Comparative Analysis of Pakistan’s Urdu and English Newspaper Coverage in The Context of the Establishment’s Role During the Regime Change Episode

Abstract

This study provides a comparative analysis of Urdu and English newspapers and examines the role of the Pakistani
establishment in the current regime change on April 10, 2022. It is usually observed that there is a significant
difference between the news reporting of Urdu and the English press in Pakistan, as Urdu newspaper coverage has a
more traditional and conservative approach while English newspapers focus on a more rational and leftist viewpoint.
Hence, both are consumed by their specific social classes. The coverage style—of both streams of journalism—varies
according to the sensitivity of national/international issues. Urdu journalism adds sensationalism and amplification
to the details of news stories, whereas English journalism is closer to serious and fact-based journalism. Therefore,
in the case of current regime change, we aim to explore whether Urdu and English newspapers’ coverage is inclined
toward their respective perspectives, beliefs, and values or not. The study employs framing theory and a qualitative
content analysis of opinion pieces and found a contrast between their narratives and styles of coverage of the same
event. The findings reveal that daily English content follows a rational and neutral approach. However, Urdu daily
has mixed results, but sensational and biased reporting is still prevalent.