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RISE OF POPULISM IN 21 st CENTURY IN PAKISTAN AND THE RISE OF IMRAN
KHAN BS (4-Year Programme)
Thesis · July 2024
DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.13228.88969
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RISE OF POPULISM IN 21 st CENTURY IN PAKISTAN AND THE RISE OF IMRAN
KHAN BS (4-Year Programme)
Thesis · July 2024
DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.13228.88969
CITATIONS
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READS
376
3 authors, including:
Sayed Khalid Ullah Shah
University of Peshawar
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RISE OF POPULISM IN 21st CENTURY IN PAKISTAN AND THE RISE OF IMRAN KHAN BY SYED KHALID ULLAH SHAH BS (4-Year Programme) DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE UNIVERSITY OF PESHAWAR SESSION: 2018 – 2022. 

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RISE OF POPULISM IN 21st CENTURY IN PAKISTAN 
AND THE RISE OF IMRAN KHAN 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BY 
SYED KHALID ULLAH SHAH 
BS (4-Year Programme) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE 
UNIVERSITY OF PESHAWAR  
SESSION: 2018 – 2022

i RISE OF POPULISM IN 21st CENTURY IN PAKISTAN AND THE RISE OF IMRAN KHAN This Thesis submitted to Department of Political Science, University of Peshawar, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Award of Degree of Bachelor Studies in Political Science Supervised By DR. AAMER RAZA Assistant Professor JULY, 2022 DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE UNIVERSITY OF PESHAWAR. 

Scene 3

i 
RISE OF POPULISM IN 21st CENTURY IN PAKISTAN 
AND THE RISE OF IMRAN KHAN  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This Thesis submitted to 
Department of Political Science, University of Peshawar, 
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Award of 
Degree of Bachelor Studies in Political Science 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supervised By 
DR. AAMER RAZA  
Assistant Professor 
 
 
 
 
JULY, 2022 
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE 
UNIVERSITY OF PESHAWAR

ii APPROVAL SHEET This is to certify that the thesis titled “Rise of Populism in 21st Century in Pakistan and the Rise of Imran Khan”, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Award of the Degree of Bachelor Studies in Political Science has been approved by the supervisory committee. Supervisor/Internal Examiner: ____________________________ DR. AAMER RAZA Assistant Professor Department of Political Science University of Peshawar External Examiner: _________________________________ Chairman: _____________________________ Date: _____________________________. 

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ii 
APPROVAL SHEET 
This is to certify that the thesis titled “Rise of Populism in 21st Century in Pakistan and 
the Rise of Imran Khan”, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Award of the Degree 
of Bachelor Studies in Political Science has been approved by the supervisory committee. 
 
 
 
Supervisor/Internal Examiner:  
____________________________ 
DR. AAMER RAZA  
Assistant Professor 
Department of Political Science 
University of Peshawar 
 
 
 
External Examiner: 
 
 
_________________________________ 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
Chairman:   
 
 
 
_____________________________ 
  
 
 
 
Date:  
 
 
 
 
_____________________________

DDeeddiiccaattiioonn II ddeeddiiccaattee mmyy tthheessiiss ttoo mmyy PPaarreennttss wwiitthh lloovvee aanndd rreessppeecctt,, wwiitthhoouutt tthheeiirr pprraayyeerrss aanndd ssuuppppoorrtt;; II wwoouulldd nnoott bbee iinn ppoossiittiioonn,, wwhhaatt II aamm ttooddaayy!!. 

Scene 5

DDeeddiiccaattiioonn  
 
 
II  ddeeddiiccaattee  mmyy  tthheessiiss  ttoo  mmyy    
PPaarreennttss    
wwiitthh  lloovvee  aanndd  rreessppeecctt,,  wwiitthhoouutt  
tthheeiirr  pprraayyeerrss    
aanndd  ssuuppppoorrtt;;  II  wwoouulldd  nnoott  bbee  iinn  
ppoossiittiioonn,,  wwhhaatt  II  aamm  ttooddaayy!!

i ABSTRACT Populism is a significant debate in the field of political science. It is exercised in politics in different parts of the world and appeals most to the people as well. Since the inception of Pakistan, it has existed in Pakistan both in democratic and non-democratic regimes. This study is significant as it explores the rise of Imran Khan as a populist leader in the 21st century. However, the populist narratives of Imran Khan have been changing with the passage of time. For instance, in 2011, his narrative was mainly against the alleged corruption by the opposition groups and to ensure accountability. Similarly, from 2018 to 2022, along with the initial narrative, religion has remained in his populist politics, and after the vote of no confidence against his government redesigned the narrative blamed American interference in the politics of Pakistan. This study identifies that the rise of populism is a threat to parliamentary democracy. It analyses the damages caused to the democratic setup of Pakistan in the past as a result of populism. Similarly, it also highlights the implications of the populist narrative of Imran Khan on the domestic politics of Pakistan. For instance, polarization of politics, divisiveness of people on the basis of parties’ affiliation, and the minimization of tolerance level in society are included. At the end, different suggestions and recommendations are given as alternatives to counter populism that is proving dangerous for the democratic setup. The applicable method of analyzing the data is qualitative, based on primary and secondary sources. In primary sources, academic scholars are interviewed through semi-
structured interviews; in secondary sources, books, research articles, videos of different speeches by Imran Khan, and newspaper reports are included. Key Words: Populism, Parliamentary Democracy, Pluralism, Tolerance, divisiveness polarization of politics, Accountability, corruption, Alternatives, suggestions, Implications.. 

