Portrayal of Pak-US Relations Issues in Elite American Press: A comparative study of Editorial Treatment of Washington post & New York Times (Duration 2008-2012)

Abstract

Pakistan is first Islamic Atomic Power and second largest Populated country in Muslim World after Indonesia. Pakistan has always preferred to make friendly and peaceful relations with all countries of the world. Pakistan and USA has long journey of relationship since the birth of Pakistan in 1947. The present study explored the Pak-US relations in term of War on terror, NATO supply through Pakistan to Afghanistan and Afghanistan as factor between Pak-US relations. The study was based on content analysis and editorials of two American newspapers, Washington Post and New York Times which were examined from 2008 to 2012 during Pakistan People’s Party regime in Pakistan. This research study was conducted in the light of Agenda Setting Theory and Framing Theory. It was census study and all editorials were examined during the period five years. Results of this study showed that US press gave more space to Pak-US relations during 2008 to 2012 and both newspapers published 165 editorials regarding Pak-US relations on the issues concern in which Washington Post published 90 editorials and New York Times published 75 editorials. Furthermore, on all issues American press portrayed negative image of Pakistan. Hence overall treatment of both newspapers about all issues was against Pakistan and both American newspapers portrayed negative image of Pakistan.