A comparative study of Pakistani & British newspapers’ editorials on the coverage of ‘War on Terror’

America’s War on Terror (WoT) had been a crucial issue of media coverage not only in the United States (US) but all over the world. Previous studies revealed that the Western media, particularly the US media portrayed the events in favour of US policies. They stressed upon the US government’s viewpoint, justifications of war and projected military campaign, whereas a limited amount of coverage was given to the consequences of war and critical arguments on WoT. In contrast, the media in other countries that did not politically support the US policies of war such as Japan and Middle Eastern countries highlighted human tragedy, property damage and oppositional viewpoints. Hence, this study focused on a comparative analysis of Pakistani and British newspapers regarding the coverage of WoT. Specifically, the research outlined three objectives: (i) to explain the diversities between the Pakistani and British newspapers regarding the coverage of WoT; (ii) to identify the different media frames and agendas that were employed for the reporting of WoT; and (iii) to examine media conformity to
the foreign policy of their respective countries. A thematic analysis of two Pakistani and two British newspapers editorials found that the Pakistani and British press adopted
oppositional stance against the WoT and framed the war mostly in anti-war frame. However, at certain times, the British press expressed supportive and neutral stance towards the policies of British government regarding the WoT. The Pakistani press was completely against the WoT and criticized the Pakistan government’s support for the war. The Pakistani press appeared to be more aggressive and oppositional against WoT than the British newspapers. This study contributes to framing and agenda setting theories, in which it highlighted on how the WoT was framed differently by the press of two different countries and what different issues were selected as their media agenda. This study also discussed about the Muslim and Western society perspectives on the framing of WoT. This study provides understanding on the influence of social and political factors towards media coverage on WoT. This research also contributes on the understanding of media coverage on WoT with regards to social and political factors