Green Party Politics in Pakistan: An Analysis of Electoral Performance and Party Influence

Abstract

This research paper examines the emergence, evolution, and influence of green party politics within Pakistan’s complex political landscape. Amid severe environmental challenges such as climate change, deforestation, and recurrent natural disasters, environmental issues have gained global prominence; yet Pakistan’s political arena remains dominated by economic and security concerns, leaving green political movements largely marginalized. This study investigates the factors that shape the formation of green parties, their strategies to gain electoral traction, and their capacity to influence policy debates and public opinion on environmental issues. Drawing upon a qualitative research design, the paper synthesizes data from document analysis, party manifestos, interviews with political and environmental experts. It employs theoretical frameworks from political ecology and green political theory to understand the disconnect between environmental urgency and political action. By comparing the Pakistani context with global and regional experiences, the study identifies key challenges and opportunities for green parties and offers recommendations for strengthening their role in driving sustainable governance in Pakistan. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of how environmental sustainability can be mainstreamed in developing democracies facing competing priorities.

Keywords: Green politics, environmental policy, electoral performance, Pakistan, political ecology, sustainable governance