Genealogical Sociology of Sectarianism: A Case Study of Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan

Abstract

In “Genealogical Sociology of Sectarianism: A Case Study of Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan”, Tahir Kamran discusses the example of SSP to argue that the causes other than ideological divide are important in tracing the genealogical sociology of the militant organization. Different groups and stakeholders involved in the conflict deploy multiple strategies to further their interests. SSP represented more than just a violent struggle against the Shia sect. Historically it was also a legacy of Ahrar; socially it was a confrontation of urban nouveau riche in collaboration with the migrant community, who were politically dispossessed by the Shia landlords; and, in a much wider context, it served as a means to counter the Iranianization of Pakistan—the agenda set forth by General Zia ul Haq and the military establishment with the aid of Saudi Arabia. Hence at various levels the same organization acted with multiple guises, purposes and functionalities by serving the interests of various groups and states.