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i 
ABSTRACT 
Populism is a significant debate in the field of political science. It is exercised in 
politics in different parts of the world and appeals most to the people as well. Since the 
inception of Pakistan, it has existed in Pakistan both in democratic and non-democratic 
regimes. This study is significant as it explores the rise of Imran Khan as a populist leader in 
the 21st century. However, the populist narratives of Imran Khan have been changing with the 
passage of time. For instance, in 2011, his narrative was mainly against the alleged corruption 
by the opposition groups and to ensure accountability. Similarly, from 2018 to 2022, along 
with the initial narrative, religion has remained in his populist politics, and after the vote of no 
confidence against his government redesigned the narrative blamed American interference in 
the politics of Pakistan. This study identifies that the rise of populism is a threat to 
parliamentary democracy. It analyses the damages caused to the democratic setup of Pakistan 
in the past as a result of populism. Similarly, it also highlights the implications of the populist 
narrative of Imran Khan on the domestic politics of Pakistan. For instance, polarization of 
politics, divisiveness of people on the basis of parties’ affiliation, and the minimization of 
tolerance level in society are included. At the end, different suggestions and recommendations 
are given as alternatives to counter populism that is proving dangerous for the democratic 
setup. The applicable method of analyzing the data is qualitative, based on primary and 
secondary sources. In primary sources, academic scholars are interviewed through semi-
structured interviews; in secondary sources, books, research articles, videos of different 
speeches by Imran Khan, and newspaper reports are included. 
Key Words: Populism, Parliamentary Democracy, Pluralism, Tolerance, divisiveness 
polarization of politics, Accountability, corruption, Alternatives, suggestions, 
Implications.

ii TABLE OF CONTENTS S.No. Topic Page No. Abstract i Acknowledgement iii Acronyms iv Chapter – 1 1. INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 Statement of the Problem 3 1.3 Significance of the Study 3 1.4 Objectives of the Study 3 1.5 Research Questions 3 1.6 Research Methodology 3 1.7 Data Collection 1.7.1 Primary Data 1.7.2 Secondary Data 3 1.8 Purposive Sampling 4 1.9 Theoretical Framework 4 1.10 Critical Discourse Analysis 4 Chapter – 2 2. LITERATURE REVIEW 6 2.1 The Articulation of Discourse in Populism Understanding 21st century Pakistan. Research Article 6 2.2 Why Populism can Survive the Pandemic 7 2.3 How Corona Virus Tests European Democracy 8 2.4 What is populism, and what does the term actually mean? 9 2.5 Populism in Pakistan 9 2.6 Perils of Pakistan 10 2.7 Religion and Populism in the Global South: Islamist Civilisationism of Pakistan’s Imran Khan 11 2.8 Valence Populism in Pakistan 13 2.9 What is populism? 14 2.10 Populism a very short introduction 16 Chapter – 3 3. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF POPULISM IN GENERAL AND PARTICULAR IN PAKISTAN 17 4 4. 

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ii 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
S.No. 
Topic 
Page No. 
 
Abstract 
i 
 
Acknowledgement 
iii 
 
Acronyms 
iv 
 
Chapter – 1  
 
1. 
INTRODUCTION 
1 
1.1 
Introduction 
1 
1.2 
Statement of the Problem 
3 
1.3 
Significance of the Study 
3 
1.4 
Objectives of the Study 
3 
1.5 
Research Questions 
3 
1.6 
Research Methodology 
3 
1.7 
Data Collection 
1.7.1  Primary Data                   
1.7.2  Secondary Data 
3 
1.8 
Purposive Sampling 
4 
1.9 
Theoretical Framework 
4 
1.10 
Critical Discourse Analysis 
4 
 
Chapter – 2  
 
2. 
LITERATURE REVIEW 
6 
2.1 
The Articulation of Discourse in Populism Understanding 21st century 
Pakistan. Research Article 
6 
2.2 
Why Populism can Survive the Pandemic 
7 
2.3 
How Corona Virus Tests European Democracy 
8 
2.4 
What is populism, and what does the term actually mean? 
9 
2.5 
Populism in Pakistan 
9 
2.6 
Perils of Pakistan 
10 
2.7 
Religion and Populism in the Global South: Islamist Civilisationism of 
Pakistan’s Imran Khan 
11 
2.8 
Valence Populism in Pakistan 
13 
2.9 
What is populism? 
14 
2.10 
Populism a very short introduction 
16 
 
Chapter – 3  
 
3. 
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF POPULISM IN GENERAL AND 
PARTICULAR IN PAKISTAN 
17 
4 
4

iii 3.1 Introduction 17 3.2 Populism in Roman Empire 17 3.3 Populism in 18th and 19th century in Europe 18 3.4 Populism in 20th Century 19 3.5 Populism in 21st century 20 3.6 History of Populism in Pakistan 3.6.1 1st Phase of Populism in Pakistan 21 3.7 Conclusion 22 Chapter – 4 4. POPULIST NARRATIVE OF IMRAN KHAN AND ITS IMPLICATIONS 24 4.1 Introduction 24 4.2 Definition of Populism from the perspective of Academia 24 4.3 Populism as a Global Phenomenon 26 4.4 Populism in west and that of Pakistan 27 4.5 Factors which constitute the populist Narrative in Pakistan and particularly that of Imran Khan 29 4.6 The changing populist Narrative of Imran Khan 31 4.7 Implication of Populist Narrative of Imran Khan 33 4.8 Conclusion 35 Chapter – 5 5. Conclusion 36 5.1 Suggestions to Promote Populism 38 6. References 42 7. Appendices 44 21. 

