Abstract
National integration is the pursuit for harmony within the State. Irrespective of religion, race, creed, ethnic background and language, national integration binds every segment of society for a unified cause of serving and development of a nation state; therefore, it has great relevance and a direct bearing on national security. Integration is also a consistent development in which diverse sections of society are provided with identical prospects and equal rights to enjoy several amenities devoid of any discrimination. The process of national integration will be strengthened on the precondition that governance at national level should be able to provide strong sense of national identity and national pride by equal development and ensuring equal rights for all communities, regions and the federating units. The significant task confronted by the leaders of most of the post-colonial countries is to generate national identity out of varied linguistic, regional and cultural identities. A number of developing nations particularly in Africa and Asia are confronted with problems of national integration and Pakistan is no exception. This research article sketches out the theoretical aspects related to national integration and draws its relevance by identifying challenges and implications for Pakistan. In the last part, suggestions in the form of recommendations have been proffered for enhancing national integration in the country.
Keyword(s)
National Integration, National Security, Nationalism, National Development