November 2012<\/p>\n

Reporting\u00a0Afghanistan\u00a0Mapping Afghan conflict in Pakistani media<\/p>\n

A media monitoring report analyzing news content from April to August 2012<\/p>\n

Author: Sadaf Baig
\nEditor: Aurangzaib Khan<\/p>\n

This report is part of an ongoing project to monitor various types of\u00a0conflicts as covered by select samples of media in Pakistan, including
\nnewspapers and TV channels.<\/p>\n

In this report, the focus is on Afghan conflict and related issues as\u00a0reported by Pakistani media. The report contains in depth content
\nanalysis of news coverage of Afghan conflict and related issues in three\u00a0newspapers and three TV news channels, over the period of five months
\nv i.e. from May1, 2012 to August 31, 2012.<\/p>\n

The report has been prepared by Intermedia Pakistan, a Pakistani media\u00a0development organization focusing on advocacy, research and training on\u00a0media issues.<\/p>\n

About INTERMEDIA Pakistan<\/p>\n

Intermedia is a registered not-for-profit Pakistani independent media development and\u00a0__\u00c0_o}\u2030u_v\u0161A _}uu\u00b5v]__\u0161]}v\u0090A }\u0152P_v]\u00cc_\u0161]}vXA\/v\u0161_\u0152u__]_[\u0090A \u00c0]\u0090]}vA\u0090\u0161_\u0161_u_v\u0161A _]u\u0090A_\u0161A \u0090\u00b5\u2030\u2030}\u0152\u0161]vPA\u00a0freedom of expression, access to information and citizens making informed opinions and\u00a0decisions as a means of promoting an informed, democratic and tolerant society.<\/p>\n

\/v\u0161_\u0152u__]_[\u0090A\u2030\u0152]v_]\u2030_oA__\u0161]\u00c0]\u0161]_\u0090A_\u0152_A__v\u0161_\u0152__A}vA_\u00b5]o_]vPA\u0161__Zv]__oA_v_A\u2030\u0152}(_\u0090\u0090]}v_oA__\u2030__]\u0161]_\u0090A
\nand\u00a0competencies of\u00a0media organizations, including TV\u00a0channels,\u00a0radio stations and\u00a0newspapers, and media rights bodies through trainings; promoting free media in Pakistan\u00a0through fair media laws and reforms; and carrying out research, advocacy and analysis on
\ndemocracy and media-related issues.<\/p>\n

Intermedia Pakistan also focuses on building communications capacities of development\u00a0organizations to help them improve their outreach. Intermedia focuses on improving the\u00a0quality of civic and thematic dialogue and development communications critical to an open,\u00a0pluralistic and democratic society by working with civil society groups and development sector\u00a0organizations in improving their communications capacities in a dynamically evolving media\u00a0sector.<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n5
\nContents
\nPAGE
\n1
\nForeword
\nPAGE
\n5
\nExecutive summary
\nPAGE
\n9
\nNews demographics: Newspaper coverage
\nPAGE 17
\nNews demographics: Television coverage
\nPAGE 23
\nCoverage of terrorism in Afghanistan
\nPAGE 31
\nCoverage of cross-border incursions
\nPAGE 37
\nCoverage of drone strikes
\nPAGE 45
\nCoverage of NATO supply issue
\nPAGE 49
\nCoverage of NATO pullout and Afghan peace process
\nPAGE 55
\nPerceptions: Is it important to report Afghanistan?
\nPAGE 56
\nAfghanistan coverage: Survey with Pakistani journalists
\nPAGE 63
\nAfghanistan coverage: Survey with Afghan journalists
\nPAGE 69
\nRecommendations
\nPAGE 73
\nAnnexure 1: Research methodology
\nPAGE 75
\nAnnexure 2: Focus Group Discussion
\nPAGE 82
\nAnnexure 3: FGD questionnaire
\nPAGE 84
\nAnnexure 4: FGD participants list
\nPAGE 85
\nAnnexure 5: Survey questionnaire for Pakistani journalists
\nPAGE 87
\nAnnexure 6: Survey questionnaire for Pakistani journalists<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n1
\nIt is impossible to overestimate the importance of the Afghanistan-Pakistan relationship.
\nW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A\u2030}o]_\u00c7Atowards Afghanistan _}_\u0090v[\u0161Ai\u00b5\u0090\u0161Aaffect its relations with its volatile Western
\nneighbor; it also Z_\u0090A_AZ__\u00c0\u00c7A]v(o\u00b5_v__A}vAW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A}\u00c0_\u0152_ooA(}\u0152_]PvA\u2030}o]_\u00c7UAincluding its relations
\n\u00c1]\u0161ZA hv]\u0161__A ^\u0161_\u0161_\u0090XA W_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A ___o]vP\u0090A \u00c1]\u0161ZA _(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vA Z_\u00c0_A Z}\u00c0_\u0152__A __\u0161\u00c1een tense and
\nvolatile for the last two decades. Following the 9\/11 attacks and the start of the global war
\nagainst terrorism, this relationship has taken on new and delicate dimensions.
\nKeeping the importance of this relationship in mind, it is important to look how the Afghan
\nconflict is covered in the Pakistani Media. This report is all about how Afghanistan and issues
\nrelating to the conflict going on there are monitored and reported by mainstream media in
\nPakistan.
\nC}\u00c0_\u0152_P_A }(A Z\u0161Z_A Afghan conflict[ in the Pakistani Media is a complex theme to tackle. The
\nongoing war in Afghanistan, the beginning of NATO[\u0090 pullout, the aspirations of the Afghan
\nPeace Process and every security or political development in Afghanistan have an obvious and
\nlong term impact on Pakistan. Terrorism in Afghanistan and in the areas of its border with
\nPakistan are ardently linked together both by the law enforcement of either side or the media.
\nD]o]\u0161_v\u0161\u0090A(\u0152}uA___ZA\u0090]__A}(A\u0161Z_A_}\u0152__\u0152A\u00b5\u0090_A\u0161Z_A}\u0161Z_\u0152[\u0090Ao_v_A_\u0090A\u0152_(\u00b5P_A_v_A_\u0152}\u0090\u0090A_order raids and
\nattacks are commonplace. It is almost impossible to meaningfully discuss the cause and effect
\nof violent conflict on one side of the Durand Line without taking into account realities and
\nconditions on the other.
\nCross border infiltration between Pakistan and Afghanistan is not limited to militants. The
\npresence of U.S. and NATO bases in Afghanistan and the continuing war on terror have had
\nserious and often tragic consequences for Pakistan. The Salala Attack by NATO forces is just one
\nexample of NATO forces in Afghanistan perceiving Pakistani grounds as fair game.
\nWhile the Salala incident provoked a severe reaction from Pakistani leaders, NATO intrusions
\ninto Pakistan from Afghanistan are extremely common. In fact, unmanned drones flying from
\nU.
\nS.
\nbases in Afghanistan have carried out more than 250 attacks inside Pakistan since 2005.
\nThese drone strikes clearly demonstrate how closely linked Pakistan is with the conflict in
\nAfghanistan.
\nForeword<\/p>\n

2
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nAs the 2014 deadline for NATO[\u0090 pullout approaches, Afghanistan and Pakistan are poised to
\nenter another yet another uncertain phase in their relationship. Given the long-standing levels
\n}(Au]\u0090\u0161\u0152\u00b5\u0090\u0161A\u0161Z_\u0161A_\u00c6]\u0090\u0161A__\u0161\u00c1__vA\u0161Z_A\u0161\u00c1}A_}\u00b5v\u0161\u0152]_\u0090A~__\u0090\u2030]\u0161_A_A______A^\u00c1}\u0152l]vPA\u0161}P_\u0161Z_\u0152_A]vA\u0161Z_A
\nlarger war on terror, a lot will depend on what unfolds in post-NATO Afghanistan.
\nIn this situation, it is extremely important to take a look at how the media in Pakistan perceives
\nand reports on Afghanistan t not just about internal conflicts within Afghanistan – but also what
\nthose conflicts mean for Pakistan.
\nAs the NATO pullout deadline approaches, it becomes extremely important to increase public
\nunderstanding of the Afghan conflict, so as to ensure that Pakistan is able to engage with post-
\nNATO Afghanistan in the best way possible. This analysis of media content on Afghanistan has
\nbeen conducted with hopes that it will help media indulge in a bit of self reflection and work
\nout the issues it currently faces while reporting on Afghanistan.
\nWe recognize the logistical and practical issues that Pakistani journalists face while reporting on
\n_(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vA_v_AZ}\u2030_A\u0161Z_\u0161A_\u00c7AZ]PZo]PZ\u0161]vPA\u0161Z_Au_]vA_v_Au]\u0090\u0090]vPA_o_u_v\u0161\u0090A}(AW_l]\u0090\u0161_v]AD__]_[\u0090A
\ncoverage of Afghanistan we will be able to generate a clear picture of the positive and negative
\naspects of Afghan coverage in Pakistani Media.
\nThis report documents and analyzes coverage of the Afghan Conflict and related issues in six
\nmainstream Pakistani news outlets.
\nThe following sub-themes have been tracked for
\nmonitoring and analysis:
\nTerrorism in Afghanistan t One of the key indicators of the security and stability
\nsituation in Afghanistan is the frequency of terrorism incidents. The fact that so many incidents
\n_}v\u0161]v\u00b5_A\u0161}A}__\u00b5\u0152A__\u0090\u2030]\u0161_A\u00c7__\u0152\u0090A}(AE_dK[\u0090A\u2030\u0152_\u0090_v__UAu__v\u0090A\u0161Z]\u0090A\u0161Z_\u00c7A_\u0152_Ao]l_oy to continue to
\nbe a significant issue once the NATO pullout is complete.
\nDrone Strikes t Even though drone strikes are primarily a political issue between Pakistan
\nand the United States, they emanate from Afghanistan. They are also a part of the larger fight
\nagainst terrorism – the backbone of the Afghan Conflict. Another aspect of the drone strikes
\nthat connects both Pakistan and Afghanistan are the links between Pakistani and Afghan
\nmilitants.
\nCross Border Attacks and Incursions t The border between Pakistan and
\nAfghanistan remains porous and dangerous for both sides. Afghan militants have crossed the
\nborder on numerous occasions to stage violent attacks on Pakistani soil. The cross border
\ninfiltrations are not limited to militants and non state elements alone. Government military and
\nsecurity forces on both sides of the border have frequently engaged with each other. There
\nhave been incidents of cross border fire, NATO gunships crossing over and shooting targets
\n(\u0152}uA W_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A _]\u0152\u0090\u2030___XA A These myriad cross border incursions reflect how Pakistan and its
\nborder areas can be affected by an unstable Afghanistan.<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n3
\nNATO Supply Lines t Afghanistan is a land locked country; goods and supplies to
\nAfghanistan must pass through a transit route from another country. NATO forces have been
\nusing multiple routes in Pakistan for the delivery of non-lethal equipment to Afghanistan. The
\nNATO supply lines in Pakistan have been a matter of controversy, trucks carrying NATO
\ncontainers have been attacked and the government has faced criticism from most right wing
\nparties on allowing the transit despite continuing drone strikes. __\u0152o]_\u0152A \u0161Z]\u0090A \u00c7__\u0152UA W_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A
\nsuspension of NATO supply lines through its territory highlighted a further inter-weaving of
\nissues and impacts involving Pakistan, Afghanistan and the United States. Pakistan suspended
\nthe movement of NATO supplies and material across its border with Afghanistan to protest
\ninfringements of its territorial sovereignty by the U.S. The NATO Supply line issue was a hot
\ntopic during the monitoring period and remains a key issue relative to W_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A \u0152}o_A ]vA the
\nAfghan conflict.
\nNATO Pullout and Afghan Peace Process t NATO[\u0090 pullout from Afghanistan is
\nscheduled to be completed next year.
\nAnd the international community[\u0090A v_\u00c6\u0161A u}\u00c0_\u0090A ]vA
\nAfghanistan are not entirely clear.
\nNor is the impact the pullout will have on the security
\nenvironment or the Afghan Government. All of these issues also have potentially serious
\nimplications for Pakistan, so this has also been closely monitored and analyzed.
\nPak-Afghan and Pak U.S. Relationship t The relationships between Pakistan,
\nAfghanistan and the United States are extremely interdependent. Perceptions of Pakistan inside
\n_(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vA_\u0152_AZ__\u00c0]o\u00c7A]u\u2030__\u0161__A_\u00c7AW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A\u2030_\u0152__]\u00c0__A\u0152}o_A_\u0090A_vA_oo\u00c7A]vA\u0161Z_A^\u00c1_\u0152A}vA\u0161_\u0152\u0152}\u0152_UA
\nand by the support it extends to the U-S military and NATO for their operations inside
\nAfghanistan. This can in turn shape the actions and policies of both the Afghan Government and
\nmilitants directed back at Pakistan.
\nThere are also open questions about how bilateral
\nrelations between Pakistan and Afghanistan will unfold follo\u00c1]vPAE_dK[\u0090A\u00ee\u00ec\u00ed\u00efA\u00c1]\u0161Z_\u0152_\u00c1_oX
\n__________________________________________________<\/p>\n

4
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n5
\nHistorically, relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been far from ideal. But despite
\nthe political and social tensions between the two countries, these oft conflicting neighbours
\nhave also shared a historical bond. Pakistan was a key player during the Afghan resistance to
\nSoviet forces and decades later, Pakistan still is home to millions of Afghan refugees. The shared
\nborder between Pakistan and Afghanistan is also a testament to the shared cultural and tribal
\nbonds. Tribes on either side of the Durand Line enjoy a common history and share similar
\ncultural and sociological perspectives.
\nC}v\u0090]__\u0152A \u0161Z_A ]v\u0161_\u0152\u00c1}\u00c0_vA \u0152_o_\u0161]}v\u0090A __\u0161\u00c1__vA \u0161Z_A _]\u0161]\u00cc_v\u0090A ]vA W_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A \u0161\u0152]__oA __o\u0161A _v_A _(PZ_vA
\nborder areas add the geo-political situation of the post-9\/11 world and view these with the lens
\nof the ongoing armed conflict in which Pakistan features as a key player and the significance of
\nthe Afghan conflict and its impact on Pakistan becomes clear. In this report, we have attempted
\nto establish whether the media in Pakistan is according any significance to the Afghan conflict
\nand how the news narrative about the conflict is structured.
\nThe data gathered during the course of this research makes one thing very clear; the Afghan
\nconflict features often in Pakistani media, but, perhaps unsurprisingly, most of the news items
\nrefer to or are linked to the Afghan conflict only indirectly. Amongst the conflict sub themes
\nthat featured most prominently in Pakistani media are drone attacks, NATO supply line, NATO
\npullout and Afghan peace process and cross-border insurgency.
\n\u2022
\nPak-Afghan relations are vastly underreported. The dynamics of relations
\nbetween Pakistan and Afghanistan are vastly underreported and only 3% of the
\nnews pieces about Afghanistan that appeared in the monitored newspapers
\nfrom April to August 2012 focused on Pak-Afghan relationship. The pattern is
\nslightly different on TV and 8% of the Afghanistan-related news items in the 9
\no[_o}_lA_\u00b5oo_\u0161]v\u0090A}(A\u0161Z_Au}v]\u0161}\u0152__A_Z_vv_o\u0090Au___AW_l-Afghan relations the key
\nfocus of the story.
\n\u2022
\nNATO supply line is treated as a priority news subject by newspapers and TV.
\nNATO supply line and cross-border insurgency from Afghanistan were given
\nimportance of both TV and newspapers v 23% of the related news on TV and
\n18
\n% in newspapers were about NATO supply. The news about suspension of the
\nsupply from Pakistan, the escalating tensions amongst Pakistan, Afghanistan and
\nUnited States over this issue and the eventual resumption of the supply were
\nwidely discussed and analyzed by all the monitored media outlets. Some 21% of
\nExecutive summary<\/p>\n

6
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nthe newspaper coverage on NATO supply route consisted of opinion and
\neditorial pieces.
\n\u2022
\nA significant number of opinion and analytical pieces are published on Afghan
\nconflict. In newspapers, 76% of the published articles were news stories while
\n24
\n% were opinion, analysis or editorial pieces. The ratio of news vs. opinion is
\nreasonably high. The frequency with which opinion pieces on the Afghan conflict
\nwere
\npublished
\nis
\nan
\nindication of
\nthe fact
\nthat
\neditors are according
\nconsiderable importance to the topic.
\n\u2022
\nAfghan peace process is not reported frequently, but, when reported, it is
\ndiscussed analytically. Even though NATO pullout and Afghan peace process was
\nthe news focus of only 16% of the total number of published stories, 16% of
\nthese stories were opinion or analytical pieces, which, in effect, resulted in a
\ndetailed and in-depth coverage of the theme.
\n\u2022
\nAFP, local and foreign correspondents of newspapers are most frequently used
\nsources. More than half of the stories i.e. 53% of the stories on Afghan conflict
\nwere sourced to local correspondents of the newspapers and 13% to foreign
\ncorrespondents. The rest were sourced to different news agencies. Both English
\nnewspapers seem to favor French wire service AFP when it comes to Afghan
\nconflict news, and 18% of the news stories about Afghanistan were from AFP.
\n\u2022
\nTerror incidents in Afghanistan are not prioritized by newspapers and TV
\nchannels. A total of 371 casualties were reported in different terrorism incidents
\nin Afghanistan. News about terror incidents in Afghanistan was not given much
\npriority. Multiple incidents were grouped together into a single news item
\nwithout much of a detail offered.
\n\u2022
\nPakistan features prominently in one-tenth of news items reporting terrorism
\nin Afghanistan. Media identifies the need for a joint anti-terrorism strategy and
\nidentifies the Haqqani Network as one of the most potent groups involved.
\nHowever, ,_\u2039\u2039_v]\u0090[Ao]vlA\u00c1]\u0161ZAu]o]\u0161_v_\u00c7A]vA_(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vAZas been reported only
\nthrough quotes from American officials; the media has avoided linking the two
\ntogether directly.
\n\u2022
\nWhile reporting Green-on-Blue killings NATO officers have been given a heroic
\nframe and have been referred \u0161}A_\u0090AZt_\u0090\u0161_\u0152v_\u0152\u0090AZ_o\u2030]vPA_(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vAcounter
\nreligious _\u00c6\u0161\u0152_u]\u0090\u0161\u0090[X
\n\u2022
\nCross-border incursions from Afghanistan are given ample news space. A total
\nof 17 cross-border incursions were reported in the monitored period. Tribal
\nregion Bajaur
\nAgency
\nand
\nUpper
\nDir
\nDistrict
\nof
\nnorthwestern
\nKhyber<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n7
\nPakhtunkhwa along the border with Afghanistan were reported as being most
\nvulnerable to cross-border incursions from Afghanistan. Thirty-three Pakistani
\nsoldiers and law enforcers were reported dead in these incursions. Over a dozen
\ntribesmen and over 100 militants were also reported to be killed. In the opinion
\npieces published on the theme of cross-border incursions multiple analysts and
\nwriters made a reference to the safe-havens Pakistan-based outlawed militant
\noutfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has apparently found in Afghanistan.
\n\u2022
\nISAF and NATO forces have been mentioned in 33% of the news stories about
\ncross-border incursions. The media seems to harbor a deep mistrust of the ISAF
\nand American forces in Afghanistan; most opinion pieces commenting on the
\nforces have framed them in a manipulative and deceitful role.
\n\u2022
\nReporting about drone attacks is incomplete; disparities in casualty figures
\nreported by different newspapers are common. Drone attacks ]vA W_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A
\ntribal areas were also monitored. A total of 23 drone attacks were reported by
\nthe media from April to August 2012.
\n\u2022
\nDifferent newspapers gave different casualty figures in drone strikes and other
\ndetails in the news stories also varied. A few disparities were also found in the
\nreported number of drone strike casualties in local newspapers and International
\nnews sources; however, the difference was not very significant. Some positive
\nand a number of negative aspects of the drone strategy have been discussed in
\nthe monitored papers; the conclusion after these arguments has been largely on
\nthe negative side.
\n\u2022
\nPakistani media largely sees \u0161Z_A _\u0152}v_A \u0090\u0161\u0152_\u0161_P\u00c7A _\u0090A _A \u00c0]}o_\u0161]}vA }(A W_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A
\nsovereignty and international laws. The United States has been portrayed as a
\nbully with no regard for human life or for moral and legal obligations. The
\nPakistani government has been portrayed as either incompetent or sly playing a
\ndouble-game on the drone issue.
\n\u2022
\nMedia coverage was neither overtly for or against the suspension of NATO
\nsupplies routes. The resumption of the NATO supplies through Pakistan was
\nwelcomed by the media; however, misgivings and questions about the United
\n^\u0161_\u0161_\u0090[A_\u0161\u0161]\u0161\u00b5__A}\u00c0_\u0152A\u0161Z_A]\u0090\u0090\u00b5_A\u0152_u_]v__XA
\n\u2022
\nPakistani media does not believe that the Afghan security forces are ready or
\ncapable of managing the extremist and terrorist element in Afghanistan after
\nNATO pullout. Media coverage also reflects the fear that Pakistan stands to
\nsuffer a violent blowback from Afghanistan once the NATO forces have pulled
\nout.<\/p>\n

