Impact of ethnic diversity on community development A case study of Tehsil Ahmadpur Sial, Punjab
Date
2021
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Publisher
UMT, Lahore
Abstract
The caste, ethnic and sectarian-based diversities are very strong in rural areas of Punjab Pakistan. The Tehsil is divided into sectarian lines as well, other than the caste and Biradri based divide. Ahmadpur Sial and many other such areas with sharp social divisions have been left backward and underdeveloped and there is a need to understand the factors responsible for it. This study will try to understand the overall impact of caste, sectarian and ethnic diversity on the development, economic prosperity, and improvement in living standards of the community in Ahmadpur Sial in particular and rural areas of Punjab in general. A qualitative methodology was adopted to conduct the research. This methodology allows for bringing in the perspective of participants who are actors in the problem setting. The interview method was adopted. An open-ended interview template was prepared drawing constructs from the literature. The highlighted issues can only be solved through good governance and accountability. It is found that alongside ethnicity and sectarianism; the worst sewerage system, safe drinking water, corruption and the Patwari system are the major issues in Ahmadpur Sial. The distribution of resources and jobs is based on factionalism and favouritism. These results suggest that there is an urgency for an effective local government system to eliminate all kinds of violence and conflicts from the society that should be implemented in an actual way. Education is adverse to feudal dominance, corruption, poverty and discrimination in society. False ego, racial discrimination and pride that are major hindrances in way of collaboration with other groups are secondary things when it comes to a great purpose of collectivism.