Abstract
This study examines how metaphor functions stylistically in Pakistani fiction in English through the concept offoregrounding, particularly semantic deviation.The study argues that semantic deviation acts as an importantforegrounding device that intensifies ideological meaning.The research employs a qualitative stylistic textualanalysis of metaphorical expressions taken from selected Pakistani novels in English.The study primarily appliesLeech’s (1969) theory of foregrounding and semantic deviation, supported by ideas of defamiliarization(Shklovsky), aesthetic function (Mukařovský), conceptual metaphor (Lakoff & Johnson), and ideological stylistics(Simpson).The findings show that different forms of semantic deviation are widely used to foreground themes suchas identity, political conflict, and national trauma.The novelty of the study lies in applying the concept of semanticdeviation in foregrounding theory to the analysis of metaphor in Pakistani fiction in English.The study contributesto stylistics and postcolonial literary studies by demonstrating that metaphor in Pakistani fiction functions as akey tool for expressing deeper social and ideological meanings.