SUB-NATIONAL RESENTMENT AND NATIONAL SECURITY: A STUDY OF THE PASHTUN COMMUNITY IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study investigates the growing sense of resentment among Pakistan’s sub-nationalities, with a particular focus on the Pashtun community in District Swabi, and examines its implications for national security. Employing a qualitative research design, data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with students, elders, political activists, and community leaders. The findings reveal four major sources of resentment: political exclusion, economic disparity, cultural marginalization, and ineffective government response. Respondents expressed concerns over inadequate political representation, unequal resource allocation, and the neglect of their language and cultural identity in the national discourse. These factors have fostered a strong feeling of alienation, undermining trust in state institutions and threatening social cohesion. Although participants largely rejected violence, they warned that persistent neglect could breed instability and be exploited by anti-state groups. The study concludes that inclusive governance, equitable economic development, and cultural recognition are essential for mitigating tensions and strengthening national unity. By shedding light on the interplay between ethnic identity and state policy, this research provides valuable insights and practical recommendations for policymakers seeking to promote national harmony and sustainable peace in Pakistan.