YASMIN AKHTAR (PHD SCHOLAR, FJWU) , SARWET RASUL
DOI: https://doi.org/This study explores the use and function of modality in the 2024 general election manifestos of three major political parties in Pakistan: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). These parties are selected based on their winning the 2024 general elections. The specialised small-scale corpus of 2024 general election manifestos has been analysed using a mixed-methods mode of inquiry, combining corpus linguistic tools AntConc (4.3.1) and qualitative analysis based on the textual–conceptual function of hypothesising in Jeffries’ (2014) Critical Stylistic framework. The modal verbs retrieved through corpus tools have been further analysed with KWIC analysis to find out their frequency and distribution across the selected parties. The data is further examined qualitatively within the purview of the textual-conceptual tool of the Critical Stylistic framework (Jaferries, 2014). The findings reveal a significant contribution of modality in the ideological positioning of the political parties and in their identity construction process. Political narratives are shaped through the strategic use of obligation, prediction, and possibility modals. The study contributes to the growing body of research on Pakistani political discourse focused on the usefulness of analysing ideological meanings in political texts.