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iii 
3.1 
Introduction 
17 
3.2 
Populism in Roman Empire 
17 
3.3 
Populism in 18th and 19th century in Europe 
18 
3.4 
Populism in 20th Century 
19 
3.5 
Populism in 21st century 
20 
3.6 
History of Populism in Pakistan 
3.6.1      1st Phase of Populism in Pakistan 
21 
3.7 
Conclusion 
22 
 
Chapter – 4  
 
4. 
POPULIST NARRATIVE OF IMRAN KHAN AND ITS 
IMPLICATIONS 
24 
4.1 
Introduction 
24 
4.2 
Definition of Populism from the perspective of Academia 
24 
4.3 
Populism as a Global Phenomenon 
26 
4.4 
Populism in west and that of Pakistan 
27 
4.5 
Factors which constitute the populist Narrative in Pakistan and particularly 
that of Imran Khan 
29 
4.6 
The changing populist Narrative of Imran Khan 
 31 
4.7 
Implication of Populist Narrative of Imran Khan 
33 
4.8 
Conclusion 
35 
 
Chapter – 5  
 
5. 
Conclusion 
36 
5.1 
Suggestions to Promote Populism 
38 
6. 
References 
42 
7. 
Appendices 
44 
 
21

iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This research work would not have been possible without the help, support and encouragement of numerous people. The first and the foremost person who deserves my greatest thankfulness is my research supervisor Dr. Aamer Raza, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Peshawar. His intellectual guidance, leadership, incredible patience and friendly attitude, encouragement, academic guidance and support enabled me to complete my thesis successfully. I am also very grateful and have a deep appreciation for my teachers Prof. Dr. Zahid Anwar, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Peshawar, Dr. Shahida Aman, Chairperson, Department of Political Science, University of Peshawar, Dr. Muhammad Ayub Jan, Assistant Professor, Dr. Noreen Naseer, Assistant Professor, whom remain no stone unturned during my academic career. It would be injustice by not mentioning the name of Mr. Shahzad Ali, in my entire journey of research work as well as in my 4 year BS career in this department, the way he taught the course of the research methodology and gave us valuable suggestions during my research work. I am indebted to my ex-roommate and friend Maaz Khan Marwat as well Sabahat Rauf for their support and fruitful discussion in my entire journey of University life. I am grateful and obliged to Mr. Abdul Wakeel (CSP) Officer, Dr. Najeeb Ullah, Dr. Rahman Ullah, Miss Tabassum Mushtaq, Dr. Muhammad Ilyas, Mr. Yaseen Ullah, Mr. Waseem Ullah and for their valuable suggestions, emotional help and encouragement. Sincere thanks to some of my fellows, Sajad ullah, Mohsin Khan, Syed Hasnain Bacha and Muhammad Zahoor Ullah Khan, that they supported me in completion of my task successfully. My heartfelt appreciativeness must go to my family for their financial support and love. Without their support, I was to be an illiterate individual of a society. Sincere thanks to Dr. Shahzada Gulfam, Librarian, Department of Political Science and Mr. Shams ul Amin, Assistant B.S, Department of Political Science, University of Peshawar. Last but not the least; I can’t explain my gratitude and thankfulness in words to my friend and junior to whom I call “Wara” with love and care. Syed Khalid Ullah Shah. 

Scene 9

iv 
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 
 
This research work would not have been possible without the help, support and 
encouragement of numerous people. The first and the foremost person who deserves my 
greatest thankfulness is my research supervisor Dr. Aamer Raza, Assistant Professor, 
Department of Political Science, University of Peshawar. His intellectual guidance, leadership, 
incredible patience and friendly attitude, encouragement, academic guidance and support 
enabled me to complete my thesis successfully. 
I am also very grateful and have a deep appreciation for my teachers Prof. Dr. Zahid 
Anwar, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Peshawar, Dr. Shahida Aman, 
Chairperson, Department of Political Science, University of Peshawar, Dr. Muhammad Ayub 
Jan, Assistant Professor, Dr. Noreen Naseer, Assistant Professor, whom remain no stone 
unturned during my academic career. It would be injustice by not mentioning the name of Mr. 
Shahzad Ali, in my entire journey of research work as well as in my 4 year BS career in this 
department, the way he taught the course of the research methodology and gave us valuable 
suggestions during my research work. I am indebted to my ex-roommate and friend Maaz 
Khan Marwat as well Sabahat Rauf for their support and fruitful discussion in my entire 
journey of University life. 
I am grateful and obliged to Mr. Abdul Wakeel (CSP) Officer, Dr. Najeeb Ullah, Dr. 
Rahman Ullah, Miss Tabassum Mushtaq, Dr. Muhammad Ilyas, Mr. Yaseen Ullah, Mr. 
Waseem Ullah and for their valuable suggestions, emotional help and encouragement. Sincere 
thanks to some of my fellows, Sajad ullah, Mohsin Khan, Syed Hasnain Bacha and 
Muhammad Zahoor Ullah Khan, that they supported me in completion of my task successfully.  
My heartfelt appreciativeness must go to my family for their financial support and love. 
Without their support, I was to be an illiterate individual of a society. Sincere thanks to Dr. 
Shahzada Gulfam, Librarian, Department of Political Science and Mr. Shams ul Amin, 
Assistant B.S, Department of Political Science, University of Peshawar. 
Last but not the least; I can’t explain my gratitude and thankfulness in words to my 
friend and junior to whom I call “Wara” with love and care. 
Syed Khalid Ullah Shah

