Pakistani Newspapers Representation of Religious Groups

Abstract

Pakistan is a multi-religious and multicultural society, home to Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and followers of other prominent faiths. This diversity extends beyond religious distinctions to encompass cultural and ethnic variations. Media, particularly newspapers, play a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of these religious groups, emphasizing the importance of impartial and responsible journalism. This study conducts a content analysis of 84 news articles from leading Pakistani newspapers to scrutinize the portrayal of religious groups. The Findings reveal an unequal distribution of media coverage, with Christians receiving the highest attention compared to other non-Muslim groups. While the portrayal of non-Muslim groups is predominantly positive (90.5%), instances of anti-Ahmadi content reflect complexity in media narratives. The findings note a significant focus on the well-being of religious groups and their contributions to society, with 85.7% of articles highlighting religious events. The positive representation reflects broader societal discourse acknowledging diverse contributions and cultural expressions. However, the study raises critical questions about editorial decisions, journalistic priorities, and societal dynamics influencing media narratives.