An Inquiry into the Political Participation of Religious Minorities vis-a-vis their Democratic and Civic Socialization
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Date
2018
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UMT.Lahore
Abstract
The research was conducted to explore the political situation of religious minorities (Hindu and Sikh) of Pakistan. The objectives of the research were to explore the perception of religious minorities about their political participation, to analyze the notions of political participation of religious minorities and to identify the influences of democratic and civic socialization for political participation. For data collection, non-probability technique was used. Researcher used purposive and snowball sampling technique for present research. Twenty in-depth interviews were conducted containing twelve Hindu activists and eight Sikh activists from Punjab and Sindh. . In order to collect the data, in-depth interviews, informal meetings and observation were used as a research technique. Interview guide used as a tool for data collection. Data analysis was done in the thematic way and draw sub-themes from the main themes. It was found that religious minorities face stigmatization in urban and rural areas of Pakistan, but the intensity of stigmatization is high in rural areas as well as among uneducated people. The political rights of religious minorities are exploited in Pakistan. The Pakistani government shows the diplomatic attitude for religious minorities in front of foreign persons. Religious minorities are also exploited from politically elected member of their own community. They face negligence from state, extremist groups exploit them and the general public, who show hatred towards religious minorities. Religious minorities demand for the transition from the unified to the dual voting system. The element of tolerance for other religions is very less among people of this society.