v ACRONYMS AKP Adalet Ve Kalkınma Partisi ANP Awami National Party BBC British Broadcasting Corporation BJP Bharatiya Janata Party CSP Civil Service Pakistan CNN Cable News Network EU European Union JUI (F) Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan (Fazlur Rahman) KP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa MMA Muttahida Majlis–e–Amal MNA Members of National Assembly MQM Muttahida Qaumi Movement NAB National Accountability Bureau NGOs Non-Governmental Organizations NRO National Reconciliation Ordinance OIC Organization of Islamic cooperation PTI Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf PPP Pakistan People’s Party PML (N) Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) PMAP Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party PDM Pakistan Democratic Movement SNC Single National curriculum TLP Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan TTP Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan USSR Union of Soviet Socialist Republics UK United Kingdom USA United States of America. 

Scene 10

v 
ACRONYMS 
AKP  
Adalet Ve Kalkınma Partisi 
ANP  
Awami National Party 
BBC  
British Broadcasting Corporation 
BJP 
 
Bharatiya Janata Party 
CSP 
 
Civil Service Pakistan 
CNN  
Cable News Network 
EU 
 
European Union 
JUI (F)  
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan (Fazlur Rahman) 
KP 
 
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa  
MMA  
Muttahida Majlis–e–Amal  
MNA  
Members of National Assembly  
MQM  
Muttahida Qaumi Movement 
NAB  
National Accountability Bureau 
NGOs  
Non-Governmental Organizations 
NRO  
National Reconciliation Ordinance 
OIC 
 
Organization of Islamic cooperation 
PTI 
 
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf  
PPP 
 
Pakistan People’s Party  
PML (N) 
Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz)  
PMAP  
Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party  
PDM  
Pakistan Democratic Movement 
SNC 
 
Single National curriculum 
TLP 
 
Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan 
TTP 
 
Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan 
USSR  
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics 
UK 
 
United Kingdom 
USA  
United States of America

1 CHAPTER – 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 INTRODUCTION The word populism has been defined by different scholars in different ways. Although, it is the global political phenomena but still its definition and concept vary from region to region. In Europe this term is defined as “we” and the “Other” in which we mean Europeans and the others means foreigners or emigrants. In United States this term is associated with the rise of Donald Trump and there it may be define as We the white Christian people of United States and the others are the rest of the communities living in United States. In south Asia this term is more associated with religion and Elitism. For instance in our neighboring country India it may be define as “We” and the “others” in which we means the followers of Bahrati Janta Party (BJP) and the other means that rest of the communities living in India. In Pakistan it is understood as we the poor people of Pakistan and the others corrupt Elite of the Pakistan. Therefore, this term is very dynamic in nature and there is no single definition for it. In a broader sense Jagers and Walgrave have given us a definition “Populism always refers to the people and justifies its actions by appealing to and identifying with the people; it is rooted in anti-elite feelings; and it considers the people as a monolithic group without internal differences except for some very specific categories who are subject to an exclusion strategy”1 (Rastogi, 2021). Populism is now the hot debated topic in the field of Political Science as well as international relations. All the International and National leaders use it what we call it ideology or Phenomena for gaining their Political gains. Consequently, in this modern time almost more than half of the world population is ruling under this ideology. It is the very obvious and dangerous threat to the world peace and democracy. All the Democracies are facing severe hardships from this evil. Even the biggest and oldest democracies also not secured themselves from it. Somewhere it changes the entire course of history and somewhere it divided the nation psychologically. Along with the threat to democracy, it is now becoming the threat for globalization too. As Brexit2 is its very recent example. In south Asia, recently in 2020, populism mobilized the two nuclear Powers countries to the extent of War. 1 BALFOUR, R. (2020). Why Populism Can Survive the Pandemic. Carnegie Europe. https://carnegieeurope.eu/2020/07/15/why-populism-can-survive-pandemic-pub-82293 2 The term Brexit means the exit of British from Europe Union. It was happened in 2020.. 

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1 
CHAPTER – 1   
INTRODUCTION 
1.1 
INTRODUCTION 
 
The word populism has been defined by different scholars in different ways. Although, 
it is the global political phenomena but still its definition and concept vary from region to 
region. In Europe this term is defined as “we” and the “Other” in which we mean Europeans 
and the others means foreigners or emigrants. In United States this term is associated with the 
rise of Donald Trump and there it may be define as We the white Christian people of United 
States and the others are the rest of the communities living in United States. In south Asia this 
term is more associated with religion and Elitism. For instance in our neighboring country 
India it may be define as “We” and the “others” in which we means the followers of Bahrati 
Janta Party (BJP) and the other means that rest of the communities living in India. In Pakistan 
it is understood as we the poor people of Pakistan and the others corrupt Elite of the Pakistan. 
Therefore, this term is very dynamic in nature and there is no single definition for it. In a 
broader sense Jagers and Walgrave have given us a definition “Populism always refers to the 
people and justifies its actions by appealing to and identifying with the people; it is rooted in 
anti-elite feelings; and it considers the people as a monolithic group without internal 
differences except for some very specific categories who are subject to an exclusion strategy”1 
(Rastogi, 2021). 
 
