The rise of far-right in Europe: Pakistani diaspora and migrants

The social fabric of the contemporary world is quickly being torn down by divisive political forces, both at the global and national levels. At the global level, the return of power politics and war has polarised the nations into opposing camps. At the domestic level, undemocratic forces have taken hold of the political sphere, especially in Europe. 

Among these undemocratic forces, far-right extremism remains the most potent threat to not only the immigrants residing in European countries but the very democratic foundations of these nations. With hopes and ambitions, Pakistani immigrants to these European nations now face greater challenges to assimilate and achieve their dreams of a better lifestyle.

Pakistani diaspora is one of the largest migrant groups in Europe. Many of these migrants leave their homeland in the hope of a better livelihood. For so many years, European nations accepted immigrants with open arms and provided development opportunities to these aspiring migrants. 

However, with the rise of far-right groups, the livelihood and security of the migrant communities are now under threat. The Southport riots and the consequent attacks on South Asian migrant communities remain a vivid example of what the migrant communities may face in the future.

The top political offices in European countries are now being held by far-right parties. France’s National Rally becoming the single largest opposition party at the 2024 elections and the Alternate for Germany (AfD) becoming the first far-right party in Germany since WW-II to win a state election, highlights the growing power base of the far-right in Europe. 

In the European Parliamentary elections, far-right parties were able to secure 105 seats, accounting for 14.6 percent of the total seats and becoming the third largest group. With such parties gaining political ground, xenophobia and exclusionary politics will be much visible in the state policies. These developments could translate into a more squeezed space and freedoms for the Pakistani migrant community, resulting in economic hardships, social alienation and threats of violent attacks.

The far-right parties span their political narrative around immigration and the consequent loss of socioeconomic indicators, especially the threat to their ideology from Islam, to bolster their electoral support. This rhetoric gained prominence, especially after the 2008 financial crisis and Syrian refugee influx. Anti-Muslim hate became a prominent feature of these far-right political parties, calling for a ban on immigration and supporting anti-immigrant violence. Many of the migrants are labelled as “outsiders” or “economic burdens” along with stereotypical and racial slurs.

In areas where the far-right political parties exert greater influence, their welfare policies are strictly tied to citizenship and long-term residence proof. Such policies discriminate against migrants who are already exploited by the systemic injustice they face. Consequently, the migrant communities face further financial constraints and alienation which hinders their ability to integrate with society.

Pakistani diaspora was also at the receiving end of such xenophobic and racial violence following the Southport stabbings. The ensuing violence resulted in violent attacks on the South Asian migrant communities, especially the Pakistani diaspora. 

Many videos circulating on different social media platforms showed groups of people beating and harassing people of South Asian outlook. Even children in schools attacked their classmates of South Asian origin. Several mosques were also vandalised. Such incidents highlight the real-world ramifications of the politically divisive rhetoric spewed by the far-right political parties in Europe.

The issue of social alienation is further complex for the second and third-tier Pakistani migrants. For them, the dual identity crisis makes matters worse as they are constantly under pressure to create a balance between their ancestral heritage and the culture of their host nation. Stereotypes and racial slurs against the Pakistani migrant community exacerbate the issues of cultural assimilation, resulting in a greater divide between the host and migrant communities.

While the far-right political rhetoric and actions are potent threats to the social and economic security of the migrant communities, they also pose a significant threat to the democracy itself. A trend has emerged where mainstream political parties have also started adopting far-right narratives to attract voters, specifically targeting migration and consequent economic outfall. 

Many of the governments have started segregating migrant communities from the rest of society, clamping down on pro-immigration activists and NGOs working for the rights of migrants. This erosion of democratic principles illustrates the shrinking space for acceptability among European nations against migrants.

In millions, the Pakistani diaspora has contributed massively in cultural and economic means towards the national development of their host nations. Despite such contributions, the far-right sentiment overtakes these stories. 

The rise of far-right in Europe has reached a point where it can result in devastating outcomes if left unchecked. The host nations and the global community must come together to ensure diversity and equality. Europe’s strength lies in their multicultural social fabric and the democratic principles upon which these societies were built. Safeguarding this heritage would require these societies to not only reject but counter with equal determination the growing far-right groups.