Populist Leaders Appeal to Evolving Concept of 'Awaam' in Pakistan, But Below-Middle Classes Still Comprise Over Half the Population
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The meaning of "awaam" (the masses) has changed over time, from referring to peasants and workers to now including the growing middle classes.
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Populist leaders use symbolic appeals to connect with the "awaam" without offering substantive pro-working class policies.
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Over 55% of Pakistan's population is still made up of below-the-middle classes that comprise the traditional "awaam."
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The below-the-middle classes tend to vote for mainstream parties like PML-N and PPP rather than PTI.
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When commentators refer to PTI's base as the "awaam," they are actually talking about a new elite made up of urban middle classes aligned with traditional elites.