The Framing of War on Terror in Pakistan's Mainstream Urdu Press: A Comparative Analysis of Daily Jang and Daily Nawa-i-Waqt

Abstract

This paper explores the editorial framing of the War on Terrorism" (WOT) by two prominent Urdu-language daily newspapers in Pakistan, namely Daily Jang and Daily Nawa-i-Waqt. The WOT, initiated globally after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, had significant implications for Pakistan, which not only became an active participant but declared itself a frontline state in the war. The study employs a quantitative and qualitative analysis of editorials published by Daily Jang and Daily Nawa-i-Waqt between the initiation of the WOT in September 2001 and the present. The central questions guiding the analysis include the framing of the WOT, the newspapers' stance on the official policy of Pakistan, and the potential similarities or differences in their editorial treatments. Both Daily Jang and Daily Nawa-i-Waqt, revealed that 89% of editorials were critical of the initiative, with varying degrees of intensity and tone. While both newspapers shared a critical stance, differences emerged in their qualitative framing. Daily Nawa-i-Waqt displayed a stronger and more consistent opposition, rejecting the very idea of the WOT and maintaining a harsh tone. Daily Jang, while critical, showed some flexibility and even contributed neutral editorials. Additionally, Urdu press maintained a critical stance (63%) toward Pakistan's official policy on the WOT, with only 32% expressing support. Both newspapers questioned the sincerity of the United States, framing the war as a "crusade against innocent Muslims" and a pursuit to "capture resources" of weaker nations.  This study contributes to our understanding of how the Urdu press in Pakistan has framed and responded to the WOT. The findings highlight the positions of Daily Jang and Daily Nawa-i-Waqt, shedding light on the complex interplay between media and official state policies. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for comprehending the multifaceted impact of media in shaping perceptions of global events in the context of Pakistan's evolving role in the WOT.