Portrayal of Aasia Bibi Blasphemy Case: A Comparative Analysis of News Headlines in Pakistani Newspapers

Abstract

Language is a tool used for the social construction to frame public opinion. The study highlights that newspapers shape, reshape and manipulate the news headlines by representing them differently to achieve the desired objectives. This paper aims to investigate the coverage of Pakistani newspapers on Aasia Bibi’s acquittal decision by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Content analysis considering Dijk Model and Framing Theory was conducted for the purpose. Unit of analysis was the news headlines of four famous dailies of Pakistan i.e., Daily Dawn, The Nation, Daily Jang and Daily Ummat published in the week of judgment of Aasia Bibi Case. Results revealed that the newspapers portrayed the same issue differently with the distinct discursive techniques. The Nation used lexical choices and emotional phrases to mold public opinions. Comparatively, Jang and Dawn were more objective and sensible in publishing its news headlines