Populism is now the hot debated topic in the field of Political Science as well as 
international relations. All the International and National leaders use it what we call it ideology 
or Phenomena for gaining their Political gains. Consequently, in this modern time almost more 
than half of the world population is ruling under this ideology. It is the very obvious and 
dangerous threat to the world peace and democracy. All the Democracies are facing severe 
hardships from this evil. Even the biggest and oldest democracies also not secured themselves 
from it. Somewhere it changes the entire course of history and somewhere it divided the nation 
psychologically. Along with the threat to democracy, it is now becoming the threat for 
globalization too. As Brexit2 is its very recent example. In south Asia, recently in 2020, 
populism mobilized the two nuclear Powers countries to the extent of War.  
                                                             
1 BALFOUR, R. (2020). Why Populism Can Survive the Pandemic. Carnegie Europe. 
https://carnegieeurope.eu/2020/07/15/why-populism-can-survive-pandemic-pub-82293 
 
2 The term Brexit means the exit of British from Europe Union. It was happened in 2020.

2 Some Political scientists and analysts in Pakistan consider the rise of Imran Khan and his victory in 2018 elections as a result of Populism. As long as, looking to the statements of Imran khan and his team, one can smell the fragrance of populism from it. Hence, Pakistan is also passing from this global phenomenon and being a developing country it is very alarming and serious threat for the democratic culture of the country. The way people have been divided in the country in this government is not somehow the essence of Politics. A country like Pakistan cannot endure such development in democratic culture. As after long time, the democratic process has been prevailed in the country and the rise of Imran khan might not cause a threat for its decline. This thesis analyzes the rise of Populism in 21st century in Pakistan and the rise of Imran Khan in the Political arena of Pakistan. This research consists of five main parts/chapters. The first part of this research is about the brief introduction of Topic, Objectives of the research; research Questions, theoretical framework and the methodology of Research. The second part consists of the review of available literature regarding the topic. In this part more than ten authentic sources are studied and then written their central themes of each source in the form of Paragraphs. This part is kept comprehensive in order to put more and more information in it. In the third chapter the historical background of Populism has been discussed in general as this concept has a very long lasting history and then it is particularized with the historical background of Populism in Pakistan. In this part of the research it has been discussed that how populism in different times played a positive role in the society. At the same time, it also discusses that when the leaders misuse this political ideology then how it pushed the world towards destruction and revolutions. This chapter further describes the events and personalities which are related with this topic. Moreover, it includes the causes behind the rise of it. The chapter number four discusses Populist narrative of Imran khan and its implications. It means what was his agenda and Narrative before elections of 2018 and what is his agenda and narrative when he is in Power. This chapter will discuss how the Imran khan played different cards like religious cards, Kashmir card and in order to legitimize himself among the people. In order to get data a questionnaire was framed and then shared it with different professors, MPhil Scholars, and Ph.D. scholars. In this chapter of the research almost more than 10 key informants interview have been conducted with Professors, PHD, and MPhil scholars of department of Political science and international Relations University of Peshawar. The opinions of respected respondents are the part of this research. In this regard one fresh CSP is also interviewed.. 

Scene 12

2 
 
Some Political scientists and analysts in Pakistan consider the rise of Imran Khan and 
his victory in 2018 elections as a result of Populism. As long as, looking to the statements of 
Imran khan and his team, one can smell the fragrance of populism from it. Hence, Pakistan is 
also passing from this global phenomenon and being a developing country it is very alarming 
and serious threat for the democratic culture of the country. The way people have been divided 
in the country in this government is not somehow the essence of Politics. A country like 
Pakistan cannot endure such development in democratic culture. As after long time, the 
democratic process has been prevailed in the country and the rise of Imran khan might not 
cause a threat for its decline. 
 
This thesis analyzes the rise of Populism in 21st century in Pakistan and the rise of 
Imran Khan in the Political arena of Pakistan. 
 
This research consists of five main parts/chapters. The first part of this research is about 
the brief introduction of Topic, Objectives of the research; research Questions, theoretical 
framework and the methodology of Research. The second part consists of the review of 
available literature regarding the topic. In this part more than ten authentic sources are studied 
and then written their central themes of each source in the form of Paragraphs. This part is kept 
comprehensive in order to put more and more information in it. 
 
In the third chapter the historical background of Populism has been discussed in general 
as this concept has a very long lasting history and then it is particularized with the historical 
background of Populism in Pakistan. In this part of the research it has been discussed that how 
populism in different times played a positive role in the society. At the same time, it also 
discusses that when the leaders misuse this political ideology then how it pushed the world 
towards destruction and revolutions. This chapter further describes the events and personalities 
which are related with this topic. Moreover, it includes the causes behind the rise of it. 
 
The chapter number four discusses Populist narrative of Imran khan and its 
implications. It means what was his agenda and Narrative before elections of 2018 and what is 
his agenda and narrative when he is in Power. This chapter will discuss how the Imran khan 
played different cards like religious cards, Kashmir card and in order to legitimize himself 
among the people. In order to get data a questionnaire was framed and then shared it with 
different professors, MPhil Scholars, and Ph.D. scholars. In this chapter of the research almost 
more than 10 key informants interview have been conducted with Professors, PHD, and MPhil 
scholars of department of Political science and international Relations University of Peshawar. 
The opinions of respected respondents are the part of this research. In this regard one fresh 
CSP is also interviewed.

