Party Institutionalization and Political Influence in Pakistan: A Case Study of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam–Fazl (JUI-F)

Abstract

Religious political parties hold a notable place in Pakistan's political landscape, but most have failed to achieve significant electoral strength. One of the longest surviving and most powerful religious political parties of Pakistan is Jamiat Ulemae-Islam–Fazal (JUI-F). Using qualitative research and a case study method based on secondary sources, this study investigates the key aspects of party institutionalization founded upon its organization, link to society, leadership, and political performance. The study uses the theoretical lens of party institutionalization, where organization, autonomy, roots in society, and coherence constitute four key dimensions. The results imply that, despite the centralization of power under one leader, JUI-F is more institutionalized than most other religious political parties in Pakistan. The party has been able to survive electorally, obtain seats in parliament, and exercise influence beyond its size because of this extensive madrassa and religious institutions network, organizational resilience, internal cohesion, and ability to engage effectively in coalition politics. The study concludes that strong organizational capacity, deep societal embeddedness, and relative internal stability have been the principal factors contributing to JUI-F’s political durability and continued significance in Pakistan’s political system.