Zeitschrift für Kunst- und Sozialwissenschaften

Dynamics of Sectarian Violence in Pakistan: Recommendations to the Policy Makers

Abstract

Asma Khan Mahsood and Muhammad Kamran

Sunni and Shia are the major sects living in Pakistan. Both the sects lived peacefully for decades. For centuries, it was a common tradition to pray at the same mosques and to intermarry. Both the sects shared faith on the concept of monotheism and the finality of last prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). They have diverse views on the interpretation of Islamic laws. But since last three decades Pakistan is under the serious threat of sectarian cruelty. The most regrettable aspect of the hostility is that both the sects are claiming that they are serving the religion. The killing of innocent peoples is in their view is to serve the religion. The extremist and radical tendencies portray the religion of peace into the religion of violence.