8
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n\u2022
\nThe media portrays Afghanistan and the Haqqanis as detrimental factors that
\n\u00c1}\u00b5o_A__(]v_AW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A\u0152_o_\u0161]}v\u0090A\u00c1]\u0161ZA\u0161Z_AhX^XA The media identifies a need to
\nredefine Pak-Afghan relationship so that both governments can help each other
\ncounter terrorist elements after the NATO pullout.
\n\u2022
\ndZ_\u0152_A]\u0090A _A _o__\u0152A o__lA }(A\u0161\u0152\u00b5\u0090\u0161A]vA \u0161Z_A _(PZ_vAP}\u00c0_\u0152vu_v\u0161[\u0090A__\u2030__]o]\u0161\u00c7 to handle
\nthe volatile situation in Afghanistan and the media remains deeply fearful of a
\nrise in Taliban influence within the government post-NATO pullout.
\n_\u2030_\u0152\u0161A(\u0152}uAv_\u00c1\u0090Au}v]\u0161}\u0152]vPUA\u0161Z]\u0090A\u0152_\u0090__\u0152_ZA_o\u0090}A\u0161_l_\u0090A_Ao}}lA_\u0161A_(PZ_vA_v_AW_l]\u0090\u0161_v]Ai}\u00b5\u0152v_o]\u0090\u0161\u0090[A
\nperception of the coverage of Afghan conflict in Pakistani media. A group of Pakistani
\njournalists who have reported actively on Afghanistan participated in a short survey and 93% of
\nthem said that media has a role to play in improving relations between Pakistan and
\nAfghanistan.
\n\u2022
\nMajority of Pakistani journalists find Afghan conflict coverage inadequate. Over
\n83
\n% of these journalists termed the coverage of Afghan conflict as being
\ninadequate. The majority of these journalists said that a lack of interest in the
\nAfghan conflict in Pakistani media organizations is the main reason for this
\ninadequate coverage. Some 67% of the journalists termed Afghan coverage in
\nnewspapers overtly negative, while 60% also termed the coverage on TV as
\nbeing overtly negative.
\n\u2022
\nMajority of Afghan journalists also find Afghan conflict coverage inadequate. A
\ngroup of journalists from Afghanistan also took part in a survey regarding
\ncoverage of Afghan conflict in Pakistani media. Nearly 86% of the Afghan
\njournalists found the coverage to be inadequate and \u00f4\u00f29A_o\u0090}A\u0161_\u0152u__A]\u0161AZ}\u00c0_\u0152\u0161o\u00c7A
\nv_P_\u0161]\u00c0_[XA_ooA\u0161Z_AAfghan respondents said that media has an important role in
\nimproving relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Suggesting ways to
\nimprove the current media coverage, 85% of the Afghan journalists indicated the
\nneed to bring out Afghan voices in the Pakistani media.
\n__________________________________________________<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n9
\nNews gathering and production becomes a daunting prospect on occasions when news and
\ndevelopments happen out of the country, especially thematic, in-depth coverage. Even though
\nthis report focuses on thematic coverage of the Afghan conflict and related issues, the theme
\ngets its fair share of coverage in Pakistan, comparable to that in Afghanistan itself or in the
\nUnited States.
\nIn the first section of news analysis, we will focus on three basic quantitative indicators of news
\ncoverage: The focus, type and source of the news story.
\nThe Afghan conflict is complex. When it comes to news, it throws up multi-dimensional and
\nmulti-layered stories. Monitoring this theme often means monitoring news items that do not
\nmake a direct mention of the conflict in Afghanistan but are a direct result of the war brewing
\nin Afghanistan. The Afghan conflict also features as a microcosm of the global war against terror
\nin that it symbolizes, at least for the present, a focused theatre of the war when it comes to the
\nnews audience worldwide.
\nFor Pakistan, of course, the impending NATO pullout from
\nAfghanistan has direct consequences.
\nMonitoring the Afghan conflict in Pakistani media also means that elements of the conflict that
\nhave a direct impact and relevance on this side of the border receive vastly more coverage. So,
\nwhile terrorism in Afghanistan and the Afghan peace process have had their share of news
\nstories in newspapers and on TV, it is the NATO supply line, cross-border incursions and drone
\nstrikes that have generated the largest chunk of news content. Unexpectedly, a good
\npercentage of the news content consists of news commentary, analysis and opinion pieces.
\nWhile both English newspapers i.e. Dawn and The Express Tribune show similar trends in basic
\ncov_\u0152_P_A]v_]__\u0161}\u0152\u0090UA\u0161Z_Ah\u0152_\u00b5Av_\u00c1\u0090\u2030_\u2030_\u0152A:_vP[\u0090A_}\u00c0_\u0152_P_AZ_\u0090A___vA\u0090o]PZ\u0161o\u00c7A_]((_\u0152_v\u0161XA
\nNews focus
\nDrone strikes in Pakistan and cross-border insurgency remained the most covered themes in all
\nmonitored newspapers. Among the 602 published news pieces, 19% were about drone strikes
\nin FATA, 17% were about the NATO supply line issue, 15% about cross-border insurgency from
\nAfghanistan, 16% related to NATO pullout in 2014 and Afghan peace process, 13% reported on
\nterrorism incidents in Afghanistan while 12% related to Pak-Afghan or Pak-U.S. relations in
\ncontext of Afghan conflict.
\nNews demographics: Newspaper coverage<\/p>\n

10
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nNews focus of stories published in monitored newspapers
\nNATO pullout in 2014 and the Afghan peace process were covered in detail in both Dawn and
\nThe Express Tribune with 21% stories in The Express Tribune and 14% stories in Dawn dedicated
\nto these themes. In Jang, however, only 6% of the stories on Afghan conflict focused on NATO
\npullout or Afghan peace process. Among other popular themes were NATO Supply and drone
\nattacks. In Dawn, the NATO supply line was a significant focus with 16% of the Afghan conflict
\ncoverage dedicated to the theme.
\nIn The Express Tribune, the second most popular theme was drone strikes with 19% of total
\nAfghanistan-related coverage dedicated to drone strikes. Drone strikes also generated the
\nhighest number of news stories in Jang, with 29% of the total news stories related to Afghan
\nconflict focusing on drone strikes and related issues or statements.
\nBoth NATO supply and drone strikes highlight the deep impact that the Afghan crisis has on
\nPakistan. It also points out the crucial role that Pakistan has to play in the context of the
\ntransformation of the Afghan conflict. Below is a graphical look at the key themes relating to
\nAfghan conflict that the three monitored newspapers covered from April to August 2012.
\nTerrorism in
\nAfghanistan
\n13%
\nCross-border
\ninsurgency
\n15%
\nDrone strikes
\n19%
\nNATO supply
\n17%
\nNATO pullout
\n16%
\nPak-U.S.
\nrelations
\n9%
\nPak-Afghan
\nrelations
\n3%
\nOthers
\n8%<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n11
\nNews focus in Jang
\nNews focus in Dawn
\n13%
\n2%
\n7%
\n6%
\n26%
\n29%
\n13%
\n2%
\n0
\n5
\n10
\n15
\n20
\n25
\n30
\nOthers
\nPak-Afghan relations
\nPak-U.S. relations
\nNATO pullout
\nNATO supply
\nDrone strikes
\nCross-border insurgency
\nTerrorism in Afghanistan
\n10%
\n3%
\n12%
\n15%
\n16%
\n15%
\n14%
\n13%
\n0
\n5
\n10
\n15
\n20
\n25
\n30
\n35
\n40
\n45
\n50
\nOthers
\nPak-Afghan relations
\nPak-U.S. relations
\nNATO pullout
\nNATO supply
\nDrone strikes
\nCross Border insurgency
\nTerrorism in Afghanistan<\/p>\n

12
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nNews focus in The Express Tribune
\nNews content type
\nWith a theme as complex and intertwined with the peace in the region, it is a given that a
\nsignificant percentage of the total news content relating to the Afghan conflict would consist of
\nopinion pieces in the form of news analysis, editorials, columns, opinion editorials and even
\nletters to the editor. The monitoring establishes that it really is so. Among the 602 articles
\npublished in the monitored newspapers from April to August 2012, as many as 143 were
\nopinion pieces i.e. 24% of the total coverage was of analytical nature.
\nType of news content published
\n5%
\n3%
\n6%
\n21%
\n15%
\n19%
\n16%
\n12%
\n0
\n10
\n20
\n30
\n40
\n50
\n60
\nOthers
\nPak-Afghan relations
\nPak-U.S. relations
\nNATO pullout
\nNATO supply
\nDrone strikes
\nCrossborder insurgency
\nTerrorism in Afghanistan
\nOpinion
\n24%
\nNews
\n76%<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n13
\nThe Express Tribune published the highest percentage of opinion pieces with 26% of the entire
\nnews content on Afghan conflict consisting of opinion pieces. In thematic news content that
\nappeared in Dawn, 25% consisted of opinion pieces while Jang had the lowest percentage of
\nopinion pieces with only 14% of the published content on Afghan conflict being opinion and
\neditorial pieces.
\nRatio of news and opinion pieces
\nThe NATO pullout in 2014 and the Afghan peace process remained the most widely discussed
\ntheme in opinion pieces with 27% of them discussing this theme.
\nThemes of opinion pieces
\nNews
\nNews
\nNews
\nOpinion
\nOpinion
\nOpinion
\n0
\n50
\n100
\n150
\n200
\n250
\nDawn
\nThe Express Tribune
\nJang
\n0
\n5
\n10
\n15
\n20
\n25
\n30
\n35
\n40
\nOthers
\nPak-Afghan & Pak-U.S. relations
\nNATO pullout
\nNATO supply
\nDrone strikes
\nCross-Border incursions
\nTerrorism in Afghanistan<\/p>\n

14
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nNews sources
\nThe knotty, and often controversial, issue of the Afghan conflict necessitates diverse opinion
\nand arguments to establish the truth. The credibility of news, therefore, is a factor of news
\nsources that newspapers use to generate news content. An underlying assumption with a
\ntheme based in a foreign land would be that the local correspondents would not be generating
\nthe larger chunk of the news content for reasons of access, if nothing else. However, since the
\nAfghan conflict is so closely intertwined with P_l]\u0090\u0161_vUA __\u2030_v__v_\u00c7A }vA _A Z(}\u0152_]Pv[Av_\u00c1\u0090A __\u0090_A
\nfactor to stay informed about developments in Afghanistan does not come into play much.
\nIn fact, the data gathered during the monitoring process shows that local correspondents
\ngenerated as much as 53% of the total news content published in the monitored newspapers.
\nBoth
\nDawn
\nand
\nthe Tribune
\nattributed
\na good
\nnumber of
\nstories to
\ntheir foreign
\ncorrespondents. AFP has been the most widely used news agency for both Dawn and Tribune
\nwith 19% Afghanistan related stories in Dawn and 21% Afghanistan related stories in the
\nTribune attributed to AFP. The Urdu newspaper Jang, however, showed a preference for the
\nOnline news agency with 15% of Afghanistan related content attributed to Online and only 11%
\nattributed to AFP preferred by both English newspapers.
\nNews sources for Afghan conflict coverage
\nThe comparison between the news sources being used by the monitored newspapers is quite
\ninteresting.
\nAFP
\n18%
\nAP
\n3%
\nAPP
\n1%
\nOnline
\n3%
\nSana
\n1%
\nReuters
\n1%
\nMultiple news
\nagencies
\n7%
\nLocal
\ncorrespondent
\n53%
\nForeign
\ncorrespondent
\n13%<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n15
\nNews sources used by monitored newspapers
\nAFP, 19%
\nAFP, 11%
\nAFP, 20%
\nAP, 7%
\nAP, 0
\nAP, 1%
\nAPP, 0%
\nAPP, 5%
\nAPP, 1%
\nOnline, 0
\nOnline, 15%
\nOnline, 0
\nSana, 0
\nSana, 6%
\nSana, 0
\nReuters, 0
\nReuters, 2%
\nReuters, 0.50%
\nMultiple agencies, 3%
\nMultiple agencies, 0
\nMultiple agencies, 7%
\nLocal correspondent,
\n51%
\nLocal correspondent,
\n40%
\nLocal correspondent,
\n58%
\nForeign
\ncorrespondent, 18%
\nForeign
\ncorrespondent, 3%
\nForeign
\ncorrespondent, 10%
\n0%
\n10%
\n20%
\n30%
\n40%
\n50%
\n60%
\n70%
\nDawn
\nJang
\nThe Express Tribune<\/p>\n

16
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nB}\u0161ZA u_]v\u0090\u0161\u0152__uA _vPo]\u0090ZAv_\u00c1\u0090\u2030_\u2030_\u0152\u0090A_\u2030\u2030_\u0152_v\u0161o\u00c7A\u0152_o\u00c7A }vA\u0161Z_A \u0090_u_Av_\u00c1\u0090A \u0090}\u00b5\u0152__\u0090A _v_A Z_\u00c0_v[\u0161A
\npublished a single story from two local agencies preferred by Jang i.e. Online and Sana.
\nComparison: News sources in Dawn and The Express Tribune
\n__________________________________________________
\nDawn
\nDawn
\nDawn
\nDawn
\nDawn
\nDawn
\nDawn
\nThe Express
\nTribune
\nThe Express
\nTribune
\nThe Express
\nTribune
\nThe Express
\nTribune
\nThe Express
\nTribune
\nThe Express
\nTribune
\nThe Express
\nTribune
\nAFP
\nAP
\nAPP
\nReuters
\nMultiple news
\nagencies
\nLocal correspondent
\nForeign
\ncorrespondent
\n0
\n20
\n40
\n60
\n80
\n100
\n120<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n17
\nIn a country like Pakistan where the percentage of illiterate people far exceeds those with the
\nability to read and write, television is a true mass medium. For the last 12 years, since the
\ncurrent crisis in Afghanistan in the wake of American intervention in post-2001, the impact,
\nrelevance and outreach of television has grown along with the conflict in the region. TV news
\nand talk shows have become primetime entertainment for a nation deeply affected by the
\nconflict in the region deeply connected to that in Afghanistan. TV has emerged and remains as
\none of the key mediums that influence and mould the public opinion in Pakistan.
\nEven though the reach and impact of the television is greater than that of newspapers, with the
\nbenefit of regular updates, this report only takes into account the coverage of the Afghan
\nconflict in the most watched news bulletin of the day v \u0161Z_A\u00f5A}[_o}_l news. This restriction was
\ndictated by cost and logistical constraints as monitoring TV through the cycle of news and
\nupdates can be an expensive and time-consuming undertaking.
\nThe data presented here is,
\nthus, reflective only of the hour-long bulletin _\u0161A \u00f5A }[_o}_lA v the longest and the most
\ncomprehensive of the day, compared to on-the-Z}\u00b5\u0152A_\u00b5oo_\u0161]v\u0090A_v_A\u00b5\u2030__\u0161_\u0090A\u0161Z_\u0161A_}v[\u0161A_\u00c6____A
\n10 minutes at the most v and not of the collective coverage of Afghan conflict in the news
\nbulletins through the day on the monitored TV channels.
\nGiven the limitations of TV coverage monitoring, this report aims to determine the significance
\nand importance given to Afghan conflict-\u0152_o_\u0161__Av_\u00c1\u0090A]vA\u0161Z_A\u00f5A}[A_o}_lA_\u00b5oo_\u0161]v\u0090A}(AdsA_Z_vv_o\u0090XA
\nFrom April to August 2012, the three monitored channels aired a total of 71 stories about the
\nAfghan conflict. Amongst these 71 were straight news stories, seven were beepers (live-cross
\nbetween the reporter and the news presenter) and three were news packages.
\nNews focus
\nLike newspapers, TV channels also dedicated most of the airtime to drone strikes, NATO supply
\nand cross-border insurgency when it comes to coverage of the Afghan conflict. Drone strikes
\nremained the most widely covered theme with 28% of the coverage dedicated to drone strikes,
\nNATO supply bagged 23% of the related coverage, while cross-border attacks and insurgency
\nrelated news items made up for 15% of the related news coverage.
\nNews demographics: Television coverage<\/p>\n

18
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nNews focus of stories aired on monitored TV channels
\nUnlike the newspapers, the monitored TV news content does not include much coverage of
\nterrorism related incidents in Afghanistan. Only 7% of the Afghan conflict coverage on TV
\nfocuses on terrorism in Afghanistan as opposed to the 13% coverage in monitored newspapers.
\nThe Pakistan-U.S. relations in context of Afghan conflict have generated 10% of the thematic
\nnews content, but NATO pullout and Afghan peace process does not seem to be a preferred
\ntheme for TV news channels and only 6% of the thematic coverage focuses on the pullout and
\npeace process.
\nThe reason for this might be the fact that this data reflects only the 9pm news bulletin content
\nthat due to time constraint allows only coverage of the important news items, not analysis as
\ndone in the current affairs programms and talk shows.
\nThe comparison between Geo News, Waqt News and Samaa News shows that there are
\nsimilarities between news policies when it comes to the coverage of Afghan conflict.
\nTerrorism in
\nAfghanistan
\n7%
\nCross-border
\ninsurgency
\n15%
\nDrone strikes
\n28%
\nNATO supply
\n23%
\nNATO pullout
\n6%
\nPak-U.S.
\nrelations
\n10%
\nPak-Afghan
\nrelations
\n8%
\nOthers
\n3%<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n19
\nComparison between focus of Afghan conflict related news
\non Geo News, Waqt News and Samaa News
\nType of news item
\nGiven the news coverage trends in Pakistani TV where bulletins are almost entirely composed
\nof straight news stories, it does not come as a surprise that a significant number of the
\nmonitored news items consist of event reporting. Among the items aired by the monitored
\nchannels, 86% were simple news stories in OC-VO or OC t VO t SOT format. Only 5% of the
\n1
\nstories were aired as Beepers and only 1% of the thematic news content consisted of news
\npackages. All the news items aired were reactionary in tone. The lack of detailed reporting on
\nthe theme in this regard seems more a factor of time constraint that the 9 }[clock bulletin faces
\nthan lack of interest in the theme on part of the news channel.
\nNews priority
\nThe priority given to any news item can be determined by the airing slot allotted to that
\nparticular news item while deciding the running order news in a bulletin v the most important
\nnews in terms of impact, relevance, proximity etc. takes precedence over the less important.
\nWhile important news items are aired in earlier slots, these news items are usually aired in
\n1
\nOC-VO refers to On-Camera and Voice Over, a common TV news format which consists of the news anchor
\nreading the lead on camera and then switching to pre-recorded visuals for the rest of the voice over. OC-VO-SOT is
\nthe basic OC-sKA\u00c1]\u0161ZA_vA___]\u0161]}vA}(AZ^}\u00b5nd-on-d_\u2030_[A_o]\u2030A\u00c1Z]_ZA\u0090Z}\u00c1\u0090A_A\u2030\u0152_-recorded clip of someone from the
\nfield giving a quote on camera.
\nGe
\no
\n,
\n16%
\nGeo
\n,
\n41
\n%
\nGe
\no
\n,
\n19%
\nGe
\no
\n,
\n8%
\nGe
\no
\n,
\n11%
\nGe
\no
\n,
\n5%
\nWaqt
\n,
\n20%
\nWaqt
\n,
\n15%
\nWaqt
\n,
\n15%
\nWaqt
\n,
\n25%
\nWaqt
\n,
\n5%
\nWaqt
\n,
\n20%
\nWaqt
\n,
\n10%
\nS
\nam
\naa,
\n6%
\nS
\nam
\naa,
\n20%
\nS
\nam
\naa,
\n13%
\nS
\nam
\naa,
\n26%
\nS
\nam
\naa,
\n6%
\nS
\nam
\naa,
\n13%
\nS
\nam
\naa,
\n15%
\n0
\n0.05
\n0.1
\n0.15
\n0.2
\n0.25
\n0.3
\n0.35
\n0.4
\n0.45
\nTerrorism in
\nAfghanistan
\nCross-Border
\nincursions
\nDrone
\nstrikes
\nNATO supply
\nNATO
\npullout
\nPak-U.S.
\nrelations
\nPak-Afghan
\nrelations
\nOthers<\/p>\n