3 The fifth part of this Research includes the conclusion, suggestions and recommendations in the light of theoretical framework. In the conclusion, a short summary of the entire study is included. It has been tried to cover more and more aspects of the topic according to resources and requirements it is up to the mark. 1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM Since the inception of Pakistan, democracy is passing through the difficult stages. As we had seen in the past that it was curtailed by military dictatorships and then they ruled the country for years. Now the democracy of Pakistan cannot bear the phenomenon of populism because of its diverse population. As Pakistan is multi-ethnic, cultural society and rise of such kind of ideology is somehow alarming threat for the country stability and particularly for the democracy. Therefore, the forces behind the rise of this ideology are discussed here in this study. 1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY Democracy is considered to be the most efficient system of governance in which majority rules peacefully. Similarly, there are a lot of obstacles in the way of democracy in Pakistan. Many of them have been discussed by different researchers and political scientists. This study will focus on the ideology of populism that how it is the threat to democracy in Pakistan. Along with this, the study will focus on the rise of Imran khan as a populist leader. 1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY 1. To analyze the concept of populism in General and Particularly in Pakistan. 2. To evaluate the nature of Populism in 21st century Pakistan 3. To investigate the impact of populism on Parliamentary democracy 1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS 1. What are the factors which constitute the whole populist narrative in Pakistan particularly that of Imran Khan? 2. How the Populist Narrative of Imran Khan is changing with the passage of time? 3. Has the populist narrative resulted in divisiveness? 1.6 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY The study is based on Qualitative method of Research for which both primary and secondary sources will be consulted. 1.7 DATA COLLECTION. 

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3 
 
The fifth part of this Research includes the conclusion, suggestions and 
recommendations in the light of theoretical framework. In the conclusion, a short summary of 
the entire study is included. It has been tried to cover more and more aspects of the topic 
according to resources and requirements it is up to the mark.  
1.2 
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM 
 
Since the inception of Pakistan, democracy is passing through the difficult stages. As 
we had seen in the past that it was curtailed by military dictatorships and then they ruled the 
country for years. Now the democracy of Pakistan cannot bear the phenomenon of populism 
because of its diverse population. As Pakistan is multi-ethnic, cultural society and rise of such 
kind of ideology is somehow alarming threat for the country stability and particularly for the 
democracy. Therefore, the forces behind the rise of this ideology are discussed here in this 
study. 
1.3 
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY 
 
Democracy is considered to be the most efficient system of governance in which 
majority rules peacefully. Similarly, there are a lot of obstacles in the way of democracy in 
Pakistan. Many of them have been discussed by different researchers and political scientists. 
This study will focus on the ideology of populism that how it is the threat to democracy in 
Pakistan. Along with this, the study will focus on the rise of Imran khan as a populist leader.  
1.4 
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY 
1. 
To analyze the concept of populism in General and Particularly in Pakistan. 
2. 
To evaluate the nature of Populism in 21st century Pakistan  
3. 
To investigate the impact of populism on Parliamentary democracy 
1.5 
RESEARCH QUESTIONS 
1. 
What are the factors which constitute the whole populist narrative in Pakistan 
particularly that of Imran Khan?  
2. 
How the Populist Narrative of Imran Khan is changing with the passage of time?  
3. 
Has the populist narrative resulted in divisiveness?  
1.6 
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 
The study is based on Qualitative method of Research for which both primary and 
secondary sources will be consulted. 
1.7 
DATA COLLECTION

4 Both the Primary and secondary data have been consulted. 1.7.1 Primary Data In order to get primary data MPhil and Ph.D. Scholars of Political Science department and International relations department (IR) of University of Peshawar are interviewed. Moreover, some of the professors of the said departments are also interviewed. 1.7.2 Secondary Data Along with primary data, the secondary data had consulted in which different research articles, opinions of the different political analysts, BBC reports and books regarding the research topic have been studied. Along with this, different speeches of Imran Khan are seen to extract different themes from it. Through the mentioned ways, the date was gathered, analyzed and interpreted. 1.8 PURPOSIVE SAMPLING Almost ten people have been interviewed for finding their opinion on the respective topic. All the interviews which have been conducted are purely expert interviews. Most of them are associated with teaching background. 1.9 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK As populism is inevitable consequence of Liberalism. In this regard, one of the Belgian Political theorists Chantal Mouffe provides the concept of pluralist democracy. According to it within Political we can create or maintain the Pluralist democracy. Such an order can be maintained on a distinction between “enemy” and “adversary”. It needed that within the context of the political community, the opponent should be considered not as an enemy to be destroyed, but as an adversary whose existence is legitimate and must be tolerated. In this thesis the mentioned concept has been analyzed with the case study of Imran Khan (Mouffe, 2020).3 1.10 CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS In this part, I analyzed different speeches of Imran khan in which I identified different themes upon which the populist narrative of Imran khan rests. Along with this, I listened to different interviews of Imran khan and extracted the main themes of those speeches and then analyzed all those speeches and interviews. In order to analyze the discourse I had been applied critical discourse analysis as developed by Norman Fairclough in his work. Fairclough argues that based upon a three-dimensional conception of discourse, and correspondingly a three- 3 Mouffe, C. (2020). For an Agonistic Pluralism. In Chantal Mouffe The Return of the Political. https://www.versobooks.com/blogs/4632-for-an-agonistic-pluralism. 

