Intra Ethnic Fragmentation in the Sindhi Nationalist Movement: A Case Study (1988–2018)

Abstract

This study explores the phenomenon of intra ethnic fragmentation within the Sindhi nationalist movement in Pakistan between 1988 and 2018. Since a plethora of scholarly insights is available on ethnic politics in Pakistan with particular focus on inter-ethnic tensions and state minority relations, this paper examines the internal fissures and fragmentations that have articulated the political path of Sindhi nationalism. Digging through primary and secondary sources, including party documents, and academic literature, the research investigates the ideological, organizational, and leadership based divisions that have emerged among key Sindhi nationalist actors. The analysis reveals that while the movement has maintained a shared ethno linguistic identity, the internal rifts were pervasive and persistent.  The nature of fissures were ideological, Political, structural, contrary personalist leadership styles, and divergent strategic priorities that manifested per se as variant unnatural alliances, mass contacts, electoral struggles and results. These intra ethnic cleavages have weakened the political effectiveness of Sindhi nationalist parties and diluted their ability to influence mainstream politics or extract meaningful concessions from the state. According to the study, ethnic organizations should be viewed as places where different opinions and conflicting aims reshape ongoing events. Studying this case enhances discussions on ethnic issues, nationalistic sentiments and the impact of political breakup in countries that gained independence after being ruled by another nation.