MEDIA DISCOURSE ON THE PDM GOVERNMENT: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE LEADING PAKISTANI NEWSPAPERS

Abstract

This study examines how the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government was discussed in the editorial sections of four leading English-language newspapers in Pakistan: Dawn, The Express Tribune, The Nation, and The News International. The focus is on two important political periods: April 9 to July 9, 2022, after the removal of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, and May 14 to August 10–12, 2023, which marked the dissolution of the National Assembly and the end of the PDM government. The study uses a qualitative approach with Content Analysis, Thematic Coding, and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to explore the language, tone, and framing in 30 selected editorials. The analysis is supported by Agenda-Setting Theory, Framing Theory, and Priming Theory, along with CDA, to understand how newspapers constructed political meaning and influenced readers’ perceptions. Five major themes are highlighted: economic crises, inflation, political strategies, rule of law, and foreign relations. The findings show that the newspapers presented differing and often polarized narratives. Editorials varied from supportive to critical, reflecting institutional or political leanings. Through selective framing, evaluative language, and agenda-setting, the newspapers helped shape public discussions on governance, legitimacy, and democratic stability. This study contributes to research in political communication and media discourse by providing a comparative view of how media outlets in Pakistan take part in the political process. It highlights the role of media not just as a source of information, but as an actor that can influence democratic development, especially during times of political change