PESHAWAR: Khan or Khani was a title, or an epithet often associated with the landed gentry, until recently when all of a sudden it assumed political connotations to project a certain political philosophy, thus adding a new political lexicon to the surname.

“Khani Pa Kar Da” (let there be Khani) are the three words, which have broader scope, covering philosophy, struggle and manifestoes of three major political parties; Awami National Party, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.

This new catchy slogan is infusing thrill and enthusiasm among workers of rival parties during public meetings and rallies. Workers of these major political parties could now be heard using these three familiar words to announce their slogans besides venting their spleen at each other. The slogan is found everywhere; on vehicles, walls, parties’ caps, billboards and signboards.

Bacha Khani Pa Kar Da (let there be Bacha Khani), first adopted by ANP workers, is anonymous slogan that was introduced about two years ago. Journalist and writer Rokhan Yousafzai, who explained Bacha Khani in his book, said that the slogan was anonymous.

These words became so attractive and powerful that forced ANP workers to give up traditional and hereditary slogans like Khpla Khawra, Khpal Ikhtiar (our land, our authority) demanding greater autonomy over resources.

Singers in great demand to compose new songs for political parties for next polls

The slogan got popularity after lyrics of Bacha Khani Pa Kar Da were composed by a famous Pashto singer Karan Khan.

“Bacha Khani is love, brotherhood, peace, patriotism, knowledge, development, prosperity, unity, helping each other, no violence and hate against hatreds,” reads a pamphlet of ANP.

ANP MPA Syed Jafar Shah said that Bacha Khani covered philosophy and struggle of Khan Abdul Ghafar Khan, popularly known as Bacha Khan, peace, Pakhtun culture, norms and values, contemporary issues like conflict, violence, extremism, women rights and development.

Bacha Khani inspired PTI, the pioneer of DJ, songs and music in public meetings and rallies. In reaction to Bacha Khani, PTI affiliated poets created Imran Khani Pa Kar Da.

Lyrics and music of Imran Khani were so catchy that overshadowed PTI’s popular slogans like Tabdeli (change), tsunami and other slogans. A singer from Swat valley composed lyrics of Imran Khani.

“Imran Khani has broad meaning that includes change, eradication of corruption, justice, health, education etc,” said PTI MPA Fazal Elahi.

Following Bacha Khani and Imran Khan, PML-N launched Nawaz Khani and Muqam Khani (Amir Muqam) that criticised its political rivals, praising Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz Sharif and Muqam for development works in different sectors.

It describes Muqam’s role in KP as that of Shahbaz Sharif in Punjab in context of development works.

Witty slogans always facilitate politicians to easily carry on their electioneering and convey their manifestos in few words. Like other democratic countries, Pakistan has a rich history of election slogans too that carries humour and eagerness for voters.

“Slogan is the face of political programme of a party to mobilise people,” commented Mohammad Riaz, a political analyst. He said that political parties attracted masses through catchy slogans.

“Jamaat-i-Islami introduced slogan of ‘Allah is the fountainhead of power ‘against ZA Bhutto’s slogan that peoples are the fountainhead of power. Bhutto’s slogan became more popular and won elections,” he added.

Similarly, he said, Fatima Jinnah launched her election campaign against Ayub Khan with the “democracy denies military rule”. Ayub Khan launched the slogan of “development.”

From Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s Rooti, Kapra our Makan (food, clothes and shelter) to Imran Khan’s tsunami and Tabdeli, the slogans not only mesmerised their voters, but generated debate about contemporary social, political and economic issues.

PPP swept 1971’s general elections in West Pakistan through its popular slogan of Rooti, Kapra our Makan. When Benazir Bhutto was indicted in corruption cases, PPP workers chanted slogan: “Ya Allah, Ya Rasool, Benazir Bay Qasoor” (O God O Prophet (PBUH) Benazir is innocent).

Another popular slogan of PPP was: “Charon Sobon Ki Zanjeer, Benazir, Benazir” (the chain that binds all four provinces). After Benazir’s assassination in 2007, PPP launched slogan of “democracy is the best revenge.” With the change of leadership new slogans “Ek Zardari Sub Par Bhari” (one Zardari is superior than others) and Agli Wari Pher Zardari (Zardari will come to power again) have eclipsed PPP’s original slogans.

Imran’s tsunami and Tabdeli slogans helped PTI to inspire voters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab in 2013 general elections.

Some slogans provided humour to the masses. Jamaat-i-Islami’s “Zalimo Qazi Aaraha Hai” (O, the wrongdoers, Qazi is coming) became funny slogan in 1993 general elections. Despite running aggressive campaign through print and electronic media, the slogan did not work and JI won only three seats in the National Assembly.

One of the popular slogans of PML-N is: “Kwan Aya, Kwan Aya, Sher Aya Sher Aya (who has come, who has come, the lion has come).”

MARKETING: As general elections are coming close, major political parties have started heavy investment for their campaigns. High tech equipments like sound system, panaflex printing banners, hiring singers, security gadgets and ultra-light aircrafts for showering rose petals over public gatherings in Peshawar and other cities have been introduced.

Activists of various political parties are looking for poets, musicians and singers to write and compose songs to highlight their leaders’ personalities and future programmes. Singers are in great demand in KP to compose new songs for political parties for the next elections.

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2018