CONFLICT AND NARRATIVES: AN ANALYSIS OF MEDIA ROLE IN THE ESCALATION AND PERCEPTION ON PAKISTAN-INDIA CONFLICT, (MAY 07, 2025)

Abstract

This research study is based on the military confrontation between India and Pakistan on May 07, 2025, highlighting the importance of media influence in shaping the minds of people. This research examines media role through the Framing Theory and Agenda-Setting Theory. This study analyzes how media outlets of Pakistan and India had constructed opposite narratives on each other and influenced the sentiments of the people. Through reviewing case studies and literature on the Pakistan-India historical conflicts, this study will highlight the role of both countries’ media outlets in escalating or de-escalating tension across the borders and in spreading strong nationalistic fervor. The analysis of the study reveals that both media outlets preferred the sensationalism over actual reporting, which led people having different opinions over prioritizing the peace. The media outlets prioritize emotional stories and dramatic scenario and made the peace talks difficult. The paper concludes analysis on the Pak-India conflict by reflecting on the importance of having responsible journalism and reporting and having potential media that could create peace in the region, rather than framing propaganda through content.

Keywords: Pak-India Conflict, Pahalgam, Media, War,  Conflict Reporting, Media Literacy, Misinformation.