20
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nblocks of similar themes so determination of airing time does not exactly portray the
\nimportance that a particular news item has for the rundown producer. Certain news themes
\ndemand lengthier coverage and the duration of each news item obviously has a bearing on the
\ntime that other news items in the rundown would air at.
\nTo get an estimation of how the rundown producer conceived the news items in terms of
\nimportance, we decided to simply check whether news related to the Afghan conflict has been
\naired among the first 10 news items of the bulletin.
\nIt is interesting to note that more than 46% of the total Afghan conflict stories were aired
\namong the first 10 items of the news bulletins v 15% of the stories aired among the first 10
\nnews items of the bulletin were either beepers or packages. Most of the prioritized news items
\nfocused on drone attacks.
\nPrioritized themes in news
\nNews significance
\nAnother factor determining the importance given to the theme is the duration of the stories
\naired. Since the 9 }[_o}_lA _\u00b5oo_\u0161]v\u0090A}vA dsA_Z_vv_o\u0090A_]uA\u0161}A]v_o\u00b5__A\u0161Z_A ]u\u2030}\u0152\u0161_v\u0161A v_\u00c1\u0090A}(A \u0161Z_A
\nday, it is usually difficult to squeeze in lengthy news items. However, as much as 44% of the
\nnews stories aired on the Afghan conflict were over one minute in duration showing that TV
\nstations are dedicating a significant amount of time to stories about the Afghan conflict.
\n6%
\n21%
\n40%
\n24%
\n3%
\n3%
\n3%
\nTerrorism in
\nAfghanistan
\nCross-Border
\ninsurgency
\nDrone strikes
\nNATO supply
\nNATO pullout
\nPak-U.S.
\nrelations
\nPak-Afghan
\nrelations<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n21
\nDuration of stories aired on Afghan conflict
\nFocus of news items over one minute
\n1
\n–
\n2 minutes
\n36%
\nLess than a
\nminute
\n54%
\nMore than 2
\nminutes
\n8%
\nNato supply
\nCross-border
\nincursions
\nDrone strikes
\nNATO supply
\nNATO pullout
\nPak-U.S.
\nrelations
\nPak-Afghan
\nrelations
\n0
\n1
\n2
\n3
\n4
\n5
\n6
\n7<\/p>\n

22
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nWhen it comes to airing stories longer than a minute, Waqt News has taken the lead v airing
\n53
\n% of the long stories.
\nOver one-minute long stories on monitored channels
\nWhile the percentage of lengthy stories on the monitored theme might not be very high given
\n\u0161Z_A \u0161]u_A o]u]\u0161_\u0161]}v\u0090A ]vA \u0161Z_A \u00f5A }[_o}_lA _\u00b5oo_\u0161]vUA \u0161Z_A \u0152_o_\u0161]\u00c0_o\u00c7A Z]PZA \u2030_\u0152__v\u0161_P_A \u0090Z}\u00c1\u0090A \u0161Z_\u0161A \u0161Z_A
\nmonitored channels are giving both priority and significance to the Afghan conflict in their main
\nnews bulletin.
\n__________________________________________________
\nGeo, 26%
\nWaqt, 53%
\nSamaa, 20%
\n0
\n1
\n2
\n3
\n4
\n5
\n6
\n7
\n8
\n9<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n23
\nContext
\nThe bleak security and political situation in Afghanistan is a secret to none. With the NATO
\npullout drawing near, the political, economic and security situation
\nin Afghanistan is
\ncontinuously a matter of deep concern for all global actors. The Afghan government is seen as
\nweak and ineffective, while the Taliban violence seems to have no end. Terrorism incidents in
\nAfghanistan are common place and varied. From suicide blasts affecting mostly civilians to
\ntargeted bomb attacks and ambushes of the NATO forces, the violence rages all over the
\ncountry. A recent surge in Afghan law enforcement personnel turning on their foreign
\ncounterparts has been alarming. The fact of the matter is; so varied and numerous are these
\nincidents of terrorism in Afghanistan, that Pakistani media is only covering only the most gory,
\nthe most disastrous of these attacks. The question is: Is a more detailed coverage of terrorism
\nin Afghanistan even important or necessary?
\nCoverage of terrorism in Afghanistan
\nKEY
\nFINDINGS
\n\uf076
\n12
\n% of the news pieces on terrorism in Afghanistan
\nmention Pakistan; all these articles mention Pakistani non-
\nstate actors and half of them also mention Pakistani state
\nactors.
\n\uf076
\nMedia
\nidentifies the
\nneed
\nfor
\na
\njoint
\nanti-terrorism
\nstrategy.
\n\uf076
\nThree quarters of the stories that mention Pakistan in
\ncontext of terrorism in Afghanistan have identified the
\nHaqqani Network as the possible link.
\n\uf076
\n,_\u2039\u2039_v]\u0090[A o]vlA \u00c1]\u0161ZA u]o]\u0161_v_\u00c7A ]vA _(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vA Z_\u0090A ___vA
\nreported only through quotes from American officials; the
\nmedia has avoided linking the two together directly.
\n\uf076
\nWherever action against the Haqqanis has been discussed,
\nonly
\nthe
\nsecurity
\nforces have
\nbeen
\nmentioned.
\nThe
\npolitical government has not been mentioned even once,
\nindicating that the media does not believe that the
\npolitical administration has a part to play in this regard.
\n\uf076
\nWhile reporting Green-on-Blue killings, NATO officers have
\nbeen given a heroic frame and have been referred to as
\nZt_\u0090\u0161_\u0152v_\u0152\u0090A
\nZ_o\u2030]vPA
\n_(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vA
\n_}\u00b5v\u0161_\u0152A
\n\u0152_o]P]}\u00b5\u0090A
\n_\u00c6\u0161\u0152_u]\u0090\u0161\u0090[XA<\/p>\n

24
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nD_v\u0161]}vA}(A\u0161Z_AZW_l]\u0090\u0161_vAl]vl[A
\nKv_A__vAZ_\u0152_o\u00c7A__v\u00c7AW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A__\u0161]\u00c0_A\u0152}o_A_v_A]u\u2030__\u0161A}vA_(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A]v\u0161_\u0152v_oA\u0090]\u0161\u00b5_\u0161]}vXA_vA
\nanalysis of all news items published on the theme of terrorism in Afghanistan reveals that 12%
\nof the total news items on the conflict theme mention either Pakistan or a group originating
\nfrom Pakistan.
\nWhile at a glance, 12% might not seem like a large percentage, but, it is important to note that
\nnearly half of the news items reporting terrorism attacks in the Pak-Afghan border area
\nreported a link to Pakistan. An important factor of the coverage is that in 60% of the news items
\nthat reported a link between Pakistan and terrorism in Afghanistan, the alleged link or lack
\nthereof was mentioned in the headline.
\nA headline in The Express Tribune on August 13, 2012 says ZPakistan-o]vl__[A _\u0161\u0161__lA }vA <__\u00b5oA
\nfoiled[; _v}\u0161Z_\u0152A __\u0152\u0152]_\u0090A\u0161Z_A \u2030\u0152_\u0161_\u00c6\u0161A ZdZ_A ,_\u2039\u2039_v]A C}vv__\u0161]}v[; another in Jang quotes Sherry
\nRehmanUAW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A_u__\u0090\u0090__}\u0152A]vAhX^XUA_\u0090A saying, Z_}v[\u0161A\u2030}]v\u0161A(]vP_\u0152\u0090A_\u0161AW_l]\u0090\u0161_vA]vA_}vv__\u0161]}vA
\nwith attacks in Kabul.[ The newspapers have also quoted Afghan officials freely, even when they
\nare directly accusing Pakistan of being involved in supporting the terrorist, anti-government
\nforces. A news piece published on 29
\nth
\nJuly 2012 quotes Eklil Hakimi, Afghan Ambassador to the
\nU.S
\n.,
\n\u0090\u0161_\u0161]vPA\u0161Z_\u0161AZ\u0161Z_A}\u2030\u2030}\u0090]\u0161]}vA(}\u0152__\u0090A]vA_(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vA\u0152___]\u00c0_Au}v_\u00c7UA\u0161\u0152_]v]vPA_v_A_\u2039\u00b5]\u2030u_v\u0161A
\nfrom the other side of the Durand Line.[ This data shows that Pakistani media outlets are
\nactively reporting the alleged links between terrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan or Pakistan-
\nbased militant outfits.
\nMention of state and non-state actors from Pakistan
\nAll of the articles that mention Pakistan in context of Terrorism in Afghanistan have mentioned
\nthe involvement of non-state actors, particularly the Haqqani Network. However, half of these
\n_\u0152\u0161]_o_\u0090A_o\u0090}A__ooA\u00b5\u2030}vA\u0161Z_A\u0090\u0161_\u0161_[\u0090A(_]o\u00b5\u0152_A\u0161}A__\u0161A_P_]v\u0090\u0161A\u0161Z_\u0090_A_o_u_v\u0161\u0090XA
\nTotal articles on the theme
\n78
\nMentioned Pakistan
\n12%
\nMentioned Pakistani state actors
\n6%
\nMentioned Pakistani non-state actors
\n12%
\nKvo\u00c7A }v_A }(A \u0161Z_A v_\u00c1\u0090A ]\u0161_u\u0090A _}v\u0161_]v__A }vo\u00c7A _A \u0152_(_\u0152_v__A \u0161}A W_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A \u0090\u0161_\u0161_A __\u0161}\u0152\u0090[ v i.e.
\nPakistani intelligence agencies[ v involvement in a sectarian attack in Kabul. The news
\npublished in The Express Tribune on June 20, 2012 quotes Afghan Attorney General Mohammad
\n_\u0090\u0090_\u2039A_\u0161_lVA^\/\u0161A~\u2030o_vA\u0161}A__\u0152\u0152\u00c7A_A\u0090__\u0161_\u0152]_vA_\u0161\u0161__lA]vA_(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vA\u00c1_\u0090A\u0090\u0161_\u0152\u0161__A(\u0152}uAW_\u0090Z_\u00c1_\u0152A_v_A
\nthis (attack) was administered by our v_]PZ_}\u0152[\u0090 ]v\u0161_oo]P_v__A}\u0152P_v\u0090X_A
\nHowever, this news piece is an exception rather than norm v among all the news items that
\nmention the Pakistan link to terrorism in Afghanistan, this is the only one that contains an
\nallegation about W_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A_]\u0152__\u0161Ao]vlA\u0161}A_vA_\u0161\u0161__lA\u00c1]\u0161Z}\u00b5\u0161A_A_}\u00b5v\u0161_\u0152-statement from Pakistani
\nofficials.<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n25
\nTone of media coverage linking state elements to terrorism in
\nAfghanistan
\nAlmost one-tenth of the total coverage on terrorism in Afghanistan consisted of opinion and
\n__]\u0161}\u0152]_oA \u2030]___\u0090A _v_A _ooA \u0161Z_\u0090_A u_v\u0161]}vA W_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A \u2030}\u0090\u0090]_o_A o]vlXA dZ_A \u0161}v_A }(A u}\u0090\u0161A
\nopinion\/editorial pieces reflects a reproach towards state elements for failing to act against
\nmilitant groups operating in the region. However, this is true in only two English newspapers
\nDawn and The Express Tribune. Jang, the only Urdu newspaper monitored for this research, did
\nnot publish any editorials or opinion pieces that linked Pakistan to terrorism in Afghanistan.
\nMultiple opinion\/editorial pieces in the English language press also draw comparisons between
\nthe suffering of Afghan and Pakistani people at the hand of terrorists while calling for a joint
\nstrategy against the menace of terrorism. An op-ed in Dawn, translated from Pashto language
\nnewspaper Daily Khabroona \u0090\u0161_\u0161_\u0090VA^\/\u0161A]\u0090A_Au_\u0161\u0161_\u0152A}(A_}v__\u0152vA(}\u0152A_}\u0161ZAW_l]\u0090\u0161_vA_v_A_(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vA
\nthat
\nterrorists
\nhave
\nbeen
\ntargeting
\nlaw-enforcement
\nagencies, sensitive
\ngovernment
\ninstallations and stat_A (\u00b5v_\u0161]}v_\u0152]_\u0090YXX\/\u0161A ]\u0090A v___A }(A \u0161Z_A Z}\u00b5\u0152A (}\u0152A _}\u0161ZA _}\u00b5v\u0161\u0152]_\u0090A \u0161}A _Z__lA \u0161Z_A
\nu}\u00c0_u_v\u0161A}(A\u0090\u00b5_ZA\u2030_}\u2030o_UA\u0090}A\u0161Z_\u0161A\u0161Z_Au_v___A}(A\u0161_\u0152\u0152}\u0152]\u0090uA__vA__A_}v\u0161\u0152}oo__X_
\n2
\nOther editorials\/opinion pieces in Dawn and The Express Tribune reflect similar sentiment.
\nFrom this, one can deduce that the English language press in Pakistan does not deny the reality
\nof Pakistan-based terrorist outfits operating in Afghanistan. The monitored papers have not
\nonly reported on these links whenever they have come to light, they have also expressed
\ndissatisfaction over the manner the government and the military are responding to this threat.
\nHaqqani Network in news about Afghanistan
\nMore than three quarters of the news stories that mentioned Pakistani non-state actors in
\nconnection with terrorist attacks in Afghanistan made a direct reference to the Haqqani
\nNetwork. The remaining quarter of the stories mentioned Taliban supporters in Pakistan.
\nPercentage of News stories referring to the Haqqani Network
\n2
\nMenace of terrorism, Dawn – http:\/\/dawn.com\/2012\/07\/20\/menace-of-terrorism-3\/
\nNo mention of
\nPakistan link, 88%
\nPakistan state actors
\nmentioned, 6%
\nHaqqani
\nNetwork
\nmentioned,
\n10%
\nHaqqani
\nNetwork
\nnot
\nmentioned
\n2%
\nPakistani non-
\nstate actors
\nmentioned
\n12%<\/p>\n

26
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nFraming of the Haqqani Network
\nA close look at all the articles that mention the Haqqani Network reveals that neither the news
\npieces nor the editorials have mentioned their link to terrorism in Afghanistan directly; all the
\nnews pieces have carefully framed sentences saying that it is the United States that is placing
\nthe blame on Haqqani Network.
\nEven when the security establishment is being taken to task for not conducting an operation
\nagainst the Haqqanis, the framing of the sentences is very careful; for example, an editorial
\n\u0090\u0161_\u0161_\u0090AZ]\u0161A]\u0090A\u0161Z_Aperception that Pakistan sees the Haqqani Network _\u0090A_vA_\u0090\u0090_\u0161X_A
\nAn opinion piece in Dawn \u0090\u0161_\u0161_\u0090VA^t_A\u00c1]ooA\u0090__A]vA\u0161Z_Av_\u00c6\u0161A(_\u00c1A__\u00c7\u0090UA_A\u0090\u2030_\u0161_A}(Aleaked reports
\nclaiming \u0161Z_\u0161A\u0161Z_A_\u0161\u0161__lA\u00c1_\u0090A\u0161Z_AZ_v_]\u00c1}\u0152lA}(A\u0161Z_A,_\u2039\u2039_v]\u0090X_AK\u0161Z_\u0152A}\u2030]v]}vA\u2030]___\u0090A\u00b5\u0090_A\u2039\u00b5}\u0161_\u0090A
\nfrom U.S. officials to establish a link between Haqqanis and terrorism in Afghanistan. The same
\ntrend is present in the news items; from quotes of the Afghan ambassador to U.S. to U.S.
\nAmbassador Ryan C. Crocker, the newspapers have left it to the Americans to lay accusations
\non the network.
\nThis shows a _]\u0161A}(A \u0090_(_A \u2030o_\u00c7]vPA }vA \u0161Z_A u__]_[\u0090A \u0090]__XA E}\u0161A _A \u0090]vPo_A v_\u00c1\u0090A }\u0152A }\u2030]v]}vA \u2030]___A Z_\u0090A
\nmentioned the alleged link without mentioning that the original accusation comes from the
\nUnited States. The media seems to be carefully avoiding taking a direct stance against the
\nnetwork.
\nAnother reason for this trend might simply be the lack of direct information regarding the
\nHaqqani Network. The network operates in areas that are nearly impossible and highly
\ndangerous. Journalists from that area are constantly under threat from both militants and
\nsecurity forces, which means that they have to carefully tailor their message to avoid putting
\ntheir lives at risk.
\nPerhaps, the practice of mentioning the network only through official quotes is a way to avoid
\npublication of unconfirmed information while simultaneously ensuring that the journalists do
\nnot face an additional threat.
\nReporting of Haqqani Network _v_AW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090Asecurity f}\u0152__\u0090[Astrategy
\nNearly 67% of the stories that mentioned Haqqani Network _o\u0090}Au_v\u0161]}v__AW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A\u0090__\u00b5\u0152]\u0161\u00c7A
\nforces. Around three-fifths }(A \u0161Z_\u0090_A \u0161_olA }(A \u0161Z_A W_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A (_]o\u00b5\u0152_A \u0161}A __\u0161A _P_]v\u0090\u0161A \u0161Z_A u]o]\u0161_v\u0161A
\ngroup while the rest mentioned that these alleged links between Pakistan security forces and
\nHaqqanis might simply be a pressure tactic to get the operation in North Waziristan started.<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n27
\nRatio of news linking Haqqani Network and Pakistani security forces
\nIn almost half of the articles the tone used to describe the Pakistan security f}\u0152__\u0090[A_\u0161\u0161]\u0161\u00b5__A
\ntowards the Haqqani Network is quite harsh. An editorial published on June 25, 2012, in The
\nExpress Tribune \u0090\u0161_\u0161_\u0090VA^W_\u0152\u0161A}(A\u0161Z_A_o_u_A~(}\u0152A_vA_\u0161\u0161__lA}\u00b5\u0161\u0090]__A<__\u00b5oAZ_\u0090A\u0161}AP}A\u0161}AW_l]\u0090\u0161_vXA
\nThe U.S. has blamed Pakistan-based Haqqani Network for the attack. The Pakistan military has
\nrepeatedly refused to take action against it; making up what some would say are excuses for
\nwhy it cannot do so. There is also a perception that Pakistan sees the Haqqani Network as an
\nasset that will help maintain influence in post-\u00c1_\u0152A_(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vX_A
\n3
\n_v}\u0161Z_\u0152A __]\u0161}\u0152]_oA \u0152___\u0090VA ^B\u00c7A l__\u2030]vPA \u0161Z_A Haqqani Network operational, it (Pakistan) thinks it
\ncan both counteract Indian influence in Afghanistan and get a seat in the post-U.S. Afghan
\ngovernment that it expects to be dominated by the Taliban. We need to realize how unwise this
\n\u2030o_vA]\u0090X_
\n4
\nThe criticism directed towards Pakistani security agencies is not limited to opinion pieces; a
\nnews piece about a security forum in Aspen quotes Admiral Mullen[\u0090 statement on the Haqqani
\nNetwork calling the Haqqani Network Z_A \u00c0_\u0152]\u0161__o_A _\u0152uA }f \u0161Z_A \/^\/X[A A \/v\u0161_\u0152_\u0090\u0161]vPo\u00c7UA \u00c1Z]o_A \u0161Ze
\nsecurity forces are mentioned in most of the articles referring to the Haqqani Network, the
\nPakistan government has not been mentioned even once. These trends can be indicative of two
\nthings;
\n1.
\nThe media does not believe that the civilian government holds the authority to take
\npolicy decisions regarding a crackdown\/operation against the Haqqani Network.
\n2.
\n_\u0090A \u0161Z_A u__]_A ]\u0090A P\u0152}\u00c1]vPUA \u0161Z_A Z\u0090__\u0152__A _}\u00c1\u0090[A }(A \u0161Z_A \u00c7}\u0152_A _\u0152_A __]vPA _\u0152}\u00b5PZ\u0161A into the
\nlimelight. It would have been quite difficult for the media to openly criticize the security
\nforces a few years back, but now, the forces are being questioned openly in the media.
\n3
\nEditorial: Attack outside Kabul t The Express Tribune – http : \/\/tribune.com.pk\/story\/398592\/attack-outside-kabul\/
\n4
\nOur interests in Afghanistan t The Express Tribune – http:\/\/tribune.com.pk\/story\/390780\/our-interests-in-
\nafghanistan\/
\nPakistani security
\nforces mentioned,
\n67%
\nPakistani security
\nforces not
\nmentioned,
\n33%
\nNews refering to
\nHaqqani
\nNetwork<\/p>\n

