Affective Populism and Democratic Contestation in Pakistan: A Comparative Study of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Imran Khan

Abstract

This study examines the role of affective populism in shaping democratic contestation in Pakistan through a comparative analysis of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Imran Khan. It argues that populism in Pakistan is deeply rooted in emotional appeal rather than purely ideological positioning. Both leaders mobilized public support by invoking feelings of grievance, hope, pride, and anger against perceived elites. Bhutto’s populism emerged in a post-colonial and post- war context, where economic inequality and political exclusion created strong emotional currents among the masses. In contrast, Imran Khan’s populism developed in a media-driven and urbanized political environment, where narratives of corruption and moral decline played a central role. The study finds that affective populism has a dual impact on democracy in Pakistan. On one hand, it increases political participation and challenges entrenched elites. On the other hand, it weakens institutional trust and promotes polarization. By comparing two distinct political eras, this paper highlights how emotional narratives continue to shape democratic practices in Pakistan. The study contributes to the broader literature on populism by showing how affective politics operates in a developing democratic context.