FRAMING AFGHAN PEACE PROCESS IN ELITE PRESS OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study examines the media coverage of Afghan peace process in elite print media of Pakistan. For this purpose, two widely circulated and influential Pakistani newspapers of English language (i.e. Dawn, the News) have been selected and their reportage for five continuous years (2015-2020) has been examined. This examination is conducted within the theoretical approach of peace journalism (Galtung, 1985; 2003) and framing (Goffman, 1974). Findings indicated that media remained inclined towards war-oriented journalism and war-frames dominated the coverage as compared to peace-frames. In comparison between both newspapers, the contents of The News were carrying more war-frames as compared to English media. The study concludes that increased war-oriented coverage might be attributed to the historical background and state policy towards Afghan peace process, which seem difficult to be disregarded in reporting. Furthermore, since the “objectivity” or “detachment” is considered to be foremost prerequisite of good journalism.