Abstract
This study is focused on the impact of religion on the electoral pattern of the people of Punjab.
Religion as a determinant of voting behavior is best expressed in the votes secured by the
religious parties. Thus, religious parties vote in Pakistan and Punjab is studied to build an
argument. Religion has a strong impact on human life. It influences each act and attitude of the
individual especially in developing countries. In Pakistan; religion has a solid affect in shaping
the political attitudes and beliefs of the individuals. It is one of the key elements of politics.2018
general elections saw a sudden rise in the vote bank of religious political parties. It witnessed a
2.17 % increase in the religious vote country wide and 1.32% increase in Punjab. Tahreek
Labbaik Pakistan appeared on the scene as a radical Sunni Islamic party, it mobilized the barelvi
vote bank to great effect. And it emerged as the third largest party of Punjab, in terms of votes
polled. 2018 general elections also witnessed the rise of Milli Muslim League which was a
political wing of Jamaat-ud-Dawa, who were previously rejecting the parliamentary form of
government and were critical of voting in elections. The increase in the influence of the various
spiritual gaddi nasheen in the electoral politics of Punjab was also a prominent factor during the
11th general election.
Usman Bashir, Iram Khalid. (2019) Religion and Electoral Politics in Punjab: A Case Study of 2018 General Elections, South Asian Studies, Volume 34, Issue 1.
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