Emergence of New Sectarian Fault-lines in Pakistan Baluchistan as a Launching Pad for ISIS

Abstract

Falling in the most sensitive fault-lines of sectarianism, Pakistan may become an obvious future target of ISIS owing to its central proximity. Pakistan symbolizes the international sectarian divide. Afghanistan lies in its northwest and Iran in its extreme west. The local troubles will stand only to sharpen the sectarian hatred. Pakistan’s close alliance with Saudi Arabia is not what neighboring Shi'ite Iran appreciates. Entrenched influence of ISIS will evaporate every prospect of reconciliation among the varying sects in Pakistan. Besides, the concerns and fears with regards to the human rights violations being committed by ISIS indicate that Pakistan could become a soft target for ISIS, given its vulnerable political situation in Baluchistan and over all human right situations vis-a-vis the minorities.