Critical discourse analysis of slogans used by political parties in Pakistan:
A theoretical approach called critical discourse analysis (CDA) looks at the social, political, and cultural factors that produce and influence language use. CDA assists in exposing the underlying meanings, presumptions, and power dynamics that are concealed within political slogans.
We can see a variety of themes and discourses used in the slogans to appeal to various Pakistani population segments. For instance, the PTI's campaign slogans emphasize Imran Khan's leadership, change, and corruption. "Tabdeeli aa gayi hai, Tabdeeli aa rahi hai" and "Naya Pakistan," two of the party's catchphrases, imply that the PTI is presenting a fresh vision for Pakistan that is devoid of corruption and marks a split with the previous political establishment. Imran Khan is portrayed in these slogans as the driving force behind this shift, with an emphasis on his charismatic personality and capacity for reform.
The PPP's catchphrases, including "Roti, Kapra, aur Makan" and "Democracy is the Best Revenge," emphasize the party's commitment to social justice, equality, and democracy. These catchphrases portray the PPP as a group that is dedicated to the welfare of the general populace and defends its interests in the face of established power structures.
On the other side, the MQM's catchphrases place more emphasis on the party's status as the Mohajir community's voice. The MQM is portrayed as a party that is strongly loyal to its leader by the phrase "Altaf Hussain ka jo yaar hai, ghaddar hai ghaddar hai," which also implies that anyone who disagrees with Hussain is a traitor to the cause of the Mohajirs. Other party catchphrases, including "Haqiqi tanzeem, MQM ki qayam," highlight the MQM's dedication to upholding both its internal structure and its status as a Mohajir-centric party.
The JI and ANP's campaign slogans also emphasize the importance of religion and ethnicity in Pakistani politics. "Pakistan ka Matlab, La Ilaha Illallah," the JI's catchphrase, casts Pakistan as an Islamic nation that is identified by its adherence to Islamic ideals.
Critical discourse analysis of PML-N:
The Pakistan Muslim League (N(PML-N) )'s slogans convey a strong sense of self-identity and pride in the organisation and its leadership. The lion is frequently used to represent strength and power and to portray the party as the protector of the country.
The catchphrases appear to have a populist appeal as well, emphasizing how crucial it is to respect the vote and give it to the PML-N. This is appealing to the masses who feel disenfranchised and want trustworthy representation.
With references to "badshah" (king) and "sher da raj" (lion's rule), the slogans could also be interpreted as a reflection of the party's authoritarian tendencies. This can imply a desire for powerful, centralized leadership that might jeopardize democratic ideals.
Last but not least, the mention of Bahria Town in one of the slogans might be interpreted as an effort to appeal to the powerful and wealthy elite, possibly demonstrating a lack of consideration for the needs and interests of the larger population.
Overall, the Pakistan Muslim League's (N) campaign slogans display a complex fusion of populism, elitism, authoritarianism, and identity, emphasizing the value of critically analyzing political discourse.
The slogans -From 1947 to the present, these have been the catchphrases of Pakistan's main political parties:
Pakistan Muslim League (PML):
Unity, Faith, Discipline (used by the party's founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah)
Pakistan First, Pakistan Always
One Nation, One Pakistan, One PML
PML - The Party of Progress
Bringing Change, Building Pakistan
Pakistan First, Pakistan Always
One Nation, One Pakistan, One PML
PML - The Party of Progress
Bringing Change, Building Pakistan
Some slogans of the Pakistan Muslim League (N):"Sher Aya Sher Aya, Sher Aya Sher Aya" (The lion has come, the lion has come)
"Vote Ko Izzat Do, Vote PML-N Ko Do" (Respect the vote, give it to PML-N)
"Mian da Badshah Aya, Sher da Raj Chalya" (The king has come, the lion's rule is established)
"Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Tera Piyara Pakistan" (Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Your beloved Pakistan)
Pakistan People's Party (PPP):Roti, Kapra, aur Makan (Bread, Clothing, and Housing)
