Summary: | This study combines critical textual analysis with field observations to investigate how Pakistani media have covered the ongoing conflict with the Taliban in the North-West of the country. Using framing theory as its theoretical basis, the study found that the Pakistani Taliban are portrayed as chiefly responsible for the ongoing violence in the country, by placing them within the frame of an enemy image. The victims in the conflict were found to be dismissive of the media's tendency to show greater interest in 'bleeding faces', to quote a tribesman, rather than in portraying the unfolding of a major humanitarian crisis. The peace journalism model is limited by the prevailing media emphasis on the security aspect of this conflict and their tendency to ignore popular perspectives.
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