THE POWER OF LANGUAGE IN POLITICAL PERSUASION: A COMPARATIVE DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF IMRAN KHAN AND MAULANA FAZLUR RAHMAN’S SELECTED SPEECHES IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

This article examines the selected political speeches of Imran Khan (PTI) and Maulana Fazlur Rahman (JUI-F) to understand their rhetorical approaches, which determine public attitudes and voting preferences. The analytical system blends critical discourse analysis and rhetorical appeals from Aristotle alongside a study of 20 speeches delivered by Khan (PTI) from 2018 through 2023 during elections, public events and press conference settings. Language metaphors, repetitious expressions, and emotional rhetorical strategies enable this study to define how each leader creates their authority position while shaping political dialogue in Pakistan. Research shows that Khan emphasises populist and nationalist speech to deliver corruption-free governance, national sovereignty and economic transformation to middle-class and youthful voters. Rahman connects political subjects to Islamic beliefs and traditional values while reconstructing history to establish common ground with religious Pakistanis. Rhetorical repetition and strategic metaphors allow these leaders to build their political concepts and excite public backing. This research enhances the study of political linguistics through its comparative evaluation of Pakistani political rhetoric. Both leaders exploit language power to achieve their political objectives through appealing methods that mould public opinion and political outlooks.

Keywords: Political discourse, critical discourse analysis (CDA), rhetorical strategies, populism, religious rhetoric, Imran Khan, Maulana Fazlur Rahman.