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4 
Both the Primary and secondary data have been consulted. 
1.7.1 Primary Data 
In order to get primary data MPhil and Ph.D. Scholars of Political Science department 
and International relations department (IR) of University of Peshawar are interviewed. 
Moreover, some of the professors of the said departments are also interviewed.  
1.7.2 Secondary Data 
Along with primary data, the secondary data had consulted in which different research 
articles, opinions of the different political analysts, BBC reports and books regarding 
the research topic have been studied. Along with this, different speeches of Imran Khan 
are seen to extract different themes from it. Through the mentioned ways, the date was 
gathered, analyzed and interpreted. 
1.8 
PURPOSIVE SAMPLING 
Almost ten people have been interviewed for finding their opinion on the respective 
topic. All the interviews which have been conducted are purely expert interviews. Most of 
them are associated with teaching background.  
1.9 
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK 
As populism is inevitable consequence of Liberalism. In this regard, one of the Belgian 
Political theorists Chantal Mouffe provides the concept of pluralist democracy. According to it 
within Political we can create or maintain the Pluralist democracy. Such an order can be 
maintained on a distinction between “enemy” and “adversary”. It needed that within the 
context of the political community, the opponent should be considered not as an enemy to be 
destroyed, but as an adversary whose existence is legitimate and must be tolerated. In this 
thesis the mentioned concept has been analyzed with the case study of Imran Khan (Mouffe, 
2020).3 
1.10 
CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 
In this part, I analyzed different speeches of Imran khan in which I identified different 
themes upon which the populist narrative of Imran khan rests. Along with this, I listened to 
different interviews of Imran khan and extracted the main themes of those speeches and then 
analyzed all those speeches and interviews. In order to analyze the discourse I had been applied 
critical discourse analysis as developed by Norman Fairclough in his work. Fairclough argues 
that based upon a three-dimensional conception of discourse, and correspondingly a three-
                                                             
3 Mouffe, C. (2020). For an Agonistic Pluralism. In Chantal Mouffe The Return of the Political. 
https://www.versobooks.com/blogs/4632-for-an-agonistic-pluralism

5 dimensional method of discourse analysis discourse, and any specific instance of discursive practice, is seen as simultaneously (i) a language text, spoken or written, (ii) discourse practice (text production and text interpretation), (iii) sociocultural practice. Furthermore, a piece of discourse is embedded within socio-cultural practice at a number of levels; in the immediate situation, in the wider institution or organization, and at a societal level; for example, one can read an interaction between marital partners in terms of their particular relationship, relationships between partners within the family as an institution, or gender relationships in the larger society. The method of discourse analysis includes linguistic description of the language text, interpretation of the relationship between the (productive and interpretative) discursive processes and the text, and explanation of the relationship between the discursive processes and the social processes. A special feature of the approach is that the link between socio-
cultural practice and text is mediated by discourse practice; how a text is produced or interpreted, in the sense of what discursive practices and conventions are drawn from what order(s) of discourse and how they are articulated together, depends upon the nature of the socio-cultural practice which the discourse is a part of (including the relationship to existing hegemonies); the nature of the discourse practice of text production shapes the text, and leaves ‘traces’ in surface features of the text; and the nature of the discourse practice of text interpretation determines how the surface features of a text will be interpreted. It can be illustrated by applying it to an example which exemplifies: Texts with Heterogeneous and Contradictory Features A complex relationship between discourses practices (text production) and discourse conventions; one could show a similarly complex relationship between text interpretation and conventions. A relationship between such heterogeneous textual features and such complexity of discourse processes, and processes of socio-cultural change (Fairclough, 2010).4 4 Fairclough, N. (2010). Critical Discourse Analysis: The Critical Study of Language. Routledge. https://www.routledge.com/Critical-Discourse-Analysis-The-Critical-Study-of-
Language/Fairclough/p/book/9781405858229. 

Scene 15

5 
dimensional method of discourse analysis discourse, and any specific instance of discursive 
practice, is seen as simultaneously (i) a language text, spoken or written, (ii) discourse practice 
(text production and text interpretation), (iii) sociocultural practice. Furthermore, a piece of 
discourse is embedded within socio-cultural practice at a number of levels; in the immediate 
situation, in the wider institution or organization, and at a societal level; for example, one can 
read an interaction between marital partners in terms of their particular relationship, 
relationships between partners within the family as an institution, or gender relationships in the 
larger society. The method of discourse analysis includes linguistic description of the language 
text, interpretation of the relationship between the (productive and interpretative) discursive 
processes and the text, and explanation of the relationship between the discursive processes 
and the social processes. A special feature of the approach is that the link between socio-
cultural practice and text is mediated by discourse practice; how a text is produced or 
interpreted, in the sense of what discursive practices and conventions are drawn from what 
order(s) of discourse and how they are articulated together, depends upon the nature of the 
socio-cultural practice which the discourse is a part of (including the relationship to existing 
hegemonies); the nature of the discourse practice of text production shapes the text, and leaves 
‘traces’ in surface features of the text; and the nature of the discourse practice of text 
interpretation determines how the surface features of a text will be interpreted. It can be 
illustrated by applying it to an example which exemplifies: 
Texts with Heterogeneous and Contradictory Features 
A complex relationship between discourses practices (text production) and discourse 
conventions; one could show a similarly complex relationship between text interpretation and 
conventions. 
A relationship between such heterogeneous textual features and such complexity of 
discourse processes, and processes of socio-cultural change (Fairclough, 2010).4 
                                                             
