A Critical Discourse Analysis of Press Releases of the Prime Minister of Pakistan

Abstract

The current research aims to critically analyse the official discourse of Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif during his third tenure. It is an effort to unravel the implicit political propositions present in the prime minister's discourse and the way they relate to governance of present regime and manipulation of power as well as Pakistan's relations with the United States of America and Peoples Republic of China. The current research follows Norman Fairclough's model of Critical Discourse Analysis as methodology. The study concentrates on the role that grammar, vocabulary and structure of a text play in the ideological use of language. The current case study reveals that instrumental ideology of language is at work in Nawaz Sharif's official discourse and that his press releases are of undemocratic character. As he is a powerful personality, the structure of his discourse is affected by his social position. Nawaz Sharif is not satisfied with the standard of good governance of his executive and bureaucracy. The study also shows that Pakistan feels its sovereignty at stake in its relations with the United States of America and China is playinga key role in maintaining balance of power in South Asia.