The Rise of Religious Populism: A Case Study of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan

Abstract

Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), founded in 2015, has emerged as a prominent force in Pakistan’s religious-political landscape. Rooted in the Barelvi school of thought, the party gained national recognition through its mobilization around the protection of blasphemy laws and the doctrine of Khatm-e-Nabuwwat (Finality of Prophethood). This study examines TLP as a case of religious populism, analyzing how it combines religious symbolism, anti-elite rhetoric, and street agitation to mobilize public support. Unlike traditional religious parties, TLP institutionalized protest politics as a central strategy to influence state policy and political discourse. Using qualitative methods, including discourse analysis and historical review, this research explores TLP’s ideological foundations, protest movements, and electoral performance. The study argues that TLP has significantly reshaped Pakistan’s political environment by strengthening religious populist narratives and challenging democratic institutions. It contributes to understanding the evolving relationship between religion, populism, and state authority in Pakistan’s contemporary politics.