how these are critically endangered for the Hazara community in Quetta, Pakistan.


Methodology

The study examines the human security paradigm through an analysis of the challenges faced by the Hazara community in Quetta, Pakistan. It draws on existing literature, reports from organizations like the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), and anecdotal evidence presented through interviews and news reports. The research identifies specific threats to economic, food, health, environmental, personal, community, and political security.

Methodology Flowchart
                        graph TD
    A["Analysis of Human Security Challenges for Hazara Community"] --> B["Identification of Threats"];
    B --> C["Economic Security Issues"];
    B --> D["Food Security Issues"];
    B --> E["Health Security Issues"];
    B --> F["Environmental Security Issues"];
    B --> G["Personal Security Issues"];
    B --> H["Community Security Issues"];
    B --> I["Political Security Issues"];
    C --> J["Discrimination, Poverty"];
    D --> K["Malnutrition"];
    E --> L["Limited Healthcare Access"];
    F --> M["Poor Sanitation, Disease"];
    G --> N["Violence, Fear"];
    H --> O["Social Exclusion, Division"];
    I --> P["Marginalization, Lack of Voice"];
    J --> Q["Overall Human Security Failure"];
    K --> Q;
    L --> Q;
    M --> Q;
    N --> Q;
    O --> Q;
    P --> Q;
    Q --> R["Conclusion: Need for Comprehensive Solutions"];                    

Discussion

The article argues that the human security paradigm has failed the Hazara community in Quetta. The historical context of their migration and integration into Pakistan, coupled with ongoing sectarian violence and discrimination, has created a perpetual state of vulnerability. The discussion highlights the inadequacy of state protection and the need for a paradigm shift towards policies that prioritize the safety and empowerment of marginalized communities. The role of extremist organizations and the government's response, or lack thereof, are critically analyzed.


Key Findings

The Hazara community in Quetta faces severe threats to their human security due to sectarian violence, terrorism, and systemic discrimination. This has led to economic hardship, food insecurity, limited access to healthcare, environmental degradation, constant fear for personal safety, community disintegration, and political marginalization. The state's response has been largely insufficient, with security measures often deemed inadequate by the community.


Conclusion

The human security paradigm has significantly failed the Hazara community in Quetta, leading to multifaceted insecurities. Addressing these requires a comprehensive approach involving economic empowerment, improved healthcare, enhanced security, better environmental management, social inclusion, and political representation. The study emphasizes the state's responsibility to protect minority rights and foster national integration.


Fact Check

* In 1890, a significant portion of the Hazara population relocated from central Afghanistan to Quetta due to unfairness and prejudice under Abdul Rahman Khan.
* Over 500 Shia Hazaras have suffered fatal attacks in Quetta within the last eight years, according to the NCHR report for 2018.
* Since 1999, militants and terrorists have frequently attacked the Hazara community, resulting in the deaths of almost 2000 Hazara Shia individuals through targeted killings and bombings, according to the National Commission of Human Rights.


Mind Map

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