Migration, Immigration, and Emigration, and Their Effects on Religion, Women, and Minorities in the Developing World

Migration, Immigration, and Emigration, and Their Effects on Religion, Women, and Minorities in the Developing World

Religion has and currently has a significant impact on the society and the development of Pakistan. Pakistan was established in 1947 out of the partition of the Indian sub-continent. Created to meet the demands of Indian Muslims for their own homeland, Pakistan was originally made of two parts. Pakistan has been in several wars in the name of religion and geographical territory since its birth. The persistence of conflict in the border areas has a negative affect on all aspects of life in Pakistan and its potential for growth and economic improvement potential. The governance and security issues that Pakistan faces on a daily basis are only part of the countries challenges. The trying times of Pakistan have a foundation made of religion that hold strong today. The current turmoil in Pakistan is based around religion and religious extremism. Pakistan is not only fighting the fight with border areas but as well as the countries internal religious extremism. The tragic consequences of 9/11 had a significant impact on Pakistan. The decision was made to ally with U.S. in the name of war on terror. This put Pakistan in a difficult situation with their ally, Afghanistan. Afghanistan was an ally to Pakistan through the wars with India over religion and geographical ownership. Another consequence Pakistan is facing today is the contrast between what the U.S. government stands for and what the elected government of Pakistan stands for. The soldiers of Muslim government military are very committed but will only be as committed as their religion will allow. The pressure that the U.S. is placing on Pakistan government is pushing the line for the Pakistan military. This pressure is also causing a divide between the government and the society. Religion will always be first and foremost priority for Pakistanis and the consequences of the pressure to conform to the U.S. way is starting to show. Human Rights Watch reported, "Religious minorities faced unprecedented insecurity and persecution. Freedom of belief and expression came under severe threat as Islamist militant groups murdered Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer and Federal Minorities' Minister Shahbaz Bhatti over their public support for amending the country's often abused blasphemy laws. Pakistan's elected government notably failed to provide protection to those threatened by extremists, or to hold the extremists accountable" (World Report 2012:Pakistan, para 1). This is just one of many everyday reports of the consequences Pakistan is facing on a daily basis. Pakistan is in a war with the so called super power, internal religious extremist and the border areas all in the name of religion, faith, and freedom.

Ethnic Makeup

Pakistan has one of the world's fastest growing populations. Being a land mass that is transitionally located both in South Asia and Central Asia, the Pakistani people are a mixture of various ethnic groups. Pakistan is central located for many refugees and provides opportunity for many ethnic groups. Pakistan has shown strong commitment to the protection of Afghan refugees. After 9/11 a significant amount of Afghans fled their country to become refugees within Pakistan. According to The UN Refugee Agency (2013), Pakistan hosts over a million registered Afghans refugees and an uncertain number of illegal refugees. Afghanistan's poverty, displacement by war and natural disasters has left the majority of its citizens searching for refuge within the country of Pakistan. The government of Pakistan has yet to create and support proper channels, laws, and policies for refugees to follow. Immigration policies are

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