UNDERSTANDING POLITICAL DISCOURSE IN MOWARA VILLAGE OF RAWALPINDI, PUNJAB- PAKISTAN: PATTERNS, SYMBOLS AND CONTESTATIONS

Abstract

Political discourse is a relevant discussion in contemporary society, especially in third world countries like Pakistan, where still democracy exists in procedural context and politicians are not equally at par with non-elected institutions. It leads to a rift between state and society, and masses are reduced to electorates only. The obscurity in sociopolitical landscape intrigue people into political discussions, debates, arguments and concourse given there is no marked distinction between what is political and what is not? “Politics is viewed as a struggle for power, between those who seek to assert and maintain their power and those who seek to resist it. Some states are conspicuously based on struggles for power; whether democracies are essentially so constituted is disputable. On the other hand, politics is viewed as cooperation, as the practices and institutions a society has for resolving clashes of interest over money, power, liberty and the like (Chilton & Schaffner, 2002).” Politics resonates in everyday discussions of common men in Pakistan. The social gatherings primarily male dominant indulges into discussions revolving around politicians, their alliances/ networks, maneuverings, support mechanisms, party choices, new alignments and boils down to personal character rather interactions with locals. Power is expressed through political relationship, caste and kinship. As of asymmetrical relationships exist in the communities of Punjab and can be best understood as a form of patronage. This patron/client relationship makes it easy to understand the dynamics of politics in Pakistan (Lyon, An Anthropological Analysis of Local Politics and Patronage in Pakistani Village, 2004). This consumption of political affairs can be substantiated from the news channels loaded with political content. However, this most profoundly discussed domain is enveloped in ambiguity. Though discussed and participated at large, political discourse in Pakistan carries an impression of negativity. Even common eateries carry inscriptions like ‘refrain 2 from political and religious talk’ explain mindset stemming out from political discussions. In normal day to day discussions every cunning action is termed political. Everyday statements are differentiated as politically correct and incorrect. In everyday sphere of life, politics is a hazy construct. For instance, in rural areas, people gossip about politics during evening get-togethers, weddings and deaths. The candidates from different political parties for upcoming elections or past elections actively take part into political conversations. Dos and Don’ts are also discussed. Ultimately all this is put up as unsavory arena of maneuvering, manipulation and deceit. Politics is perceived as something fraudulent, disingenuous and obscure construct. Keeping in view Pakistani society several rationales can be proffered as explanations to this phenomenon. Historically the Indian subcontinent remained under the direct rule of kings where masses were not involved in the matrix of political decision making. The Mughal dynasty was overthrown by British colonizers systemically which subsequently led to institution of political institutions and gradual democratic political representation. However, the confidence of the masses could not be achieved in the democratic nuance as decisions were taken by colonial administration in British Parliament and enforced in India. The form of democracy was indirect and authoritarian one. The formation of Pakistan resulted in the asymmetrical institutional inheritance and subsequent inorganic growth. The non-elected institutions have been directly and indirectly ruling Pakistan for seven decades. This institutional imbalance has resulted in the fragile civil institutions. The civilian leadership has also become timid over the years (Arif, 2019). The military controlled democracy could not take roots in the country due to political instability, repressive control and closed political sphere. For instance, the allegations of harassment by former MNA Miss Ayesha Gulalai against her own party chief Imran Khan. The issue was politicized and sensationalized to an extent that this was described as Miss Gulalai’s ambition for power, money and limelight. Secondly, the disqualification of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, the former Prime Minister followed by his march on Grand Trunk Road and public gatherings corroborate the fact that the electorate is not concerned 3 about the morality politicians and corruption. The popular slogan about Sharif was ‘Khaata hai tou lgata bhi hai’ (he siphons off, yet he spends on development) narrative. Despite all the negativity about politics in private and public sphere, this is one of the most discussed and celebrated. Though masses take it with cynical lens but still participate in the political arena.