Disseminating liberal values for women’s empowerment in Pakistan: A case study of english language reporting of the honor killing of social media star Qandeel Baloch

Abstract

The identities and rights of women are dismantled around the world especially in the Third-World countries such as Pakistan. Women’s rights are abrogated by sociocultural values and customary practices which are constituted by the patriarchal politics of shame and honour (Baxi, Rai, & Ali, 2006). Media, as an industry and agent of socialization, has become a platform for value contestation and value promotion. This paper analyzes how news reports, articles, and editorials from the prestigious English language newspaper the daily Dawn (15 July 2016 to 20 October 2016) discussed and analyzed the murder of social media sensation Qandeel Baloch while constructing the liberal and traditional values about women’s issues in Pakistan. The results suggest that as an English-language publication, the daily Dawn may be better positioned than traditional Pakistani press in advocating gendered notions of individualism, self-interest, freedom of expression, sexual freedom, free mobility and visibility, and liberal principles of justice. The daily Dawn constructs tradition, religion, piety, modesty, and submissiveness as oppressive and patriarchal constructs that have to be left behind on the way to modernity, liberation, and empowerment. Moreover, the sexual freedom and provocative activities of Qandeel Baloch are seen as an individualistic act and personal freedom and she is constructed as a woman of substance and honor by the selected publication.