LINGUISTIC DEPICTION OF THE INDUS REGION IN PAKISTANI PRINT MEDIA: AN ANALYSIS OF 2023–2025 NEWSPAPER COVERAGE

Abstract

This paper examines the linguistic representation of the Indus region in Pakistani English-language print media from 2023 to 2025. Using a qualitative linguistic approach, the study explores how three leading newspapers “DAWN, The News, and The Express Tribune” construct different discourses surrounding the Indus region. By examining word frequencies, collocations, and thematic patterns in articles discussing the region, the study reveals that each publication employs distinct narrative framings. DAWN emphasizes cultural heritage and indigenous identity; The News uses the Indus as a metaphor for national unity and continuity; while The Express Tribune focuses on educational and civic discourse. Despite the river’s environmental and historical relevance, ecological concerns are largely marginalized. This paper argues that media framing not only reflects but also shapes societal understandings of regional identities, and it underscores the need for more inclusive and context-sensitive reporting.