EXPLORINGASSOCIATION OF ECONOMIC TIESANDSOCIAL INTERACTION BETWEEN MINORITIESAND MUSLIMS IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore how Sikh and Christian minorities in Pakistan are amalgamated in the social fabric of Muslim majority areas and to what extent their economic ties with Muslims are strengthening their overall social interaction in the area. For the purpose, a total of 372 respondents from the targeted locals residing in districts Swat and Peshawar were selected through proportional allocation through Sekaran table and data was collected based on five-point Likert scale. The economic activities of the minorities were selected as independent variables while the level of social interaction was obtained as dependent variables. The collected data was analysed at uni-variate level through frequency distribution and Chi square test was performed at bi-variate level. It was found that minorities felt marginalized in terms of economic participation which is attributed to their
lack of prestigious jobs at governmental levels and their tiny share in other socio-economic resources. However, economic transaction and business ties can enhance their socialinteraction with Muslim majority. On the other hand, strong social ties may also increase and encourage the minorities to initiate business ties with Muslim majority