4 Fairclough, N. (2010). Critical Discourse Analysis: The Critical Study of Language. Routledge. 
https://www.routledge.com/Critical-Discourse-Analysis-The-Critical-Study-of-
Language/Fairclough/p/book/9781405858229

6 CHAPTER – 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 THE ARTICULATION OF DISCOURSE IN POPULISM UNDERSTANDING 21ST CENTURY PAKISTAN. The Articulation of Discourse in Populism Understanding 21st century Pakistan” written by Prashant Rastogi. The term populism has been defined by different authors and researchers in different ways. According to Jagers and Walgrave “Populism always refers to the people and justifies its actions by appealing to and identifying with the people; it is rooted in anti-elite feelings; and it considers the people as a monolithic group without internal differences except for some very specific categories who are subject to an exclusion strategy.”5 Now the phenomenon itself is questionable that how populism propagates itself or what are the factors responsible for its legitimization. The answers are different for different regions. In many places, populism tries to find its legitimacy in unifying force such as an ideology or a charismatic leader but the concept is very complicated to understand the mastering of the strategy of Populism. Similarly, it may be justifies in the context of Socio-economic inequality, the losers of globalization and unequal distribution of power. Such kinds of factors contribute to the rise and legitimacy of Populism. The 21st century is full of such movements. Everywhere the factors responsible for populism are different. In case of Pakistan its foundation lies in the pre-independence era of Pakistan. For instance, in this research the writer tries to identify the factors behind this Phenomena of Populism in the Pakistan. In his Article, it has been written that the very beginning of Pakistan Started with Populist regime. As Quaid-e-Azam was the Champion of Two Nation theory and the making of Pakistan marked him as a Populist leader. Hence the foundation of Pakistan lies on the populism. Religion played a decisive role in the entire story of Making of Pakistan. In other words, it was religion which remained a factor for the Populism at that time. The reason is that the internal legitimacy to the populist leader Quaid-e-Azam was given by the Islam and in the international world the legitimacy crises was solved by the beneficiary of Cold war; United Kingdom and United States. In other words, the three main factors in the Pakistan behind this Phenomena of Populism are Islam, Military and Media. 5 The Articulation of Discourse in Populism: Understanding 21st Century Pakistan. (2021, January 5). E-
International Relations. https://www.e-ir.info/2021/01/05/the-articulation-of-discourse-in-populism-
understanding-the-case-of-pakistan-in-the-21st-century.. 

Scene 16

6 
CHAPTER – 2  
LITERATURE REVIEW 
 
2.1        THE ARTICULATION OF DISCOURSE IN POPULISM UNDERSTANDING   
  21ST CENTURY PAKISTAN.  
              The Articulation of Discourse in Populism Understanding 21st century Pakistan” 
written by Prashant Rastogi. The term populism has been defined by different authors and 
researchers in different ways. According to Jagers and Walgrave “Populism always refers to 
the people and justifies its actions by appealing to and identifying with the people; it is rooted 
in anti-elite feelings; and it considers the people as a monolithic group without internal 
differences except for some very specific categories who are subject to an exclusion strategy.”5 
Now the phenomenon itself is questionable that how populism propagates itself or what are the 
factors responsible for its legitimization. The answers are different for different regions. In 
many places, populism tries to find its legitimacy in unifying force such as an ideology or a 
charismatic leader but the concept is very complicated to understand the mastering of the 
strategy of Populism. Similarly, it may be justifies in the context of Socio-economic inequality, 
the losers of globalization and unequal distribution of power. Such kinds of factors contribute 
to the rise and legitimacy of Populism. The 21st century is full of such movements. Everywhere 
the factors responsible for populism are different. In case of Pakistan its foundation lies in the 
pre-independence era of Pakistan. For instance, in this research the writer tries to identify the 
factors behind this Phenomena of Populism in the Pakistan. In his Article, it has been written 
that the very beginning of Pakistan Started with Populist regime. As Quaid-e-Azam was the 
Champion of Two Nation theory and the making of Pakistan marked him as a Populist leader. 
Hence the foundation of Pakistan lies on the populism. Religion played a decisive role in the 
entire story of Making of Pakistan. In other words, it was religion which remained a factor for 
the Populism at that time. The reason is that the internal legitimacy to the populist leader 
Quaid-e-Azam was given by the Islam and in the international world the legitimacy crises was 
solved by the beneficiary of Cold war; United Kingdom and United States. In other words, the 
three main factors in the Pakistan behind this Phenomena of Populism are Islam, Military and 
Media. 
                                                             
5 The Articulation of Discourse in Populism: Understanding 21st Century Pakistan. (2021, January 5). E-
International 
Relations. 
https://www.e-ir.info/2021/01/05/the-articulation-of-discourse-in-populism-
understanding-the-case-of-pakistan-in-the-21st-century.

RISE OF POPULISM IN 21st CENTURY IN PAKISTAN part 1