28
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n,}\u00c1_\u00c0_\u0152UAv}\u0161A_ooA\u0161Z_A_\u0152\u0161]_o_\u0090A\u0161Z_\u0161Au_v\u0161]}vAW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A\u0090__\u00b5\u0152]\u0161\u00c7A(}\u0152__\u0090A_\u0152_A_\u0152]\u0161]__l of the a\u0152u\u00c7[\u0090A
\nreluctance to start an operation against the Haqqani Network. In fact, in a number of pieces,
\nthe writers suggest that the constant linking of terrorism in Afghanistan with the Haqqani
\nNetwork might simply be a ploy to build pressure on Pakistan to conduct the operation.
\nWhile both the monitored English newspapers present both critical and skeptical views over
\nsecurity forces strategy towards the Haqqanis, the Urdu newspaper Jang is once again
\nnoticeable for its silence over this matter. Not a single opinion piece in Jang discusses the
\nHaqqani Network, their possible link to terror attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan security
\n(}\u0152__\u0090[A\u2030}o]_\u00c7A\u0161}\u00c1_\u0152_\u0090A\u0161Z_uX
\nThis leads one to conclude that while the English language press is open to publishing diverse
\nviews on potentially controversial themes, the Urdu language press is not too keen on doing
\nthat, yet.
\nReporting the Green-On-Blue Killings
\nGiven the significance of Green-on-Blue killings and their possible implication on post-NATO
\nAfghanistan, it is surprising that Pakistani media has not discussed these incidents in detail.
\nFrom April to August 2012, the monitored newspapers reported a total of nine incidents of
\nGreen-on-Blue shootings; three features and two articles were also published. None went into
\nmuch detail about what this trend means for Pakistan and how Pakistan stands to be affected
\n_\u00c7A\u0161Z_AZ__(o__\u0161}\u0152\u0090[A]vA_(PZ_vA_\u0152u\u00c7A_(\u0161_\u0152A\u00ee\u00ec\u00ed\u00f0X
\nFraming of Green-on-Blue incidents
\nMost of the news articles reporting Green-on-Blue incidents have framed the NATO troops as
\nZt_\u0090\u0161_\u0152vA (}\u0152__\u0090A Z_o\u2030]vPA <__\u00b5oA (]PZ\u0161A \u0161Z_A d_o]__v[XA dZ_A E_dKA \u0161\u0152}}\u2030\u0090A have been given a rather
\nheroic frame and their 10-year long presence in Afghanistan has been described in positive
\nterms. The news articles perpetuate the impression that NATO troops are being wronged by
\ntheir Afghan colleagues.
\nC}v\u0090]__\u0152A\u0161Z]\u0090A_\u00c6_u\u2030o_VA^An increasing number of Afghan soldiers have turned their weapons
\nagainst NATO troops who are helping Kabul fight a decade long insurgency by hard-line Taliban
\n\/\u0090o_u]\u0090\u0161\u0090X_
\n5
\nAnother news item u_v\u0161]}v\u0090VA ^dZ_A \u0090Z}}\u0161]vPA \u00b5v__\u0152\u0090_}\u0152__A \u0161Z_A _]((]_\u00b5o\u0161]_\u0090A (__]vPA
\nNATO troops as they work alongside and train Afghan f}\u0152__\u0090X_
\nThese sentences reflect how the NATO and Afghan forces have been framed in almost all the
\nnews items reporting Green-on-Blue killings. While framing the green-on-blue killings, cultural
\ndifferences have been quoted more often than possible Taliban insurgency as a reason behind
\nthe increase in these incidents.
\n5
\nAfghan soldier kills US colleague, Dawn, 12 May 2012 – http:\/\/dawn.com\/2012\/05\/12\/afghan-soldier-kills-us-
\ncolleague\/<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n29
\nProjected impact of Green-on-Blue killings on NATO pullout and
\nAfghan peace process
\nHalf of the news and opinion pieces on NATO Green-on-Blue killings express concern over the
\npossible impact of this trend on NATO pullout and news coverage remains divided over the
\npossible reasons for the increase in attacks. However, multiple news items have expressed
\nalarm over possible Taliban infiltration in the Afghan forces.
\nThe media has not made any direct projections about the impact of these killings on the NATO
\npullout and Afghan peace process, but the following questions have been raised in multiple
\narticles;
\n\u2022
\nThe issue of trust between NATO and Afghan forces
\n\u2022
\nThe implications of heavy Taliban infiltration in Afghan Army post NATO pullout
\n\u2022
\nThe fear that these killings might be used as an excuse for extended or residual
\nAmerican presence in the region post the pullout.
\nIn all the articles, these points have been posed only as questions and no clear deductions have
\nbeen drawn. For a media known for being opinionated, this reluctance in drawing any clear
\nconclusions is interesting.
\nOnly two opinion pieces on the theme were published in the monitored papers; both of these
\nalso refrain from making any direct projections regarding the impact of Green-on-Blue killings.
\nHowever, the possible impact on Pakistan has been discussed in both these articles. However,
\nthe writer is less concerned with the possibility that these killings may indicate a Taliban
\ninsurgency within the ranks of the Afghan National Army; rather the key point of concern is that
\nthe United States might opt to continue residual presence in Afghanistan after 2014. This might
\nbe indicative of an inlaid bias against the American troops in the region, which is propelling the
\nwriters to perceive them as more potent threats than Taliban insurgents in the guise of Afghan
\nNational Army.
\n__________________________________________________<\/p>\n

30
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n31
\nContext
\nW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A_}\u0152__\u0152A\u00c1]\u0161ZA_(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vAZ_\u0090A___vA\u00b5v\u0090\u0161__o_A(}\u0152A_A\u00c1Z]o_Av}\u00c1UA_\u00b5\u0161Athe ongoing conflict
\nin Afghanistan has made this porous border more dangerous than ever before. Pakistani forces
\nand civilians on this side of the border are threatened and at times targeted by both Afghan
\nmilitants and ISAF forces. The Salala air raid remains one of the harrowing examples of cross-
\nborder incursions by the ISAF\/NATO forces.
\nThe incursions by militants have been no less violent. From attacking civilians, ambushing of
\nPakistan Army check-posts, crossing the border in dozens to wreak havoc and, in one instance,
\neven kidnapping a local shepherd and impounding his cattle, cross-border incursions have
\nceased to be an inconvenience and have turned into a major menace.
\nIn this section, this report takes a look at the reporting of cross-border incursions from April to
\n_\u00b5P\u00b5\u0090\u0161A\u00ee\u00ec\u00ed\u00eeA_v_Au__]_[\u0090A_}\u00c0_\u0152_P_A}(A\u0161Z_\u0090_A]v_]__v\u0161\u0090X
\nCoverage of cross-border incursions
\n\uf076
\nThere are slight disparities in reported casualty figures in
\ncross-border incursions in Dawn and The Express Tribune;
\nJang has mostly refrained from quoting exact casualty
\nfigures.
\n\uf076
\nISAF and NATO forces have been referred in 33% of the
\nnews stories about cross-border incursions v the
\nreferences have been made even in news pieces
\nreporting incursions from militants.
\n\uf076
\nStatements on cross-border incursions from Afghan and
\nPakistani officials have been given equal new space.
\n\uf076
\nThe media seems to harbor a deep mistrust of the ISAF
\nand American forces in Afghanistan; most opinion pieces
\ncommenting on the forces have framed them in a
\nmanipulative and deceitful role.
\n\uf076
\nMultiple opinion pieces and editorials link the increase in
\ncross-border incursions \u0161}A\u0161Z_AhX^[A__\u0090]\u0152_A(}\u0152A_vA
\noperation against the Haqqani Network.
\nKEY
\nFINDINGS<\/p>\n

32
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nCasualties in cross-border incursions
\nOn August 26 2012, more than a 100 Afghan militants crossed over into Bajaur and ambushed a
\n,
\nPakistan Army check post; the resulting fight between the militants and the security forces
\nlasted nearly five days. In the five months before this incident, Pakistani media had reported at
\nleast 17 other incidents of cross-border violations by both Afghan militants and security forces
\nin Afghanistan.
\nGiven the frequency of these incidents, it is no surprise that news about cross-border
\ninsurgency incidents constitute over 15% of the total coverage both on TV and newspapers.
\nNew stories about these incidents were more detailed and lengthy than other (even local) news
\ncoming or originating from the Pak-Afghan border.
\nHowever, Jang did not report these incidents in as much detail as The Express Tribune and
\nDawn. The casualty figures of civilians and Pakistani security agencies in the monitored English
\nnewspapers were very specific, but in Jang, the casualties were mentioned in vague terms with
\nmultiple news items simply \u0152_\u2030}\u0152\u0161]vPAZu_v\u00c7[A}\u0152AZu\u00b5o\u0161]\u2030o_[A__\u0090\u00b5_o\u0161]_\u0090XA_A_}u\u2030_\u0152]\u0090}vA}(A__\u0090\u00b5_o\u0161\u00c7A
\nfigures in six randomly selected incidents shows slight disparity in Dawn and Tribune reports.
\nDate
\nTribune
\nDawn
\n22
\n–
\nMay
\n1
\n1
\n25
\n–
\nJune
\n6
\n10
\n3
\n–
\nJuly
\n2
\n0
\n26
\n–
\nAug
\n4
\n4
\n28
\n–
\nAug
\n2
\n3
\n30
\n–
\nAug
\n9
\n6
\nDisparities in reported casualties in six cross border incursions
\n1
\n6
\n2
\n4
\n2
\n9
\n1
\n10
\n0
\n4
\n3
\n6
\nTribune
\nDawn<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n33
\nA closer look at news items reporting cross-border incursions reveals that both Dawn and
\nTribune rely more heavily on their own correspondents than Jang. Some 93% of the stories in
\nDawn and 79% of the stories in Tribune were credited to the v_\u00c1\u0090\u2030_\u2030_\u0152[\u0090 own correspondents,
\nwhile in Jang }vo\u00c7A\u00f0\u00ed9A}(A\u0161Z_A\u0090\u0161}\u0152]_\u0090A\u00c1_\u0152_A\u0152_\u2030}\u0152\u0161__A_\u00c7A\u0161Z_A\u2030_\u2030_\u0152[\u0090A}\u00c1vA_}\u0152\u0152_\u0090\u2030}v__v\u0161A\u00c1Z]o_A
\nthe rest were credited to agencies.
\nPerhaps, it is the English \u2030_\u2030_\u0152[\u0090A\u0152_o]_v__A}vA\u0161Z_]\u0152A}\u00c1vA_}\u0152\u0152_\u0090\u2030}v__v\u0161\u0090A\u0161Z_\u0161AZ_\u0090A_oo}\u00c1__A\u0161Z_uA
\nto quote exact casualty figures in these incidents.
\nReferencing ISAF, NATO, Afghan National Army and Taliban
\nIt is easy to identify the main players in cross-border incursions. The news stories on the theme
\nmention Afghan militants, ISAF\/NATO or American forces, Afghan Border Force, Afghan
\nNational Army and Taliban frequently. The reported incidents are blamed mostly on Afghan
\nmilitants or Taliban but ISAF\/NATO and the Afghan National Army have also been blamed in
\nmultiple instances.
\nReference to key elements involved in cross-border incursions
\nBoth Afghan Taliban and TTP have been mentioned in these news stories. News stories in which
\nthe invading militants have not been specified as the Taliban have used \u0161Z_A \u0161_\u0152uA Z_(PZ_vA
\nm]o]\u0161_v\u0161\u0090[Ato describe them.
\nAround 90% of the stories report intrusions by Afghan militants or Taliban who are said to have
\nfound a safe haven in Afghanistan. The rest of the stories are either about raids or shelling by
\nAfghan Border Force or ISAF and NATO forces or statements by Pakistani, Afghan, American or
\nISAF officials regarding the issue of cross border attacks.
\nTaliban, 45%
\nISAF\/NATO, 33%
\nTotal stories
\nAfghan gov., 22%
\nAfghan border
\nforce, 21%
\nReference to
\nkey elements<\/p>\n

34
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nInterestingly, in the news stories, both Pakistani and Afghan authorities and security agencies
\nZ_\u00c0_A ___vA P]\u00c0_vA _vA _ou}\u0090\u0161A _\u2039\u00b5_oA _u}\u00b5v\u0161A }(A v_\u00c1\u0090A \u0090\u2030___XA ^Z_\u0152\u0152\u00c7A Z_Zu_vUA W_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A
\nambassador to the United States, is the only political personality whose statements on the issue
\nhave appeared more than once; most of the reported official positions have been taken by the
\nsecurity\/military leadership.
\nFraming of ISAF, NATO and American forces in opinion pieces
\nMore than 41% of the opinion pieces and editorials on the theme of cross-border incursions
\nhave discussed the role of ISAF, NATO or American forces, specifically intrusions from the forces
\nand
\ntheir failure
\nor reluctance to
\nsecure
\nthe porous border. The
\nmajority of
\nthe
\nopinion\/editorial pieces that mention ISAF, NATO and American forces in Afghanistan have
\nframed them with mistrust about their role and intentions.
\nBear in mind that most of these opinion pieces were written before the formal apology about
\nthe Salala incident, and the bitter framing of the forces might be a result of that incident. The
\nf}\u0152__\u0090[A \u0152_o\u00b5_\u0161_v__A \u0161}A \u0161_l_A _}v_\u0152_\u0161_A __\u0161]}vA _P_]v\u0090\u0161A \u0161Z_A ddW[\u0090A _oo_P__A Z\u0090_(_A Z__\u00c0_v\u0090[A ]vA
\nAfghanistan and their failure to secure the border has been extensively discussed and the
\ndiscourse is marked by a complete deficit of trust towards the forces.
\nAs an
\nexample,
\nconsider this statement;
\n^Y\/^_&A _}uu_v__\u0152\u0090A _\u0152_A \u0161\u0152\u00c7]vPA \u0161}A affect
\na
\nrapprochement with Pakistan through serious parleys and a new series of aggressive acts has
\nbeen launched against Islamabad through absconding local militants X_AA
\n6
\nAnother editorial in Dawn \u0090\u0161_\u0161_\u0090VA ^YXW_l]\u0090\u0161_v]A \u0090__\u00b5\u0152]\u0161\u00c7A _\u0090\u0161__o]\u0090Zu_v\u0161UA ~\u00c1Z]_ZA __o]_\u00c0_\u0090A \u0161Z_\u0161A
\nAfghan and American forces in Afghanistan have either looked the other way or not done
\nenough to stop the attacks into Pakistan. It is an entirely plausible accusation and one that
\nneither the Afghan government nor the Americans have done much too credibly distance
\n\u0161Z_u\u0090_o\u00c0_\u0090A(\u0152}uX_
\n7
\nIn another opinion piece commenting upon a statement from US-ISAF commander General
\n:}ZvA_oo_vUA\u0161Z_A\u00c1\u0152]\u0161_\u0152A\u0090\u0161_\u0161_\u0090VA^_oo_v[\u0090A\u0090\u0161_\u0161_u_v\u0161A_v\u0161_]o\u0090A_Av\u00b5u__\u0152A}(A\u2039\u00b5_\u0090tions; was the general
\nspeaking off the cuff or consciously conveying a message to his counterparts in Rawalpindi?
\nt_\u0090A Z_A \u0152__oo\u00c7A \u0090_\u0152]}\u00b5\u0090A \u00c1Z_vA \u0161_ol]vPA __}\u00b5\u0161A ^_\u00c6\u0161\u0152_A }\u0152A \u0090\u00b5((]_]_v\u0161A _\u0161\u0161_v\u0161]}v_A ]vA __\u0090_A W_l]\u0090\u0161_vA
\nunleashed an operation in North Waziristan, or warn]vPA\u0161Z_\u0161AW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A\u0152_(\u00b5\u0090_oA\u0161}AP}A_(\u0161_\u0152A\u0161Z_AAl
\nQaeda-linked Haqqani Network \u00c1]ooA_}v\u0161]v\u00b5_A\u0161}A]v\u00c0]\u0161_A_PP\u0152_\u0090\u0090]}vA(\u0152}uA__\u0152}\u0090\u0090A\u0161Z_A_}\u0152__\u0152M_
\n8
\n6
\nAfghan aggression in Pakistan, Dawn via daily Bulekha t 14 July 2012 – http:\/\/dawn.com\/2012\/07\/14\/afghan-
\naggression-in-pakistan\/
\n7
\nCross-border attacks, Dawn t 30 July 2012 – http:\/\/dawn.com\/2012\/07\/30\/cross-border-attacks-2\/comment-
\npage-1\/
\n8
\nThe issue of border attacks t Imtiaz Gul t The Express Tribune t 26 July 2012 –
\nhttp:\/\/tribune.com.pk\/story\/412931\/the- i ssue-of-border-attacks\/<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n35
\nThese three statements reflect the tone that the media has used for ISAF and American forces
\nin Afghanistan. The media seems to harbor a deep mistrust about the forces and the opinion
\nand editorial pieces give the impression that the journalists believe that the incursions from
\nAfghanistan have partial if not complete support from the international forces in Afghanistan.
\nThe ISAF, NATO and American forces have been framed in a manipulative and deceitful role,
\nand multiple journalists have indicated that the increase in cross-border incursions might be
\ntheir way to force Pakistan Army to launch an operation in North Waziristan against the
\nHaqqani Network.
\nNo opinion pieces written during April to August 2012 comment specifically on air-space
\nviolations and cross-border shelling by Afghan Border Force of ISAF and NATO forces.
\nCoverage of incursions from Pakistan
\nIn the monitored time period, no physical incursions from Pakistan were reported. There were
\na few incidents of cross-border firing and only one incident of heavy cross-border firing which
\nled to the dismissal of two Afghan ministers. However, none of these incidents drew enough
\nmedia coverage to allow a trend mapping or content analysis.
\n__________________________________________________<\/p>\n

36
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n37
\nContext
\nOne might question the direct relevance of drone strikes with the Afghan conflict v the fact
\nremains that drone strikes in Pakistan have been so easily possible simply because of the U.S.
\nand ISAF presence in Afghanistan. According to South Asia Terrorism Portal
\n9
\nas many as 2371
\npeople have been killed in 251 drone strikes carried out in the last seven years. This year
\nalone
\n10
\nat least 35 drone strikes have resulted in over 250 deaths. The Pakistani media
\nobviously reports drone strikes seriously. However, the very nature of these strikes makes them
\na hard subject to report.
\n9
\nSouth Asia Terrorism Portal, Drone Strikes in Pakistan –
\nhttp:\/\/www.satp.org\/satporgtp\/countries\/pakistan\/database\/Droneattack.htm
\n10
\nStatistics reflect data till September 8, 2012.
\nCoverage of drone strikes
\n\uf076
\nThere are slight disparities in the reported number of drone
\nstrike casualties in the monitored newspapers.
\n\uf076
\nA few disparities were also found in the reported number of
\ndrone
\nstrike
\ncasualties
\nin
\nlocal
\nnewspapers
\nand
\nan
\ninternational news source; however the difference was not
\nvery significant.
\n\uf076
\nSome positive and a number of negative aspects of the drone
\nstrategy have been discussed in the monitored papers; the
\nconclusion after these arguments has been largely on the
\nnegative side.
\n\uf076
\nPakistani media largely sees the drone strategy as a violation
\n}(AW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A\u0090}\u00c0_\u0152_]Pv\u0161\u00c7A_v_Ainternational laws.
\n\uf076
\nThe u_i}\u0152]\u0161\u00c7A }(A Zletters to the e_]\u0161}\u0152[A }vA \u0161Z_A _\u0152}v_A \u00c1_\u0152(_\u0152_A
\nappear to be pro-drones.
\n\uf076
\nThe United States has been portrayed as a bully with no
\nregard for human life or for moral and legal obligations.
\n\uf076
\nThe Pakistani government has been portrayed as either
\nincompetent or sly playing a double game on the drone issue.
\n\uf076
\nThe role of security establishment in Pakistan has not been
\ndiscussed in detail and only subtle references have been
\nmade.
\nKEY
\nFINDINGS<\/p>\n

