The Portrayal of Jaranwala Incident in National and Regional Press: A Discourse Analysis

Abstract

This study examines the representation of the Jaranwala Incident in both national and regional press outlets. How are Muslims and Christians represented linguistically? Hundreds of Muslims armed with batons and sticks stormed churches in Jaranwala after the Holy Quran was allegedly desecrated. Videos on social media showed hundreds of people armed with batons and sticks setting fire to the Salvation Army Church and the Saint Paul Catholic Church, while another mob torched private homes and broke windows. The event was reported by the media, and the newspaper supplied factual information to the people. Discourse analysis is the methodology of the study. The word in the newspaper is the unit of analysis. Two main English, one Urdu, and one Sindhi newspapers are taken as a sample of study. The research findings indicated that daily Dawn remains neutral. During the research it was founded that The News has the Right Wing behavior. It declares Pakistan as the only place for the Muslims. The Daily Intikhab remained neutral and Sindhi Daily The Kawish remained impartial. It is concluded that Government should review its press policy. Non-seriousness of press leads dire consequences.