Jiye Bhutto (Long Live Bhutto)
Zulm ke khilaf, jang ke azm (Against oppression, with the courage to fight)
Bhutto ka Wada, Nizam-e-Mustafa (Bhutto's Promise, the System of the Prophet)
Democracy is the Best Revenge
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM):Altaf Hussain ka jo yaar hai, ghaddar hai ghaddar hai (Anyone who is a friend of Altaf Hussain is a traitor)
Mohajir ka saathi, MQM (The MQM is the companion of the Mohajir)
Haqiqi tanzeem, MQM ki qayam (The Haqiqi organization is the establishment of the MQM)
Unity, Faith, Discipline – Altaf Hussain's motto
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI):Allah-o-Akbar (God is Great)
Nizam-e-Mustafa (The System of the Prophet)
The Islamic Revolution
Pakistan ka Matlab, La Ilaha Illallah (The meaning of Pakistan is There is no God but Allah)
Awami National Party (ANP):Pakhtun Zindabad (Long live the Pashtuns)
Da ghairat tol muqam sara shaanegi (Stand up with honor for your pride)
Pashtunistan Zindabad (Long live Pashtunistan)
Awami National Party, Awami Awaz (The Party of the People, The People's Voice)
Read more: The Vulnerability of the Masses: Gustave Le Bon's Perspective on Illusions and Manipulation
Jiye Bhutto (Long Live Bhutto)
Zulm ke khilaf, jang ke azm (Against oppression, with the courage to fight)
Bhutto ka Wada, Nizam-e-Mustafa (Bhutto's Promise, the System of the Prophet)
Democracy is the Best Revenge
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM):Altaf Hussain ka jo yaar hai, ghaddar hai ghaddar hai (Anyone who is a friend of Altaf Hussain is a traitor)
Mohajir ka saathi, MQM (The MQM is the companion of the Mohajir)
Haqiqi tanzeem, MQM ki qayam (The Haqiqi organization is the establishment of the MQM)
Unity, Faith, Discipline – Altaf Hussain's motto
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI):Allah-o-Akbar (God is Great)
Nizam-e-Mustafa (The System of the Prophet)
The Islamic Revolution
Pakistan ka Matlab, La Ilaha Illallah (The meaning of Pakistan is There is no God but Allah)
Awami National Party (ANP):Pakhtun Zindabad (Long live the Pashtuns)
Da ghairat tol muqam sara shaanegi (Stand up with honor for your pride)
Pashtunistan Zindabad (Long live Pashtunistan)
Awami National Party, Awami Awaz (The Party of the People, The People's Voice)
Read more: The Vulnerability of the Masses: Gustave Le Bon's Perspective on Illusions and Manipulation
PTI Slogans in Urdu:
Faisla Emaan Da, Vote Imran Da
Do Nahee, Aik Pakistan!!!
Tabdeeli Aa Nahi Rahi, Tabdeeli Aa Gai Ha
tb Pakistan Bnaya tha, Ab Pakistan Bachain Gay
Hathon man Hath dain, Imran Khan ka Sath Dain
Mulk se karegi corruption saaf – Tehreek-e-Insaaf Tehreek-e-Insaaf
Pakistan ki baqa ki khatir, Imran Khan ka Sath do
Jb leader Awami, Phr kaise Ghulami
Nawaz Zardari Bhai Bhai – Mulk bachaey gi PTI
Ao mil kr bnain, Naya Pakistan
Insaaf Ka Nizam – Hamara Azm Tabdeeli…
A gae ha Allah ka Ehsan – mil gya Imran – ab taraki karay ga Pakistan
Ab Aisa nhe chalay ga – Tabdeeli Ay gi
Gali Gali Man Shor ha, Sara Tabar Chor ha
Azad Kry ga Paksitan, Imran Khan Imran Khan
Nahi karegi kisi ko Muaaf – Tehreek-e-Insaaf Tehreek-e-Insaaf
Tabdeeli ka Aghaz kro, Apna Rahbar Ap Chuno
Hum sb ka… Naya Pakistan
Ab nhe to kb, Hum nhe to kaun
Ab khan ki bari
Insaf ka naya Pakistan (The New Pakistan of Justice)
PTI Slogans in English:Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI):
Naya Pakistan (New Pakistan)
Go Nawaz GoVote for PTI, Vote for Change
Change or stay the same
Support Imran, Change Pakistan Keep calm & PTI On Say Yes to Imran Khan
Go Corruption Go
Keep calm & Love PTI
Vote for Change, Vote for Naya Pakistan
Vote 4 Bat, Save Pakistan
My Name is Khan, My Ego is Pakistan
Our Last Hope is Imran Khan
Keep calm & Vote PTI
I am Imran Khan, we are Imran Khan
Justice, Humanity, Self Esteem
Imran Khan Yes We Khan
Tsunami Against Corruption
We are the change, we are PTI
A New Pakistan with Imran Khan
Naya Pakistan – a dream come true
Together for a Better Pakistan
Tabdeeli Sarkar – Imran Khan's Government
End Corruption, Choose PTI
We Believe in Imran Khan
Rise for a Better Future – PTI
Pakistan First, PTI First
The Power of Change – PTI
The Time for Change is Now – PTI
Imran Khan – The Hope of Pakistan
A Strong Pakistan with PTI
Join the PTI Revolution
Naya Pakistan – A New Beginning
PTI – For the People, By the People
One Nation, One Leader – Imran Khan
Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere – Imran Khan