38
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nDisparities among reported casualties
\nIt is imperative to note that although the drone strikes are reported regularly, the coverage is
\noften incomplete. A look at the monitored data reveals that all three newspapers have often
\nmentioned different figures when reporting casualties in drone strikes.
\nHere is a comparative look at some of the incidents as reported by all three papers;
\nIn general, Jang has quoted higher casualty figures as compared to Dawn and The Express
\nTribune.
\nDisparities among reported casualties in drone strikes
\n0
\n2
\n4
\n6
\n8
\n10
\n12
\n14
\n16
\n18
\n4\/29\/2012
\n5\/29\/2012
\n6\/29\/2012
\n7\/29\/2012
\nTribune
\nDawn
\nJang
\nDate
\nCasualties
\nreported in
\nTribune
\nCasualties
\nreported in
\nDawn
\nCasualties
\nreported in
\nJang
\n1
\nMay 29, 2012
\n4
\n3
\n4
\n3
\nMay 24, 2012
\n3
\n3
\n5
\n4
\nJune 3, 2012
\n4
\n5
\n5
\n5
\nJune 4, 2012
\n15
\n15
\n16
\n6
\nJune 26, 2012
\n6
\n5
\n6
\n7
\nAug 18, 2012
\n6
\n6
\n12
\n8
\nAug 19, 2012
\n4
\n6
\n7
\n9
\nAug 19, 2012
\n3
\n2
\n3
\n10
\nAug 22, 2012
\n9
\n6
\n4<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n39
\nWhile the disparities in reported casualties are small, the difference in the number of reported
\ninjuries is often larger. Jang has mostly refrained from quoting the exact number of injured and
\nZ_\u0090A\u00b5\u0090__AZ_}\u00cc_v\u0090A]vi\u00b5\u0152__[A]vAu\u00b5o\u0161]\u2030o_Av_\u00c1\u0090A\u2030]___\u0090XA
\nComparison with an international source
\nThe casualty stats quoted in Pakistani news outlets are often deemed suspect; to see how these
\nfigures compare with a neutral news source, the same set of figures used to analyze disparities
\nin reported casualties in local press, were compared with an international information source,
\nthe South Asia Terrorism Portal, SATP. The SATP is one of the most current and extensive
\ndatabases tracking drone strikes in Pakistan as and when they occur.
\nComparison of reported casualty figures with SATP
\nThis comparison shows that on average the casualty figures reported by Pakistani media in the
\nreporting period are either the same or less than those reported in the South Asia Terrorism
\nPortal. There is only one instance in which SATP reported a smaller number of casualties.
\nComparison of reported casualty figures with SATP
\n11
\nThis column reflects the average number of casualties reported i.e. sum of casualties reported in Dawn, The
\nExpress Tribune and Jang divided by 3 and rounded off to the closest whole number.
\n4
\n4
\n5
\n15
\n6
\n8
\n6
\n3
\n6
\n4
\n8
\n10
\n15
\n5
\n6
\n13
\n0
\n5
\nMay
\nMay
\nJune
\nJune
\nJune
\nAug.
\nAug.
\nAug.
\nAug.
\nReported
\ncasualties in local
\nnewspapers
\nReported
\ncasualties in SATP
\nDate
\nReported
\ncasualties in
\nlocal
\nnewspapers
\n11
\nCasualties
\nreported in
\nSouth Asia
\nTerrorism Portal
\n1
\nMay 29,2012
\n4
\n4
\n3
\nMay 24,2012
\n4
\n8
\n4
\nJune 3, 2012
\n5
\n10
\n5
\nJune 4,2012
\n15
\n15
\n6
\nJune 26,2012
\n6
\n5
\n7
\nAug 18, 2912
\n8
\n6
\n8
\nAug 19, 2012
\n6
\n13
\n9
\nAug 19, 2012
\n3
\n0
\n10
\nAug 22, 2012
\n6
\n5<\/p>\n

40
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nLooking at this chart makes one thing obvious; the differences in the number of reported
\ncasualties are not very drastic. We can only assume that the disparities in reported casualty
\nfigures in multiple news outlets are a result of a lack of access to direct information.
\nHowever, a significant difference is noticed in the way that local newspapers and SATP are
\nreferring to drone casualties;
\nNews source
\nDrone targets referred to as;
\nDawn & The Express Tribune
\nSuspected militants
\nJang
\nPeople (Afraad)
\nSouth Asia Terrorism Portal
\nMilitants
\nThis difference in how the casualties are referred can be seen in most of the news items
\nwhether they are included in the small 10 strikes sample analyzed above or not. This shows that
\nthe Pakistani media ]\u0090A v}\u0161A __Z_\u0152]vPA \u0161}A \u0161Z_A \u2030\u0152__\u0161]__A }(A _\u00b5\u0161}u_\u0161]__oo\u00c7A _\u0090\u0090\u00b5u]vPA \u0161Z_A Zu]o]\u0161_v\u0161[A
\nstatus of anyone targeted in a drone strike.
\nPortrayal of the drone strategy
\ndZ_A hv]\u0161__A ^\u0161_\u0161_\u0090[A _\u0152}v_A \u2030}o]_\u00c7A ]vA W_l]\u0090\u0161_vA Z_\u0090A ___vA ___u__A _\u00c6\u0161\u0152_u_o\u00c7A _}v\u0161\u0152}\u00c0_\u0152\u0090]_oA _\u0161A _A
\nglobal level. The recently released and highly acclaimed report ZLiving under the DronesU[
\nresearched and published by NYU and Stanford University, Zpresents evidence of the damaging
\nand counterproductive effects of current U.S. _\u0152}v_A\u0090\u0161\u0152]l_A\u2030}o]_]_\u0090X[A
\n12
\nWith the global press and
\nresearch institutes waking up to the counterproductive impact of the drone strategy, it is no
\nsurprise that there is an increasingly negative portrayal of the drone policy in Pakistani press.
\nWhat is surprising, however, is the fact that a large percentage of opinion and editorial pieces
\nanalyzed for this report contained references to both positive and negative aspects of the
\ndrone strategy.
\nReference to different aspects of drone strategy in opinion \/ editorial pieces
\n12
\nLiving Under the Drones, Executive summary and Recommendations v Stanford Law School –
\nhttp:\/\/livingunderdrones.org\/report\/
\nOnly negative
\n62%
\nOnly positive
\n9%
\nBoth positive and
\nnegative
\n28%
\nDrone Strategy: Aspects referred to<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n41
\nThe very few pieces that actually termed the drone policy as positive were actually letters to
\nthe editor; three quarters of the letters published on drones were pro-drones while the
\nminority contained either direct condemnation or mixed opinions about the policy.
\nThe only exception again, is Jang,in which all the opinion and editorial pieces on drone strategy
\nhave focused only on the negative aspects and not a single positive aspect has been mentioned
\neven in passing.
\nPositive aspects of the drone strategy as discussed in monitored
\nsources
\nOnly two positive aspects of the drones have been referred to by the newspapers; the high
\nlevel targets that have been terminated and the potential support that drones can offer to
\nground troops. However, the reference has been fleeting and is mostly follo\u00c1__A_\u00c7A_AZ_\u00b5\u0161[A\u0161Z_\u0161A
\nnegates the value of the possible positive aspects.
\nA couple of articles however, have actually sought to build up a case for drones. Consider this
\nexample; ^_\u0152}v_\u0090AZ_\u00c0_Au_v_P__A\u0161}Al]ooAu}\u0152_A_v_u]_\u0090A}(A_}\u0161ZA\u0161Z_Ah.S. and Pakistan than what
\nground offensives or any other strategy attempted since 9\/11 would have managed to
\n_o]u]v_\u0161_XA C}v\u0090]__\u0152]vPA \u0161Z_A\u0161__\u0161]__oA _\u0090\u2030__\u0161UA _\u0152}v_\u0090A \u0090\u00b5]\u0161A W_l]\u0090\u0161_vA u]o]\u0161_\u0152]o\u00c7UA \u0161}}UA _\u0090A \u0161Z_A Z_v_u\u00c7[A
\nhad confined itself to remote and virtually non-accessible positions in North Waziristan and its
\nbordering agencies. For example, any Pakistani ground offensive aimed at finishing off Baitullah
\nMehsud would have cost hundreds of the Pakistan Army soldiers their lives and would have
\nprobably led to more civilian casualties than a precise drone strike_
\n13
\nThe article goes on to argue that drones have helped the Pakistani security establishment
\nZ_}v(]v_A\u0161Z_A_v_u\u00c7[XA
\n_v}\u0161Z_\u0152A_\u0152\u0161]_o_A\u0090\u0161_\u0161_\u0090VA^\u0161Z_A\u0161_\u0152\u0152}\u0152]\u0090\u0161\u0090A_\u0152_Av}\u0161A\u0161Z_\u0152_A____\u00b5\u0090_A}(A_\u0152}v_A strikes but precisely the
\nopposite is the case: drone strikes continue (legally or illegally) because of these homicidal
\n(_v_\u0161]_\u0090XAdZ_\u0152_A]\u0090Av}\u0161Z]vPA\u0161Z_\u0161A\u00c7}\u00b5A__vA_}A\u0161}AZv}\u0161[A\u2030\u0152}\u00c0}l_A\u0161Z_uUA\u0161Z_\u00c7A\u00c1_v\u0161A\u0161}A__A\u2030\u0152}\u00c0}l__UA_v_A
\n]vA(__\u0161A\u0161Z_\u00c7A_\u0152_A_o\u0152___\u00c7A\u2030\u0152}\u00c0}l__X_
\n14
\nBut, this approach to drones is an exception, not the norm. Multiple articles and editorials have
\nadmitted that the drones have managed to take out some heavy targets but most draw the
\nconclusion that the civilian casualties and the backlash make drone strikes more harmful than
\nbeneficial.
\n13
\nRethinking drone wars t Ali K. Chishti t The Express Tribune – http:\/\/tribune.com.pk\/story\/419272\/rethinking-
\ndrone-wars\/
\n14
\nThe Drones Club t Saroop Ijaz t The Express Tribune – http:\/\/tribune.com.pk\/story\/381357\/the-drones-club\/<\/p>\n

42
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nNegative aspects of the drone strategy as discussed in monitored
\nsources
\nThe arguments terming the drone policy negative are better defined and discussed in greater
\ndetail. While only two positive aspects were referred to by the media, the key arguments
\nagainst the drone policy are various;
\n\u2022
\nThe civilian casualties and its impact on the war against terrorism
\n\u2022
\nThe illegality of these strikes
\n\u2022
\nThe suspect manner in which targets are chosen (all adult males in a certain
\nregion)
\n\u2022
\ndZ_AA\u0161Z\u0152__\u0161A\u0161}AW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A\u0090}\u00c0_\u0152_]Pv\u0161\u00c7
\n\u2022
\nAnd the lack of evidence that the drones have actually helped
\nThe civilian casualties remain the topmost argument against drone strikes. Multiple articles
\nhave expressed the fear that civilian deaths might be even more than currently believed as the
\n_u_\u0152]__vA __u]v]\u0090\u0161\u0152_\u0161]}vA ]\u0090A \u0152_\u2030}\u0152\u0161__A \u0161}A _}v\u0090]__\u0152A ^_ooA u]o]\u0161_\u0152\u00c7-age males in a strike zone as
\n_}u__\u0161_v\u0161\u0090_X
\n15
\ndZ_A\u2030\u0152}i__\u0161__A]u\u2030__\u0161A}(A\u0161Z_\u0090_A__\u0090\u00b5_o\u0161]_\u0090A]v_o\u00b5__\u0090AZ\u0161Z_A\u2030_\u0152\u0090]\u0090\u0161_v\u0161A_\u0152P\u00b5u_v\u0161A\u0161Z_\u0161A___\u0161Z\u0090A__\u00b5\u0090__A
\nby drone strikes, especially the civilian deaths, have actually helped Al Qaeda and the Taliban to
\n\u0152__\u0152\u00b5]\u0161Au}\u0152_A\u00c0}o\u00b5v\u0161__\u0152\u0090X[
\n16
\nMultiple articles have dealt extensively with the legal standing of the drone warfare and termed
\nthem illegal in both local and international laws.
\nAll in all, it is fair to say that the monitored newspapers have discussed both negative and
\npositive aspects of the drone warfare in detail and have arrived at a conclusion that the drone
\nstrikes in Pakistan are illegal and are doing more harm than good.
\nPortrayal of the United States
\n17
\nIn the context of the continuing drone strikes United States has been framed as a powerful
\nbully that is using all possible tactics to get its way regardless of international laws and
\nobligations. \/vA u\u00b5o\u0161]\u2030o_A _\u0152\u0161]_o_\u0090A \u0161Z_A hv]\u0161__A ^\u0161_\u0161_\u0090[A __\u0090}o\u00b5\u0161_A \u0152_(\u00b5\u0090_oA \u0161}A \u0090\u0161}\u2030A }\u0152A _\u00c0_vA \u0161_l_A
\nPakistani security establishment on board has been scorned. Nadir Hussain writing for The
\nExpress Tribune ___l\u0090A\u0161Z_A\u0090_v\u0161]u_v\u0161A\u0161Z_\u0161AZ\u0161Z_Ah.S. is a wanton aggressor that has no regard for
\n15
\nDrone Buzz t Tanvir Ahmad Khan t The Express Tribune – http:\/\/tribune.com.pk\/story\/411742\/drone-buzz\/
\n16
\nDrone Buzz t Tanvir Ahmad Khan t The Express Tribune – http:\/\/tribune.com.pk\/story\/411742\/drone-buzz\/
\n17
\nReflects the portrayal of the United States only in opinion, analysis and editorial pieces<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n43
\nZ\u00b5u_vA o](_[A _v_A \u0090\u0161_\u0161_\u0090A \u0161Z_\u0161VA ^dZ_A h.S., however, in an inversion of all morality, has already
\n___o_\u0152__A_\u00c0_\u0152\u00c7}v_AP\u00b5]o\u0161\u00c7A__(}\u0152_A_o_\u0090\u0161]vPA\u0161Z_uA\u0161}A___\u0161ZX_
\n18
\nThis portrayal of the U.S. as a force with no regard for human life has been repeated in multiple
\narticles. An editorial in Jang \u0090\u0161_\u0161_\u0090VA^dZ_Ahv]\u0161__A^\u0161_\u0161_\u0090A_v_AE_dKA_\u0152_A}\u2030_\u0152_\u0161]vPA]vA&_d_A\u00c1]\u0161ZAv}A
\n\u0152_P_\u0152_A(}\u0152Au}\u0152_oA}\u0152Ao_P_oA_\u0161Z]_\u0090X_ An article in Dawn highlights the illegality of the drone warfare
\nby stating, ^]\u0090A W_l]\u0090\u0161_vA i\u00b5\u0090\u0161](]__A ]vA }_i__\u0161]vPA \u0161}A _u_\u0152]__vA drone attacks? Clearly, it has not
\nattacked the U.S. nor has the Security Council approved drone attacksX_
\n19
\nInterestingly, however, the newspapers are much harsher towards the Pakistani government
\nthan they are about the United States.
\n_\u00c0_vA\u00c1Z]o_Ao_u_v\u0161]vPA__}\u00b5\u0161AZ}\u00c1AW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A\u2030o__\u0090A(}\u0152A_vA_v_A\u0161}A\u0161Z_A_\u0152}v_A\u00c1_\u0152(_\u0152_A(_ooA}vA___(A
\nears, the Pakistani government is given more of the blame than the United States, which as the
\nv_\u00c1\u0090\u2030_\u2030_\u0152\u0090A \u2030\u00b5\u0161A ]\u0161A Z\u0090]u\u2030o\u00c7A _}_\u0090A v}\u0161A \u0161\u0152\u00b5\u0090\u0161A W_l]\u0090\u0161_vX[A In another piece the writer refers to the
\nW_l]\u0090\u0161_vA_\u0152u\u00c7[\u0090A]v__\u0161]}vA_P_]v\u0090\u0161A\u0161Z_A,_\u2039\u2039_v]\u0090A_v_A\u0090\u0161_\u0161_\u0090A\u0161Z_\u0161VAZdZ_AhX^XAZ_\u0090A___vA forced into
\nincreasing the number of drone attacks in the coun\u0161\u0152\u00c7X[
\nAll in all, the newspapers have largely portrayed the United States as a force that is not listening
\nto reason, but the brunt of the blame for the U.S. attitude has been placed with the Pakistani
\ngovernment and security establishment.
\nPortrayal of the Pakistani government
\n20
\nIn the context of the continuing drone strikes the Pakistani government has been treated in two
\ndifferent frames;
\n\u2022
\nAs a sly policy maker, playing a double game with the public
\n\u2022
\n_\u0090A_AZ_o\u2030o_\u0090\u0090A}vo}}l_\u0152A\u0161Z_\u0161A]\u0090v[\u0161A}\u0152A__v[\u0161A_}A_v}\u00b5PZA\u0161}A__\u0161\u00b5_oo\u00c7A]u\u2030o_u_v\u0161A\u0161Z_A
\np_\u0152o]_u_v\u0161[\u0090A___]\u0090]}vA\u0161}Aforcefully demand an end to the drone warfare
\nC}v\u0090]__\u0152A \u0161Z_\u0090_A \u0090\u0161_\u0161_u_v\u0161\u0090VA ^it should now be clear that the government is involved in a
\ncharade, as futile complaints to the Americans allow the government to maintain plausible
\ndeniability even as it seems that both the civilians and military have resigned themselves to the
\nreality of drone attacksX_A
\n21
\n_v}\u0161Z_\u0152A__]\u0161}\u0152]_oA_o_]u\u0090A\u0161Z_\u0161A^dZ_AP}\u00c0_\u0152vu_v\u0161[\u0090A\u2030\u0152]\u00c0_\u0161_A\u0090\u0161_v__A}vA_\u0152}v_\u0090A_}_\u0090Au_l_A_Au}_l_\u0152\u00c7A
\n}(A\u0161Z_A\u2030_\u0152o]_u_v\u0161[\u0090A\u0152__}uu_v__\u0161]}v\u0090A}vA\u0152_\u0090_\u0161\u0161]vPA\u0161]_\u0090A\u00c1]\u0161ZA\u0161Z_AhX^X_A
\n22
\n18
\nBoycott the U.S. Government t Nadir Hussain t The Express Tribune –
\nhttp:\/\/tribune.com.pk\/story\/417091\/boycott-the-us-government\/
\n19
\nNot a redundant concept t Niaz Murtaza t Dawn – http:\/\/dawn.com\/2012\/06\/08\/not-a-redundant-concept\/
\n20
\nReflects the portrayal of the United States only in opinion, analysis and editorial pieces
\n21
\nSeason of drones t The Express Tribune – http:\/\/tribune.com.pk\/story\/426123\/season-of-drones\/
\n22
\nAnother drone strike t The Express Tribune – http:\/\/tribune.com.pk\/story\/405394\/another-drone-strike-2\/<\/p>\n

