Editorial Coverage of Religious Minorities in Pakistani Press: Exploring the Predominant Discourses
Keywords:
Religious Minorities, Blasphemy, Minority Rights, Religious Discrimination, Framing, Content AnalysisAbstract
In general, Pakistan's leading newspapers cover a wide range of religious minority issues. English newspapers have documented various incidents of violence, prejudice and hardship faced by religious minorities in the country in particular. Editorials on minority issues are often included in newspapers, providing insight and analysis on topics such as discrimination, blasphemy laws, and the plight of minorities in Pakistan. This research paper is an attempt to explore and analyze the editorial coverage given to the religious minorities in Pakistan by the newspapers; Dawn, The Express Tribune and The News International. The researcher has attempted to analyze how the selected newspapers have commented on various issues related to minorities. Employing content analysis as a research tool, the researcher has explored and analyzed the different frames used by newspapers regarding minority issues during the period January to December 2023. The findings show that Dawn's editorials provide insight and analysis on religion-based discrimination, blasphemy laws and the overall situation of religious minorities in Pakistan. The Express Tribune has published editorials covering minority issues such as the impact of blasphemy laws and social dynamics affecting minority groups. Similarly, The News International has given editorial space to violence and discrimination against minorities, legal challenges faced by minorities and attacks on their places of worship. Overall, all newspapers have emphasized the need for religious harmony and rule of law to protect the rights of minorities in Pakistan.
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