Metaphors of Terrorism in Political Discourse in Pakistan

Abstract

This research provides an understanding of the manner in which Pakistani
politicians construct the narrative of war using terrorism as a target domain.
Based on the Critical Metaphor Approach given by Charteris-Black (2005), a
critical metaphor analysis of discourse generated by politicians including Imran
Khan, Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif, Asif Zardari and Pervez Musharraf in the
post 9/11 scenario was carried out. Linguistic metaphorical expressions that give
rise to conceptual metaphors constituting terrorism as war, cancer, enemy,
deceptive force, expensive, living and growing force, natural phenomenon and
elements gone astray are discussed. The study reveals how all selected
politicians save Musharraf build upon the international narrative of terrorism
while Musharraf alone provides a native concept viewing terrorism as an internal
problem. Also, how a consensus for military action is constructed where leaders
can act as warriors and heroes, glorifying their contributions, highlighting their
achievements and presenting failures of others to arouse public sympathy.