44
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nSimilar sentiments have been expressed in multiple other articles on the theme, however, here
\nagain; Jang takes a slightly different route. Where both the English papers appear to be placing
\na significant part of the blame with the government, Jang portrays the government as a
\nhelpless onlooker whose efforts to ensure an end to the drone warfare _\u0152_v[\u0161A P_\u0161\u0161]vPA
\nanywhere. An editorial in Jang \u0090\u0161_\u0161_\u0090VA^W_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090AP}\u00c0_\u0152vu_v\u0161UA\u2030_\u0152o]_u_v\u0161A_v_A\u2030}o]\u0161]__oA\u2030}\u00c1_\u0152\u0090A
\nare constantly trying to convince the United States that drone attacks are resulting in an
\n]v_\u0152__\u0090_A]vAu]o]\u0161_v_\u00c7X_AAKvA\u0161Z_A}\u0161Z_\u0152AZ_v_, we have the English papers making statements like;
\n^dZ_Adrone attacks have created distrust between government and people as the later believe
\n\u0161Z_\u0161A\u0161Z_A\u0152\u00b5o_\u0152\u0090A_\u0152_A(\u00b5oo\u00c7A]v\u00c0}o\u00c0__X_A
\nHowever subtle, one can easily deduce the slight difference in the way that the government
\nand its role in the drone warfare is being perceived and portrayed by the English and the Urdu
\npress.
\nPortrayal of the Pakistani security establishment
\n23
\nThere have been multiple news items regarding the a\u0152u\u00c7A _v_A \u0161Z_A \u0090__\u00b5\u0152]\u0161\u00c7A _\u0090\u0161__o]\u0090Zu_v\u0161[\u0090A
\ncontact with the United States and the NATO forces on the issue of drone warfare. However,
\nthe role of the army and the security establishment has not been debated much in the opinion
\nand editorial pieces.
\nThe army\/security establishment has been mentioned in only 30% of the opinion pieces and
\nthat too only fleetingly. It is difficult to draw a clear conclusion about how exactly the security
\nestablishment have been portrayed as no clear trend can be seen emerging in the few articles
\nthat do make a reference to them. The only common element that has been repeated in
\nmultiple articles making a reference to the army or security establishment is a reference their
\ninaction against the Haqqanis, which is significant because, as the newspapers put it, ^our
\ncomplaints (about drone strikes) are sure to fall on deaf ears as long as we refuse to tackle the
\n_Z_oo_vP_A\u2030}\u0090__A_\u00c7A\u0161Z_A,_\u2039\u2039_v]\u0090X_
\nIs the media placing some of the blame for continuing drone attacks on the security
\nestablishment by linking them with the lack of action against Haqqanis? Perhaps yes, but it is
\ndoing so in a subtle and indirect manner.
\n__________________________________________________
\n23
\nReflects the portrayal of the United States only in opinion, analysis and editorial pieces<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n45
\nContext
\ndZ_A E_dKA \u0090\u00b5\u2030\u2030o\u00c7A o]v_A ]\u0090A _\u0161A \u0161Z_A _}\u0152_A }(A W_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A (}\u0152u_oA _vP_P_u_v\u0161A \u00c1]\u0161ZA \u0161Z_A hv]\u0161__A ^\u0161_\u0161_\u0090A
\nover the war against terrorism continuing in Afghanistan. NATO trucks have been using the
\nsupply routes in Khyber Agency and Balochistan to supply U.S. and international forces fighting
\nin Afghanistan. The supply line links Pakistan closely to the strategic side of the Afghan conflict
\n_v_A ]\u0090A _o\u0090}A __\u0161\u0152]u_v\u0161_oA ]vA \u0161Z_A (}\u0152u_\u0161]}vA }(A \u2030\u00b5_o]_A }\u2030]v]}vA __}\u00b5\u0161A W_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A policies both at
\nhome and in Afghanistan. The supply line refers to the transit route given to NATO for the
\ntransmission of innumerable containers of supplies for NATO forces deployed in Afghanistan.
\nThe content of these containers have been a subject of controversy since the start and more
\n\u0152___v\u0161o\u00c7AZ_\u00c0_A___vA(}\u0152u_oo\u00c7Ao]u]\u0161__A}vo\u00c7A\u0161}AZ_]\u2030o}u_\u0161]_A\u0090\u00b5\u2030\u2030o]_\u0090[XA
\nAfter the unfortunate attack at Salala, the supply line was closed for months. During the
\nmonitored period i.e. April to August 2012, the suspension and restoration of the NATO Supply
\ngenerated a huge amount of news content.
\nCoverage of NATO supply issue
\n\uf076
\nMedia coverage was neither overtly for or against
\nthe suspension of NATO supplies routes.
\n\uf076
\nThe resumption of the NATO supplies through
\nPakistan was welcomed by the media; however,
\nu]\u0090P]\u00c0]vP\u0090A_v_A\u2039\u00b5_\u0090\u0161]}v\u0090A__}\u00b5\u0161A\u0161Z_Ahv]\u0161__A^\u0161_\u0161_\u0090[A
\nattitude over the issue remained.
\n\uf076
\nThe media remained distrustful of the United
\nStates in the NATO supply issue coverage; the U.S.
\nwas portrayed as a bullying political force not
\n\u00c1]oo]vPA\u0161}A\u0161_l_AW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A]v\u0161_\u0152_\u0090\u0161\u0090A_v_A__u_v_\u0090A
\ninto account.
\nKEY
\nFINDINGS<\/p>\n

46
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nTone of news coverage on the suspension of NATO supply routes
\nD__]_[\u0090A_}\u00c0_\u0152_P_A}(A\u0161Z_A__vA}vAE_dKAsupply line is complicated; the tone of the coverage on
\nNATO supply suspension cannot be classified as either positive or negative. In most of the news
\nitems and opinion pieces, it is obvious that media realizes and reports on the potentially
\nharmful impact of the __vA}vAW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A]v\u0161_\u0152v_\u0161]}v_oA\u0090\u0161_v_]vPXA
\nAt the same time, the media also gives a nod to the message that the authorities are trying to
\nsend through the suspension of NATO supplies through Pakistan.
\n_vA_((}\u0152\u0161A\u0161}A\u2039\u00b5_v\u0161](\u00c7Au__]_[\u0090A\u0161}v_A}\u00c0_\u0152A\u0161Z_A]\u0090\u0090\u00b5_A\u00c1as not successful v both news items and
\nopinion\/editorial content seem to largely understand the notion behind the initial suspension
\nof NATO supply routes, but also stressed the need to resolve the issue.
\nTone of news coverage on the resumption of NATO supply routes
\nUnlike the suspension of NATO supply routes, the media largely welcomed the resumption.
\nThree quarters of the opinion and editorial pieces written after the resumption of the NATO
\nsupply line welcomed the development. The remaining quarter admitted that the resumption
\nwas necessary but lamented over American disregard for the conditions that Pakistan has
\nproposed.
\nA total of 9 news items reported protests on the resumption of NATO supply routes. Difa-e-
\nPakistan Council, Jamaat-e-Islami, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf and Pakistan
\nMuslim League-Nawaz were reported to have protested the resumption of the NATO supplies.
\nHowever, these news articles did not show any apparent bias of the media. Only one editorial
\n\u00c1_\u0090A \u2030\u00b5_o]\u0090Z__A _}uu_v\u0161]vPA \u00b5\u2030}vA \u0161Z_A \u2030}o]\u0161]__oA \u2030_\u0152\u0161]_\u0090[ protests of the resumption, and even
\nthat is critical of the conduct of political parties in this regard. The editorial states, ^tZ_\u0161A]\u0090A}((-
\nputting is the spectacle of the parliamentary opposition trying to gain electoral mileage from
\nthe NATO \u0152}\u00b5\u0161_A_((_]\u0152X_
\n24
\n\/\u0090A \u0161Z]\u0090A \u0090_v\u0161]u_v\u0161A \u0152_(o__\u0161]\u00c0_A }(A u__]_[\u0090A _}oo__\u0161]\u00c0_A _\u2030\u2030\u0152}ach towards the parties protesting the
\nresumption? Not really. But, the fact that no articles or editorials have been written to
\nsympathize with the protesters[ point of view can be an indicator of the fact that the protests
\ndo not enjoy much support from the media.
\nOn the other hand, multiple opinion and editorial pieces have hailed the resumption as a
\nZ\u2030}\u0090]\u0161]\u00c0_A\u0090]Pv[ . Even Jang, that has been marked for its anti-American stance has published an
\n25
\n_\u0152\u0161]_o_A\u00c1]\u0161ZA\u0161Z_Ao___VA^dZ_AP}}_Av_\u00c1\u0090A]\u0090AW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A_]\u00c0]o-military rulers have made the principle
\n___]\u0090]}vA\u0161}Av_P}\u0161]_\u0161_A\u00c1]\u0161ZA\u0161Z_Ahv]\u0161__A^\u0161_\u0161_\u0090A(}\u0152A\u0161Z_A\u0152_\u0090\u00b5u\u2030\u0161]}vA}(A\u0161Z_AE_dKA\u0090\u00b5\u2030\u2030o\u00c7A\u0152}\u00b5\u0161_X_A
\n24
\nThe Aftermath of NATO supplies resumption t The Express Tribune – http:\/\/tribune.com.pk\/story\/405020\/the-
\naftermath-of-nato-supplies-resumption\/
\n25
\nPositive signs t Dawn – http:\/\/dawn.com\/2012\/05\/16\/positive-s i gns\/<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n47
\nThe media also reported on the positive impact of the resumption on the locals whose
\nlivelihood has been tied to the transit route for almost a decade.
\nAll in all, the tone of coverage of resumption of NATO supply route was positive and welcoming.
\nProjected impact on Pak-U.S. relations
\nThe media coverage on the suspension and resumption of the NATO supply route takes very
\ndefinitive stands on Pak-U.S. relationship. The United States has been framed once again as a
\nbullying superpower, unwilling to issue an apology for authorizing a raid within Pakistan that
\nclaimed lives of Pakistani soldiers. The United States has also been framed as a rigid political
\nforce loath to agree to _v\u00c7A}(AW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A_}v_]\u0161]}v\u0090XA
\nEven after the resumption the overriding impression that one gets from the opinion and
\neditorial pieces on the issue is that Pakistan has been short-changed by the U.S. The apology
\n}((_\u0152__A _\u00c7A \u0161Z_A hv]\u0161__A ^\u0161_\u0161_\u0090A Z_\u0090A ___vA \u0161_\u0152u__A ZZ_o(-Z__\u0152\u0161__[; an opinion piece frames the
\n_\u2030}o}P\u00c7A_\u0090AZ_A(_\u00c1A__\u0152_(\u00b5oo\u00c7A\u0090_o__\u0161__A_\u2030}o}P_\u0161]_A\u00c1}\u0152_\u0090.[
\n26
\nThe U.S. decision to conduct multiple
\ndrone strikes right after the resumption was announced
\n27
\ncould be the reason behind the
\nu__]_[\u0090A_\u2030\u2030_\u0152_v\u0161A_]\u0161\u0161_\u0152v_\u0090\u0090A\u0161}\u00c1_\u0152_\u0090A\u0161Z_A\u0090\u00b5\u2030_\u0152\u2030}\u00c1_\u0152XA
\nJang, in an editorial, refers to drone strike and states, ^_(\u0161_\u0152A\u0161Z_Ao}\u0090\u0090A}f lives and the economic
\nloss that Pakistan has suffered, the United States has decided to pay us back bombing and
\ntargeting peace-o}\u00c0]vPA_]\u00c0]o]_v\u0090A]vA}\u00b5\u0152A\u0161\u0152]__oA\u0152_P]}vX_AdZ_A__]\u0161}\u0152AP}_\u0090A}vA\u0161}A\u00c1}v__\u0152A\u00c1Z_\u0161Z_\u0152A\u0161Z_A
\nUnited States would pay any heed to Pakistan[\u0090A_}v_]\u0161]}v\u0090A(}\u0152A\u0152_}\u2030_v]vPA\u0161Z_A\u0090\u00b5\u2030\u2030o\u00c7A\u0152}\u00b5\u0161_X
\nIn conclusion, the media has given utmost importance to the impact of the suspension and
\nresumption of the NATO supply route on Pak-U.S. relationship. However, even though the
\nresumption has been (seen?) _\u0090AZ_ \u2030}\u0090]\u0161]\u00c0_A_v_AZ}\u2030_(\u00b5oA__\u00c0_o}\u2030u_v\u0161[A(}\u0152AW_l-U.S. relations, the
\noverriding impression of the coverage is that a lot more needs to be done both by Pakistan and
\nthe U.S. to get this relationship back on track.
\n__________________________________________________
\n26
\nWhy it took so long for NATO supplies to reopen t Raza Rumi t The Express Tribune –
\nhttp:\/\/tribune.com.pk\/story\/403629\/why-it-took-so-long-for-nato-supplies-to-reopen\/
\n27
\nAnother drone strike v Dawn http:\/\/tribune.com.pk\/story\/405394\/another-drone-strike-2\/<\/p>\n

48
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n49
\nContext
\nAfghanistan and Pakistan have historically shared a relationship that can only be categorized as
\ncomplicated. With the NATO invasion in Afghanistan, the porous borders and the militant links
\n]vAW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A \u0161\u0152]__oA _\u0152__\u0090UA \u0161Z_A \u0152_o_\u0161]}v\u0090Z]\u2030A __\u0161\u00c1__vA \u0161Z_A \u0161\u00c1}A _}\u00b5v\u0161\u0152]_\u0090A \u0161}}lA }vA _}\u00b5v\u0161o_\u0090\u0090A v_\u00c1A
\ndimensions. Pakistan became an ally of the U.S. against its neighbor and the regional security
\nparadigm shifted forever. As the NATO forces in Afghanistan continue the pullout and look for a
\ncomplete evacuation by 2014, Pak-Afghan relations continue to develop in complex ways.
\nW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A_vP_P_u_v\u0161A]vA\u0161Z_AAfghan peace process is a must and this very engagement defines
\n\u0161Z_A \u2030_\u0152_u_\u0161_\u0152\u0090A }(A v}\u0161A }vo\u00c7A W_l]\u0090\u0161_vA _v_A _(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vA \u0152_o_\u0161]}v\u0090A _\u00b5\u0161A _o\u0090}A _]_\u0161_\u0161_\u0090A W_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A
\nrelations with the U.S.
\nThe key areas covered under NATO pullout and Afghan peace process are the NATO summit in
\nChicago, Pak-U.S. engagement over Afghanistan, Pak-_(PZ_vA\u0152_o_\u0161]}v\u0090Z]\u2030A_v_Au__]_[\u0090A_}\u00c0_\u0152_P_A
\nof the Afghan government.
\nCoverage of NATO pullout and Afghan peace
\nprocess
\n\uf076
\nMore than two thirds of the headlines on Chicago Summit news
\nitems contained negative connotations.
\n\uf076
\nThe media remains unconvinced of the practical impact of
\nChicago summit and coverage reflects the perception that not
\nmuch could be achieved during the summit.
\n\uf076
\nThe media does not seem to believe that the Afghan security
\nforces are ready or capable of managing the extremist and
\nterrorist element in Afghanistan after NATO pullout.
\n\uf076
\nMedia coverage reflects the fear that Pakistan stands to suffer a
\nviolent blowback from Afghanistan.
\n\uf076
\nMedia coverage regarding the NATO pullout is laced with fear of
\nresidual American presence in the border area; the media in
\nPakistan harbours various doubts regarding the American policy.
\n\uf076
\nThe
\nmedia
\nportrays Afghanistan and
\nthe
\nHaqqanis
\nas the
\n__\u0161\u0152]u_v\u0161_oA (__\u0161}\u0152\u0090A \u0161Z_\u0161A \u00c1}\u00b5o_A __(]v_A W_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A \u0152_o_\u0161]}v\u0090A \u00c1]\u0161ZA
\nthe United States after the NATO pullout.
\n\uf076
\nThe media in Pakistan identifies a need to redefine Pak-Afghan
\nrelationship so that both governments can help each other
\ncounter terrorist elements after the NATO pullout.
\nThe media in Pakistan does not appear to hold the Karzai
\nGovernment in high esteem and there is a clear lack of trust in
\nthe governments
\nKEY
\nFINDINGS<\/p>\n

50
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nCoverage of Chicago Summit
\nThe number of news items and opinion pieces focusing primarily on the Chicago Summit was
\nfairly low. Less than a fourth of the total coverage consisted of editorial and opinion pieces so it
\nis difficult to draw trends from those few pieces. In order to gauge the tone of the news
\ncoverage of the Chicago Summit, the headlines of the news items were checked for negative
\nand positive connotations.
\nPositive and negative connotations in headlines
\nof news items pertaining to Chicago Summit
\nThe opinion and editorial pieces published on the NATO summit in Chicago also reflect the
\ndoubtful tone that is apparent in news headlines. A writer claims ^without a regional
\ncomponent, this much-ballyhooed NATO extravaganza is flirting with disaster v in the form of
\nye\u0161A_v}\u0161Z_\u0152Au_i}\u0152A]v\u0161_\u0152v_\u0161]}v_oA_}v(_\u0152_v__A\u0161Z_\u0161A\u00c7]_o_\u0090A(_\u00c1A\u0090\u00b5_\u0090\u0161_v\u0161]\u00c0_A\u0152_\u0090\u00b5o\u0161\u0090X_
\n28
\n_v}\u0161Z_\u0152A \u00c1\u0152]\u0161_\u0090VA ^W\u0152_\u0090]__v\u0161A K__u_A __vA _}vP\u0152_\u0161\u00b5o_\u0161_A Z]u\u0090_o(A }vA Z_\u00c0]vPA \u2030\u0152_\u0090]___A \u0090\u00b5___\u0090\u0090(\u00b5oo\u00c7A
\nover the largest NATO gathering ever arranged and on having won an endorsement for the
\nZ]\u0152\u0152_\u00c0_\u0152\u0090]_o_[A __\u2030_\u0152\u0161\u00b5\u0152_A }(A _ooA NATO troops from Afghanistan by Dec 31, 2014, and for the
\ncessation of active combat operations by NATO forces after July 2013. Beyond this what was
\nachieved? No firm commitments or pledges were made by the NATO members for funding the
\n\u00a8\u00f0X\u00ed_vA\u0161Z_\u0161A\u0161Z_A_(PZ_vAE_\u0161]}v_oA^__\u00b5\u0152]\u0161\u00c7A&}\u0152__\u0090A~_E^&A\u00c1]ooAv___A_vv\u00b5_oo\u00c7A(}\u0152A_A______X_
\n29
\n28
\nA tale of too many non-attendees t Michael Kugelman t The Express Tribune –
\nhttp:\/\/blogs.tribune.com.pk\/story\/11620\/nato-conference-a-tale-of-too-many-non-attendees\/
\n29
\nNATO Summit: What Next t Najamuddin A. Sheikh t Dawn – http:\/\/dawn.com\/2012\/05\/23\/nato-summit-what-
\nnext\/
\nContains
\nnegative
\nconnotation
\n67%
\nContains
\npositive
\nconnotations
\n33%<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n51
\nAnother reads, ^W_l]\u0090\u0161_vA_v_AhX^XA_\u2030\u2030__\u0152A\u0161}AZ_\u00c0_Ao}\u0090\u0161A\u0161Z_]\u0152A]vP_v\u00b5]\u0161\u00c7A_v_A]u_P]v_\u0161]}vUAfrozen in
\nmutual recriminations, while oblivious to the looming dangers in post-\u00ee\u00ec\u00ed\u00f0A_(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vX_A
\n30
\nSimilar sentiments can be seen in the rest of the opinion and editorial pieces as the media has
\npersistently questioned the practical impact of this high level huddle in Chicago.
\nProjections on the NATO pullout
\nThe NATO pullout and the Afghan peace process was the subject of the highest percentage of
\nopinion and editorial pieces published on the Afghan conflict. Studying these opinion pieces
\nshows that the media remains convinced that there would be a heavy NATO pullout in 2014;
\nhowever, a few doubts plague this projection;
\na.
\nAfghan National Army is not ready to face the challenge that Taliban and
\nother extremist elements will present post-NATO pullout t Almost all the
\nopinion pieces on the expected NATO pullout have expressed a fear that Afghanistan
\nwill become even more destabilized after 2014. There is the fear that the Afghan
\ngovernment and the Afghan National Army are not ready to fight the extremist
\n_o_u_v\u0161\u0090A ]vA _(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vXA&}\u0152A _\u00c6_u\u2030o_UA_vA _\u0152\u0161]_o_A \u0152___\u0090VA ^E_dKAu\u00b5\u0090\u0161Al__\u2030A \u2030\u00b5uu_o]vPA
\nthe Taliban but it will also take a lot more effort to get the Afghans ready to continue
\nthis fight on their own. Right now they are dependent on NATO for planning,
\nmanagement, air support and logistics, Thousands of officer slots are empty because of
\nproblems finding literate, qualified candidates,_A dZ]\u0090 statement has been repeated in
\ndifferent words in multiple opinion pieces lending support to the conclusion that the
\nPakistani media does not believe that the Afghan security forces are ready or capable of
\nmanaging the extremist and terrorist element in Afghanistan after NATO pullout.
\nb.
\nPakistan stands to suffer the blowback from Afghanistan t There is also the
\nfear that Afghanistan u]PZ\u0161Av}\u0161Ao}}lA\u00c0_\u0152\u00c7Al]v_o\u00c7A\u00b5\u2030}vAW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A\u0152}o_A]vA\u0161Z_A\u00c1_\u0152A_P_]v\u0090\u0161A
\nterror. This fear is, of course, fuelled by the assumption that Afghanistan would be an
\nunstable entity with more than just the government authorities commanding power. An
\narticle on the AfPZ_vA_\u0152_\u00c1_}\u00c1vA\u0152___\u0090VA^dZ_\u0152_A]\u0090A_A(__\u0152A\u0161Z_vA}v__A\u0161Z_A(}\u0152_]PvA(}\u0152__\u0090A_\u00c6]\u0161UA
\nthe country will fall into civil war with Al Qaeda elements in Pakistan unleashing
\n_\u00c6\u0161\u0152_u]\u0090\u0161\u0090A \u0161}A __\u0090\u0161__]o]\u00cc_A \u0161Z_A \u0152_P]}vUA \u0161Z_A o_\u0161\u0161_\u0152[\u0090A \u0152}o_A ]vA __Z]_\u00c0]vPA \u0152_P]}v_oA \u0090\u0161__]o]\u0161\u00c7A
\ncannot be un__\u0152\u0090\u0161_\u0161__X_A
\n31
\nSimilar statements have been made in nearly two thirds of
\nthe opinion pieces and editorials and one can thus say that media coverage reflects the
\nfear that Pakistan stands to suffer a violent blowback from Afghanistan once the NATO
\nforces have pulled out.
\n30
\nChicaP}[\u0090A\u0090_}\u0152___\u0152_At Tariq Fatemi t The Express Tribune – http:\/\/tribune.com.pk\/story\/385776\/chicagos-
\nscorecard\/
\n31
\nBefore the Afghan drawdown t Razeshta Sethna t Dawn – http:\/\/dawn.com\/2012\/04\/17\/before-the-afghan-
\ndrawdown\/<\/p>\n

