PEACE JOURNALISM THROUGH SECURITIZATION PERSPECTIVE: INSIGHTS FROM PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study analyzes the reporting of two conflicts in the Pakistani press, the PTM and PDM, and examines the interaction between conflict securitization and the escalation and de- escalation potential. Moreover, this dissertation presents a framework for classifying conflict journalism in Pakistan to evaluate its potential for escalation or de-escalation of the conflict. The data was collected by operationalizing the nine variables and further indicators of the proposed model (Highest Securitization, medium Securitization, lowest securitization, strong escalatory coverage, moderate escalatory coverage, weak escalatory, weak de-escalatory, moderate de-escalatory, and strong de-escalatory coverage. The study presents and empirically tests a new model for assessing conflict journalism, considering the varied levels of a conflict's intensity and its resulting escalatory or de-escalatory coverage. The study finds a positive association between the levels of securitization of conflict and the nature of reporting in escalatory terms by Applying content analysis. Additionally, the researchers have identified that there are differences in the way that peace journalism has developed, and they advocate a critical pragmatic approach for how the different forms of peace journalism can effectively succeed in responding to the challenges of theory and practice. As a result, this research has improved the knowledge base related to the role of the media to "do no harm" and has identified areas of weakness within the construct of responsible reporting. Additionally, this study demonstrates the importance of peace journalism, its ability to assist in resolving conflicts, and its ability to create a culture of peace and resilience in Pakistan.