Political Parties and Political Socialization: A Comparative Analysis of Political Parties in Pakistan

Aim of the Study: This study primarily focuses on the role of political parties in Pakistan. It investigates how political parties socialize their workers? How and what role they are playing in the political development of the state? How people become members of specific political parties and get involved in political and civic activities in Pakistan is an important debate of the day. This study focuses on all these aspects of political parties in Pakistan. Methodology: This work is qualitative in nature based on the data collected through interviews, focused groups discussion and social media (Facebook and Twitter) posts of the different cadre leadership of Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz, Pakistan People’s Party and Awami National Party in Peshawar, Karak and Buner. The selection of these parties is justified on the ground that these are the major parties with competing ideologies and programs. A purposive sampling technique was adopted for selection of the respondents. Three focused groups discussions were held in the selected districts in order to get the in-depth comparative perspective of the parties. Findings: It was found that the workers are socialized through different means hence developing different political perspectives regarding different issues at hand. Though political parties in Pakistan have not yet been actively engaged in the political development of the state as they are expected to be, yet their role is vital in the broader political processes in Pakistan. Conclusion: Political parties in Pakistan due to many reasons are not properly engaging the citizens. Political divide, intolerance and lack of political education are some of the hindrances in the way of political development. It is the stage of transition and consolidation of different political actors and players involved in the political processes in Pakistan. Political parties in Pakistan are to aggregate the choices of the people in a true sense so as to reap the fruits of democracy and representative government.