52
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nc.
\nDoubts about residual American presence in Afghanistan v Multiple news
\nitems and opinion pieces indicate the fear that the United States will maintain some sort
\nof residual presence in Afghanistan, particularly in the Pak-Afghan border areas even
\nafter the NATO\/ISAF forces have pulled out of Afghanistan. The focus on border areas is
\ndeemed important in a post-NATO context. For example, consider this statement, ^\u0161Z_A
\nUS is likely to enhance its troop presence and bases on the eastern Pakistan-Afghanistan
\nborder. We are likely to see an intensification of drone strikes in North and South
\nWaziristan, and even an expansion of the strike coverage to Kurram and Mohmand
\nagencies._
\nSimilar projections have been made in some other articles as well. There is a notion that
\nthe agreement with Afghanistan does not mean that, ^dZ_A _u_\u0152]__vA (}\u0152__\u0090A ]vA
\nAfghanistan post-2014 will not continue counter-terrorism operations within and
\n}\u00b5\u0161\u0090]__A _(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vX_
\n32
\nWhile the percentage of the articles projecting a residual
\nAmerican presence is less than 20%, other writers have also commented upon the
\nambiguity of the American plan and wondered about its implications for Pakistan. In
\nconclusion, it is fair to say that the media in Pakistan harbors various doubts regarding
\nthe American policy in post-NATO pullout.
\nHow the media links NATO pullout and Pak-U.S. relationship
\nPak-U.S. relations have been mentioned in nearly 80% of the opinion and editorial pieces on the
\ntheme. There is a resounding consensus in the monitored newspapers that Pakistan and United
\nStates need to quickly reformulate their relations for the sake of stability in the region.
\nOpinion and editorial pieces in all monitored newspapers are of the view that for at least the
\nv_\u00c6\u0161A ______UA W_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A \u0152_o_\u0161]}v\u0090A \u00c1]\u0161ZA \u0161Z_A hv]\u0161__A ^\u0161_\u0161_\u0090A \u00c1]ooA __A Z__\u0161_\u0152u]v__A _\u00c7A _u_\u0152]__vA
\n\u2030_\u0152__\u2030\u0161]}vA}(AW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A_}}\u2030_\u0152_\u0161]}vA]vA_(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vX_
\n33
\nAt the base of projected Pak-U.S. relations in post-E_dKA _(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vA ]\u0090A W_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A _\u0161\u0161]\u0161\u00b5__A
\ntowards the Haqqani Network. The majority of articles focusing on Pak-U.S. relations have
\nmentioned the Haqqani Network as the definitive link. In this regard, the media holds Pakistan
\n_\u0090A \u0161Z_A P\u00b5]o\u0161\u00c7A \u2030_\u0152\u0161\u00c7UA v}\u0161A \u0161Z_A hv]\u0161__A ^_\u0161_\u0090XA dZ_A hv]\u0161__A ^\u0161_\u0161_\u0090[A (\u0152\u00b5\u0090\u0161\u0152_\u0161]}vA }\u00c0_\u0152A W_l]\u0090\u0161_vA
\n^_}v\u0161]v\u00b5]vPA \u0161}A \u0090\u00b5\u2030\u2030}\u0152\u0161A \u0161Z_A Haqqani Network_
\n34
\nhas been mentioned in various articles. The
\nneed to rethink this policy has been stressed and re-stressed by the media. An article warns,
\n^hvo_\u0090\u0090A W_l]\u0090\u0161_vA _\u0090\u0090_\u0152\u0161\u0090A ]\u0161\u0090A ]v\u0161_\u0152_\u0090\u0161\u0090A _v_A \u2030\u0152]}\u0152]\u0161]_\u0090UA ]\u0161A ]\u0090A o]l_o\u00c7A \u0161}A \u0090\u00b5((_\u0152A (\u00b5\u0152\u0161Z_\u0152A \u0090\u0161\u0152_\u0161_P]_A
\n\u0152_\u00c0_\u0152\u0090_o\u0090X_A
\n35
\n32
\nNATO summit: What next t Najamuddin A. Shaikh t Dawn – http:\/\/dawn.com\/2012\/05\/23\/nato-summit-what-
\nnext\/
\n33
\nMoving beyond a thaw t Tariq Fatemi t The Express Tribune – http:\/\/tribune.com.pk\/story\/422056\/moving-
\nbeyond-a-thaw\/
\n34
\nCZ]__P}[\u0090Au_\u0090\u0090_P_At Tariq Fatemi t The Express Tribune – http:\/\/tribune.com.pk\/story\/382626\/chicagos-
\nmessage\/
\n35
\nFuture of ties with the U.S. t Munir Akram t Dawn – http:\/\/dawn.com\/2012\/04\/29\/future-of-ties-with-the-us\/<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n53
\nIn conclusion, the media portrays Afghanistan and the Haqqanis as the detrimental factors that
\n\u00c1}\u00b5o_A__(]v_AW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A\u0152_o_\u0161]}v\u0090A\u00c1]\u0161ZA\u0161Z_Ahv]\u0161__A^\u0161_\u0161_\u0090A_(\u0161_\u0152A\u0161Z_AE_dKA\u2030\u00b5oo}\u00b5\u0161A_v_Ao_\u00c7\u0090A\u0090\u0161\u0152_\u0090\u0090A
\non the need for Pakistan to redefine its policy towards both Afghanistan and the Haqqani
\nNetwork.
\nHow the media links NATO pullout and Pak-Afghan relationship
\nNot much has been written about the direction Pak-Afghan relations could take after the NATO
\npullout. However, in the few articles that have focused on the theme, the importance of
\nredefining the dynamics of the relation\u0090UA\u0090\u2030__](]__oo\u00c7A_]\u0090__\u0152_]vPA\u0161Z_AZ\u0090\u0161\u0152_\u0161_P]_A__\u2030\u0161Z[A_\u2030\u2030\u0152}__ZA
\nhas been highlighted.
\nThere are no clear trends that can be seen emerging apart from the stress on the need for
\nimproved relations built on mutual trust. Among the few elements mentioned in multiple
\narticles is the notion that Pakistan needs to ^help Kabul develop a meaningful dialogue with the
\nTaliban and other insurgent entities._
\n36
\ndZ_A}vo\u00c7A_o__\u0152A_}v_o\u00b5\u0090]}vA\u0161Z_\u0161A__vA__A_\u0152_\u00c1vA__}\u00b5\u0161Au__]_[\u0090A\u2030}\u0152\u0161\u0152_\u00c7_oA}(AW_l-Afghan relations
\npost-NATO pullout is that the media identifies an urgent need to rethink and clearly define the
\nAfghan policy on lines that ensure that both governments can help each other counter the
\nterrorist elements operating on either side of the border.
\nPortrayal of Afghan government
\nIn a research survey conducted with a group of Afghan journalists as part of this research
\nreport, a majority of journalists were shown to be of the opinion that the Pakistani media is
\npro-Taliban and does not hold the Afghan government in much regard. The impression among
\nthe Afghan journalists seems to suggest that Pakistani media deems the Karzai administration
\n\u0161}A __A _A Z\u2030\u00b5\u2030\u2030_\u0161A P}\u00c0_\u0152vu_v\u0161[XA However, a detailed analysis of all the opinion and editorial
\npieces on the issue of NATO pullout and Afghan peace process did not reveal one instance in
\n\u00c1Z]_ZA\u0161Z_A_(PZ_vAP}\u00c0_\u0152vu_v\u0161AZ_\u0090A___vA\u0161_\u0152u__AZ_A\u2030\u00b5\u2030\u2030_\u0161AP}\u00c0_\u0152vu_v\u0161[; only two statements
\ncome close to asserting that notion. A. G. Noorani, writing for Dawn states, ^dZ_A\u0090__\u00b5\u0152]\u0161\u00c7A\u2030__\u0161A
\n\u0090]Pv__A_\u00c7AK__u_A_v_A<_\u0152\u00cc_]A \u0152__\u00b5__\u0090A _(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vA \u0161}A _A \u2030\u0152}\u0161__\u0161}\u0152_\u0161_A }(A\u0161Z_AhX^X_A
\n37
\nIn another
\narticle, the writer has \u2039\u00b5}\u0161__Ad_o]__vA\u0090\u2030}l_\u0090u_vA\u0090\u0161_\u0161]vPA\u0161Z_\u0161A^<_\u0152\u00cc_]A]\u0090Av}Au}\u0152_A\u0161Z_vA_A\u0090\u0161}}P_A
\n}(A\u0161Z_A_u_\u0152]__v\u0090X_A
\n38
\nThat said, while the bulk of articles mentioning the Afghan government do not imply that
\n<_\u0152\u00cc_][\u0090A]\u0090A_A\u2030\u00b5\u2030\u2030_\u0161A\u0152_P]u_UA\u0161Z_\u0152_A]\u0090A_A\u0090_\u0152]}\u00b5\u0090Ao__lA}(A\u0161\u0152\u00b5\u0090\u0161A\u0152_(o__\u0161__A]vA\u0161Z_Au__]_XAdZ_Au__]_A
\nconverge paints the Afghan government as being incompetent and incapable of taking care of
\naffairs once NATO has left the fort.
\n36
\nOur Afghan policy t Tanvir Ahmed Khan t Dawn – http:\/\/dawn.com\/2012\/07\/17\/our-afghan-policy\/
\n37
\nAfghan pride at risk t A.G. Noorani t Dawn – http:\/\/dawn.com\/2012\/05\/19\/afghan-pride-at-risk\/
\n38
\nTaliban ready to talk? Najamuddin A. Shaikh t Dawn – http:\/\/dawn.com\/2012\/07\/18\/taliban-ready-to-talk\/<\/p>\n

54
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\ndZ_AP}\u00c0_\u0152vu_v\u0161[\u0090A\u0152}o_AZ_\u0090A___vAu_v\u0161]}v__Abarely in a third of the opinion and editorial pieces
\non the sub theme and almost everywhere the government has been portrayed as largely inept
\nand laden with corruption. D\u00b5o\u0161]\u2030o_A_\u0152\u0161]_o_\u0090AZ_\u00c0_Au_v\u0161]}v__A}\u0152AZ]v\u0161__A_\u0161A\u0161Z_Av}\u0161]}vA\u0161Z_\u0161A^<_\u0152\u00cc_]A
\ngovernment has not been able to win the confidence of people due to pervasive corruption,
\n\u2030}}\u0152AP}\u00c0_\u0152v_v__A_v_A(_oo]vPA\u0090__\u00b5\u0152]\u0161\u00c7X_
\n39
\nGiven these trends, one can conclude that the media in Pakistan does not hold the Karzai
\nP}\u00c0_\u0152vu_v\u0161A]vAZ]PZA_\u0090\u0161__uA_v_A\u0161Z_\u0152_A]\u0090A_A_o__\u0152Ao__lA}(A\u0161\u0152\u00b5\u0090\u0161A]vA\u0161Z_AP}\u00c0_\u0152vu_v\u0161[\u0090A__\u2030__]o]\u0161\u00c7A\u0161}A
\nhandle the volatile situation in Afghanistan.
\nOn the issue of being pro-Taliban, the media seems convinced that there would be a heavy
\nTaliban influence in the government once the pullout is complete. Perhaps, this is the reason
\nwhy Afghan journalists perceive the Pakistani media to be pro-Taliban. However, a closer look
\nat Z}\u00c1A \u0161Z_A \u2030\u0152}\u0090\u2030__\u0161A }(A d_o]__vA P_]v]vPA _}v\u0161\u0152}oA _P_]vA Z_\u0090A ___vA \u2030}\u0152\u0161\u0152_\u00c7__A \u0090Z}\u00c1\u0090A \u0161Z_\u0161A ]\u0161A ]\u0090v[\u0161A
\nsympathy for Taliban, rather a fearful anticipation that is being conveyed.
\n__________________________________________________
\n39
\nBeyond Chicago t Talat Masood t The Express Tribune – http:\/\/tribune.com.pk\/story\/382141\/beyond-chicago\/<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n55
\nContext
\nW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090Au__]_Ao_ndscape has gone through serious and rapid transition in the way Pakistani
\nmedia operates. The advent of private news channels, the inclusion of industrialists and seths
\ninto the journalistic arena and the resulting pluralrity in media outlets has been the subject of
\nnumerous studies; as media researchers the pace and direction of media development in
\nPakistan has been fascinating to us, but while exciting, the direction the media is heading
\ntoward is also quite alarming. In a situation when Pakistani media has a long way to go before
\n_\u00c0_vA_}\u00c0_\u0152]vPA\u0161Z_A_}\u00b5v\u0161\u0152\u00c7[\u0090A}\u00c1vA]\u0090\u0090\u00b5_\u0090A\u2030roperly, is it really even important to cover another
\ncountry like Afghanistan?
\nIs it actually essential for media practitioners in Pakistan to try and understand the complexities
\nof the Afghan conflict and cover them properly? To answer these questions, we approached
\ntwo groups of journalists from Afghanistan and Pakistan.
\nWe have seen earlier that at least 80% of the stories about Afghanistan have been sourced to
\ninternational news agencies. In the current media and economic climate, the need to rely on
\nnews agencies for a topic that originates in a different country is of course understandable. But
\nwhen it comes to the Pak-Afghan situation, the situation becomes slightly more complex. The
\nconflict in Afghanistan is not just a conflict brewing in a neighboring country. It is a conflict that
\naffects and is being affected by Pakistan in uncountable ways.
\nAs the NATO pullout draws nearer, the links between Pakistan and Afghanistan grow even more
\ncomplex and potentially dangerous. In such a situation, the me_]_[\u0090A\u0152}o_A]vA\u0152_\u2030}\u0152\u0161]vPA\u0161Z_AAfghan
\nconflict becomes even more important.
\nTo see whether media practitioners in Pakistan and Afghanistan recognize the importance of
\nAfghan
\nconflict
\ncoverage, we surveyed two
\ngroups of journalists from Pakistan
\n40
\nand
\nAfghanistan .
\n41
\nAfghan conflict in Pakistani media:
\n40
\nSurvey Questionnaire for Pakistani Journalists t Annexure 5
\n41
\nSurvey Questionnaire for Afghan Journalists t Annexure 6
\nPerceptions:
\nIs it important to cover Afghan conflict?<\/p>\n

56
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nPakistani j}\u00b5\u0152v_o]\u0090\u0161\u0090[Aperceptions
\nTo gauge how important Pakistani journalists view the Afghan conflict, an online survey was
\ncirculated among a group of journalists who had experience of reporting on Afghanistan v the
\nsurvey was distributed among 25 journalists mostly based in border areas (FATA, Balochistan
\nand Peshawar). However, only 15 journalists responded, while others excused themselves on
\nthe pretext that despite having reported on Afghanistan, they did not consider themselves to
\nbe well aware of the context and importance of the theme. A brief analysis of the survey and
\nresponses follows.
\nRespondent demographics
\nA total number of 15 journalists with varying degrees of experience and belonging to different
\nnews organizations took part in this survey. The majority of respondents were mid-career with
\n5
\n–
\n10 years of experience. The respondents belong to both mainstream and smaller news
\norganizations from all over Pakistan.
\nJournalistic experience of respondents
\nZ_\u0090\u2030}v__v\u0161\u0090[A}rganizations
\nS.
\nNo
\nOrganizations
\n1.
\nDawn News
\n2.
\nThe Nation
\n3.
\nDaily Nada-e-Khalq
\n4.
\nBBC Urdu
\n5.
\nKhyber News TV
\n6.
\nThe Frontier Post
\n7.
\nFrontier Post v Peshawar
\n8.
\nThe News
\n9.
\nThe Express Tribune
\n10.
\nDaily Times
\n11.
\nDunya News
\n12.
\nExpress Media Group
\n13.
\nThe Friday Times
\n14.
\nCentral Asia Online
\n0
\n1
\n2
\n3
\n4
\n5
\n6
\n1
\n–
\n2 years
\n2
\n–
\n5 years
\n5
\n–
\n10 years
\nMore than 10 years
\n6.7%
\n20%
\n40%
\n6.7%<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n57
\nOne of the respondents was reporting as a freelance reporter in multiple new organizations. As
\ncan be seen in the table the respondents represent a total of nine newspapers and four TV
\nchannels.
\nAdequacy and tone of Afghan coverage
\nA majority of respondents agreed that Pakistani media ]\u0090v[\u0161A_}\u00c0_\u0152]vPA_(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vA___\u2039\u00b5_\u0161_o\u00c7XA
\nAs many as 83.3% of the respondents said that the Afghan conflict coverage was inadequate.
\nPerceived adequacy of Afghan conflict coverage
\nThere was a slight difference in the perceived adequacy on Afghan conflict coverage in print
\nand electronic media. Afghan conflict coverage on TV was called inadequate by 93% of the
\nrespondents as opposed to 73% who found the print coverage inadequate.
\nPerceived adequacy of Afghan conflict coverage on TV and newspapers
\nInadequate
\n, 83.30%
\nAdequate,
\n16%
\nTV, 6%
\nTV, 93%
\nPrint, 26%
\nPrint, 73%
\n0
\n2
\n4
\n6
\n8
\n10
\n12
\n14
\n16
\nAdequate
\nInadequate<\/p>\n

58
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nThe respondents were further asked to identify the main reasons for inadequate coverage of
\nthe Afghan conflictXA_Au_i}\u0152]\u0161\u00c7A}(A\u0161Z_uA_o_u__Ao__lA}(A]v\u0161_\u0152_\u0090\u0161A}vAu__]_[\u0090A\u2030_\u0152\u0161A_v_A_\u00c6\u0161_\u0152val
\npressures for the lack of in-depth coverage of the conflict. Another reason identified by a
\nmajority of the respondents was lack of reliable sources for reporting on Afghanistan.
\nReasons for inadequate coverage of Afghan conflict
\nA respondent from Quetta pointed out that one of the reasons for inadequate coverage on
\nA(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vA]\u0090A\u0161Z_A(__\u0161A\u0161Z_\u0161A^E}-one pays the local media for their Afghan c}\u00c0_\u0152_P_X_
\nAnother respondent, referring to the fact that only some key themes are reported from
\n_(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vA v}\u0161__A \u0161Z_\u0161A ^D}\u0090\u0161A i}\u00b5\u0152v_o]\u0090\u0161\u0090A \u0161Z]vlA \u0161Z_\u0161A }vo\u00c7A \u0161_\u0152\u0152}\u0152]\u0090uA u_l_\u0090A v_\u00c1\u0090A (\u0152}uA
\n_(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vX_AdZ]\u0090A\u2030_\u0152__\u2030\u0161]}vA}vA\u0161Z_A\u2030_\u0152\u0161A}(A\u0161Z_Ai}\u00b5\u0152v_o]\u0090\u0161\u0090A]\u0090Ao___]vPA\u0161}A_A___\u0152\u0161ZA}(Anews items
\non other Afghan issues like the impact of Afghan conflict on development, youth, culture and
\ninternal Afghan politics etc.
\nOne of the respondents pointed out that Pakistani media reports from its ideological
\n\u0090\u0161_v_\u2030}]v\u0161XA ,_A \u0090_]_UA ^(Pakistani) Media is presenting opinion as news. Due to sheer laziness,
\nmost reporters do not bother to look up views alternate to Pakistani security establishmentsX_
\ndZ]\u0090AZo_\u00cc]v_\u0090\u0090[A_\u0090A\u0152_(_\u0152\u0152__A\u0161}A_\u00c7A\u0161Z_A\u0152_\u0090\u2030}v__v\u0161 leads to an influx of news items carrying similar
\nthemes and presenting similar tones. Not only is plurality missing when it comes to reporting
\nthe Afghan conflict, but perhaps, important news items are also missed because they might not
\nseem that important through the security _\u0090\u0161__o]\u0090Zu_v\u0161[\u0090A\u0152___\u0152XA
\ndZ]\u0090A\u00c0_\u0152\u00c7A]\u0090\u0090\u00b5_A]\u0090A\u2030_\u0152Z_\u2030\u0090A__Z]v_A\u0161Z_A\u0152_\u0090\u2030}v__v\u0161\u0090[A_\u0090\u0090_\u0090\u0090u_v\u0161A\u0161Z_\u0161Au}\u0090\u0161A}(A\u0161Z_AAfghan conflict
\nrelated coverage of TV and newspapers is overtly negative.
\n0
\n2
\n4
\n6
\n8
\n10
\n12
\nOutside pressures
\nSensitive nature of news
\nLack of sources
\nLack of interest among reporters
\nLack of interest among media orgs.
\nLack of infrastructure<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n59
\nTone of Afghan conflict coverage
\nMain sources of information
\nThe lack of sources was identified as one of the reasons for inadequate coverage of Afghan
\nconflict. The respondents were further asked to identify the three main sources they use when
\nreporting Afghanistan. The majority of reporters identified international news agencies,
\nwestern media and internet as main sources of information on Afghanistan.
\nKey news sources for Reporting Afghanistan
\nAfghanistan related themes in media
\nTV, 0
\nTV, 60%
\nTV, 40%
\nPrint, 0
\nPrint, 67%
\nPrint, 33%
\n0
\n2
\n4
\n6
\n8
\n10
\n12
\nOvertly positive
\nOvertly negative
\nNeutral
\n86%
\n73%
\n60%
\n20%
\n20%
\n0
\n2
\n4
\n6
\n8
\n10
\n12
\n14
\nInt. news agencies
\nWestern media
\nInternet
\nNATO sources
\nPak Army sources<\/p>\n

60
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nThe respondents were asked to identify the most frequently reported and the most under-
\nreported themes from and about Afghanistan. Foreign military presence in Afghanistan and
\nAfghan conflict were identified as the key topic of discussion in the media while democracy in
\nAfghanistan and development were identified as the most under-reported themes.
\nKey themes about Afghanistan covered by media
\nThere seems to be confusion amongst respondents about the theme of politics in Afghanistan.
\nWhile 80% of them identified politics as one of the key themes reported about Afghanistan, the
\nsame percentage i.e. 80% of them also identified democracy and parliament in Afghanistan
\namongst the most under reported themes. Perhaps the political themes reporters identify as
\nbeing covered frequently relate only to political relations with U.S. and other countries, while
\ninternal political development is thought to be under-reported.
\nMost under-reported themes from Afghanistan
\nQuality of coverage
\n0
\n2
\n4
\n6
\n8
\n10
\n12
\n14
\n16
\nBusiness
\nMilitary presence
\nAfghan conflict
\nPolitics
\n0
\n2
\n4
\n6
\n8
\n10
\n12
\n14
\nCulture
\nYouth
\nDevelopment
\nBusiness & economy
\nWomen
\nDemocracy<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n61
\nThe majority of respondents of this survey are of the opinion that the quality of media content
\ncurrently being generated on the theme of Afghan conflict is bad. Not a single respondent
\nfound the quality of coverage to be good and around 33% respondents rated Afghan conflict
\ncontent as average.
\nQuality on news content on Afghan conflict
\nD__]_[\u0090Arole in improving Pak-Afghan relations
\nThe majority of respondents believe that the media has a role to play in improving relations
\nbetween Pakistan and Afghanistan v more than 93% o(A\u0161Z_A\u0152_\u0090\u2030}v__v\u0161\u0090A\u0152__}Pv]\u00cc__Au__]_[\u0090A
\nrole in this regard and expressed the hope that media can be a part of improving relations
\nbetween the two countries. The journalists have identified a number of steps that in their
\nopinion will help Pakistani media play a positive role in Pak-Afghan relations and increasing
\npublic understanding of the Afghan conflict.
\nAccording to one of the respondents, the coverage and understanding of Afghan conflict can be
\n]u\u2030\u0152}\u00c0__A _\u00c7A ^\u0161_\u2030\u2030]vPA \u0152_\u0090}\u00b5\u0152__\u0090A (\u0152}uA ]l_A\u0161Z_A\u2030\u0152}\u00c0_\u0152_]_oAZ\u0152__o[AW_l]\u0090\u0161_vUA\u0161Z_\u0152_A]\u0090v[\u0161A_v\u00c7A}v_A\u0152__o]\u0161\u00c7A\u0161}A\u0161Z_AAfghan conflict.
\nYet, journalists reporting on Afghan conflict need to develop a basic understanding
\nof the Afghan conflict, especially how even the internal conflict in Afghanistan has
\npossible ramifications for Pakistan. Since a small group of people are reporting on
\nthe Afghan conflict locally, it is advisable to conduct thematic trainings for them.
\n\u2022
\nAdding the human element
\nBe it drone attacks, cross border intrusions or the fallout of suspending NATO supply
\nline on local investors, the real human element of the news happenings have been
\nlargely ignored by the media. Bringing the human cost of the conflict to light would
\nnot only make the news relevant to the public but would also help people
\nunderstand the issues better. As mentioned by journalists from Pakistan and
\nAfghanistan, the current regional scenario makes it is extremely important to further
\nunderstanding about the Afghan conflict.
\nRecommendations<\/p>\n

70
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n\u2022
\nReporting in-depth
\nOn the whole there have been a good many news features and opinion pieces
\npublished on various aspects of the Afghan conflict. However, most of the reporting
\nand analysis has been driven by political statements and strategic developments and
\nthus cater to only one aspect of the news while ignoring multiple dimensions and
\nimpacts. There is a need for media practitioners to take a deeper look into the
\nimpacts of conflict and include social impacts in their stories.
\n\u2022
\nUsing Afghan journalists as sources
\nThe lack of firsthand sources in Afghanistan has resulted in an influx of Z_P_v_\u00c7A
\n_\u0152]\u00c0_v[A u__]_A _}v\u0161_v\u0161XA tZ]o_A international news agencies do produce quality
\ncontent, they are not in a position to cater to the unique needs of Pakistani media
\nand media audience. Networking with Afghan media practitioners will help local
\ni}\u00b5\u0152v_o]\u0090\u0161\u0090[A____\u0090\u0090A_\u0152__]_o_A\u0090}\u00b5\u0152__\u0090A}(A]v(}\u0152u_tion
\n\u2022
\nGiving news space to Afghan journalists
\nOne of the easiest and the most cost effective ways to include the Afghan
\nperspective in Pakistani media is giving some news space in papers to Afghan
\njournalists. Printing news items from Afghan journalists is also tricky; the issues of
\nnational interest might arise, but with proper editorial control exercised by the
\nnewspapers, it should not be difficult to give some space in papers to the Afghan
\njournalists. It is important to have a clear idea of the Afghan perspective on the
\nconflict as their own perceptions and interest would ultimately affect the Pak-
\nAfghan relations, thus making that point of view very relevant for the Pakistani
\naudience.
\n\u2022
\nJoint reporting ventures
\nAs suggested by multiple journalists, joint reporting ventures on the conflict,
\ncombining the expertise of both Pakistani and Afghan journalists could help the
\nmedia present a more diverse and holistic picture of the conflict. It is apparent that
\nthe Afghan conflict ]\u0090A]v\u0161_\u0152\u0161\u00c1]v__A]vA\u00c0_\u0152]}\u00b5\u0090A\u00c1_\u00c7\u0090A\u00c1]\u0161ZAW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A}\u00c1vA_}v(o]_\u0161A_v_A\u0161}A
\nbe able to present a complete picture featuring both sides of the news story would
\nbe a great step towards quality and detailed journalism.
\n\u2022
\nNeed for further research
\nIn the research survey conducted, a majority of both Pakistani and Afghan journalists
\ntermed the Afghan conflict coverage as being overtly negative. There is a need to do
\nfurther research on what exactly is forming these opinions, what the journalists
\nspecifically have in mind when they term the coverage negative and what needs to
\nbe done to remove the negative tinge from the news content.
\n__________________________________________________<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n71
\nAnnexures
\nMapping Afghan conflict in Pakistani
\nMedia<\/p>\n

72
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n73
\nThis research report, through clearly defined categories and indicators, aims to bring clarity
\nabout the u__]_[\u0090A\u0152_\u0090\u2030}v\u0090_A\u0161}A\u0161Z_AAfghan conflictUAW_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A\u0152}o_A]vAAfghan peace process and
\nthe impact of Afghan situation on Pakistan. What emerges is a picture portraying the linkages
\namongst Afghanistan, Pakistan and the United States in the context of the ongoing war and
\nconflict in Afghanistan.
\ndZ]\u0090A\u0152_\u2030}\u0152\u0161A_o\u0090}A_\u0161\u0161_u\u2030\u0161\u0090A\u0161}A_\u0152]vPA(}\u0152\u0161ZA\u0161Z_Av_\u00c1\u0090u_l_\u0152[\u0090A\u2030_\u0152\u0090\u2030__\u0161]\u00c0_A}vA\u0161Z_A_(PZ_vA_}\u00c0_\u0152_P_A
\nby analyzing responses to multiple online surveys regarding Afghan coverage in Pakistani media
\ntaken by both Pakistani
\n43
\nand Afghan
\n44
\njournalists.
\nFor the purpose of thematic analyses of content being published and aired, a select sample of
\nnews media was monitored for terrorism related news from April 2012 to May 2012. Three
\n\u00c1]__o\u00c7A_]\u0152_\u00b5o_\u0161__Av_\u00c1\u0090\u2030_\u2030_\u0152\u0090A_v_A\u0161Z_A\u00f5A}[_o}_lA_\u00b5oo_\u0161]v\u0090A}(A\u0161Z\u0152__A\u2030}\u2030\u00b5o_\u0152Av_\u00c1\u0090A_Z_vv_o\u0090A\u00c1_\u0152_A
\nmonitored and analyzed on a daily basis for five months.
\nMONITORING SAMPLE
\nNewspapers
\nJang
\nDawn
\nExpress Tribune
\nNews Channels
\nGeo News
\nSamaa TV
\nWaqt News
\nThe monitored media outlets were selected because they enjoy considerable popularity and
\ninfluence over their audience. Geo News is the most popular and highly rated news channel of
\nall. Jang and Dawn are among the highly circulated Urdu and English newspapers in the
\ncountry. All news outlets monitored are considered fairly influential in shaping up public
\nopinion.
\nThe selection of TV channels was made to ensure that TV stations from different ends of
\nspectrum had a representation. Geo News is the top rated news channel in Pakistan, Samaa TV
\nenjoys ratings that place it at 2
\nnd
\nto 4
\nth
\nu}\u0090\u0161A \u2030}\u2030\u00b5o_\u0152A \u00c1Z]o_A t_\u2039\u0161A v_\u00c1\u0090A _}_\u0090v[\u0161A _vi}\u00c7A P}}_A
\nratings but represents a rather right wing, staunch ideological stance, aligning it with an
\nimportant segment of the Pakistani society.
\n43
\nAnnexure 5 t Survey Questionnaire for Pakistani Journalists
\n44
\nAnnexure 6 t Survey Questionnaire for Afghan Journalists
\nAnnexure 1
\nResearch methodology<\/p>\n

74
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nFor quantitative analysis of print media coverage the focus, the type and the source of the news
\npiece appearing in the monitored sources were noted. Since the news regarding Afghan conflict
\ncaters to a very diverse scope of information, there were no other data categories that were
\nmonitored across the complete selection of news. News items were further categorized on the
\nbasis of their key focus. The following are the key categories identified as main news focus of
\nthe monitored stories;
\n\u2022
\nTerrorism in Afghanistan
\n\u2022
\nCross-border insurgency
\n\u2022
\nDrone attacks
\n\u2022
\nNATO supply
\n\u2022
\nNATO pullout from Afghanistan and Afghan peace process
\n\u2022
\nPak-Afghan and Pak-U.S. relations in post-NATO Afghanistan
\n\u2022
\nOthers
\nNews items in each focus category were further divided into news and opinion pieces to
\ndetermine which themes attract the maximum amount of commentary from Pakistani
\njournalists. A timeline for reported events in relevant themes has also been developed.
\nThe news coverage in Dawn and The Express Tribune has also been cross checked on the online
\ndatabases on their websites; however, Jang[\u0090A_}\u00c0_\u0152_P_AZ_\u0090Av}\u0161A___vA_\u0152}\u0090\u0090A_Z__l__A}vo]v_A_\u00b5_A
\nto technical issues with the website.
\nIt should be noted that while the selected newspapers were monitored in totality, the TV news
\ncoverage monitoring was restricted to one main, hour long news bulletin. The 9 }[_lock
\nbulletins of the selected TV channels have been recorded and monitored for all news related to
\nAfghanistan and the news has been categorized in terms of focus, priority, significance, type
\nand tone.
\nd}A __\u0161_\u0152u]v_A i}\u00b5\u0152v_o]\u0090\u0161\u0090[A }\u00c1vA \u2030_\u0152__\u2030\u0161]}vA }(A _}\u00c0_\u0152_P_A }(A Afghan conflict in Pakistani media,
\nPakistani journalists who have reported on Afghanistan were invited to take part in a brief
\nonline survey
\n45
\n\u0161]\u0161o__A^,}\u00c1APakistani media reports Afghan conflict_XAdZ_Asurvey questionnaire
\nwas developed to identify the key sources reporters engage for coverage of Afghan conflict, the
\nmain hurdles they face when reporting on Afghanistan and their own impressions about Afghan
\nconflict coverage and its importance.
\nAnother online survey was developed for Afghan journalists who enjoy an understanding of
\nPakistani mediaXAdZ]\u0090A\u0090\u00b5\u0152\u00c0_\u00c7A\u0161]\u0161o__A^Afghan conflict in Pakistani media_
\n46
\nwas taken by a small
\nnumber of Afghan journalists to gauge how the Afghan media rates and perceives the coverage
\nof Afghan conflict in Pakistani media outlets.
\n45
\nAnnexure 5 t Survey Questionnaire for Pakistani Journalists
\n46
\nAnnexure 6 t Survey Questionnaire for Afghan Journalists<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n75
\nBy Aurangzaib Khan
\n47
\nIt has already been established that journalists in both Paksitan and Afghanistan realize the
\nimportance of in-depth, substantial reporting of Afghan conflict. The survey results have
\nbrought forth valuable data, but since the survey technique is not ideal for in-depth answers,
\nIntermedia also conducted a brief focus group discussion in the provincial capital Peshawar of
\nKhyber Pakhtunkhwa on coverage of Afghan issues in Pakistan media. In an informal, open
\ndiscussion
\n48
\n, 10 journalists with varying level of experience expressed views about how they
\nview Afghanistan, the geo-strategic and economic relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan,
\nthe changes and developments in the neighbouring country and where exactly media in
\nPakistan stands on these.
\nAfghanistan, as portrayed in Pakistani media
\nIn the first part of the FGD, the participants were _\u0090l__A _A \u00c0_\u0152\u00c7A\u0090]u\u2030o_A\u2039\u00b5_\u0090\u0161]}vUA ^tZ_\u0161A_}_\u0090A
\nPakistani media think of Afghanistan today? The gist of the discussion that ensued after this
\nquestion, follows;
\nFuture directions; where Afghanistan is headed
\nAfghanistan is not going in the right direction. For \u0090\u0161\u0152_\u0161_P]_A \u0152__\u0090}v\u0090UA \/v_]_[\u0090A \u2030\u0152_\u0090_v__A ]vA
\n_(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vA_v_A\u0161Z_A_u_\u0152]__v[\u0090A_}\u00cc\u00c7]vPA\u00b5\u2030A\u0161}A\/v_]_A\u0161Z\u0152}\u00b5PZA_Av\u00b5_o__\u0152A___oAZ_\u0090A\u0090_\u0161A}\u00b5\u0161A_A\u2030_\u0161ZA
\nfor proxy war after the U.S. leaves Afghanistan.
\nAfghanistan is divided between regions that are controlled by Karzai and others under the
\nTalibanXA dZ_A __v\u0161\u0152_[\u0090A \u00c1\u0152]\u0161A ]\u0090A \u0152_\u0090\u0161\u0152]_\u0161__A \u0161}A <__\u00b5oXA _A \u00c0_\u0090\u0161A u_i}\u0152]\u0161\u00c7A ]vA _(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vA __o]_\u00c0_\u0090A \u0161Z_\u0161A
\nafter the hasty U.S. withdrawal, the Taliban will come down from the mountain and there will
\nbe no stability. Even when there is trouble along the border, some of the places like Kunar and
\nNooristan provinces are fairly developed.
\nThe participants believed that despite the withdrawal plans, there would not be complete
\nwithdrawal of the American forces and American bases would sustain in Afghanistan even after
\nthe 2014 NATO pullout.
\n47
\nAurangzaib Khan is the Director Media development with Intermedia Pakistan
\n48
\nQuestions directing the discussion included in Annexure 3
\nAnnexure 2
\nFocus Group Discussion<\/p>\n

76
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nThere are a number of factors at play in countries affected by a conflict: For a long time, it was
\nthe Afghan refugees coming to Pakistan and there are still some 1.2m in Pakistan, most of them
\nseasonal or economic immigrants. But over the last decade or so, there has been a new trend
\nv every month some five thousand Pakistanis leave for Afghanistan for jobs through visa
\nreceived from the Peshawar and Quetta consulates.
\nHuman cost; how conflict is affecting the Afghan people
\nAfghan people are fed up with the war. Ordinary people want peace and say they have suffered
\na lot. There are some six million girls back to school and the number of women availing
\nscholarships far exceeds that of men. Likewise, some 80% skilled people are returning from
\nabroad to work at home v obviously, they expect the situation to change for the better post
\n20
\n14
\n.
\nThe annual growth rate of 14% may be unrealistic or bloated, but there are certainly
\nareas in which the country has shown remarkable progress such as building up the Afghan army
\nv high on the nationalism sentiment.
\nDespite insurgency v when compared to that in Pakistan v the destruction ratio of Afghan
\nschools is much less than that in Pakistan. The Taliban routinely target the NATO troops but not
\nschools.
\nThe mindset; what Afghans think?
\nThe Hizb Islami and the Afghan Taliban suspect that the Americans want to continue stay under
\nthe guise of fighting the insurgency. May be the U.S. will not win the war but the Hizb wants
\nthat America should be given face saving so that it leaves the region. The Karzai administration
\nhas assured the world that the Afghan land would not be used against anyone including
\nAmericans. The Afghanistan of 80s when the resistance\/jihad was against Soviet occupation and
\nlater under the civil war and Taliban when there was internal fighting is much different from
\nAfghanistan today where there is in\u0090\u00b5\u0152P_v_\u00c7A_\u00b5\u0161A]\u0161A_}_\u0090v[\u0161AZ_\u00c0_A_A\u00c1]__\u0152A\u0090\u00b5\u2030\u2030}\u0152\u0161A(\u0152}uA_(PZ_v\u0090UA
\nlittle involvement on part of ordinary Afghans fed up with war and suffering. There is little
\nsupport for Taliban. And it is obvious from the fact that resistance against foreign forces is not
\nas organized as it was in the 80s and 90s. It is certainly not as widespread. It is a guerilla war,
\nwaged in pockets v ]vA\u0090}u_A\u00c1_\u00c7\u0090A]__v\u0161]__oA\u0161}A\u00c1Z_\u0161[\u0090AZ_\u2030\u2030_v]vPA]vAW_l]\u0090\u0161_vXA
\nThe resistance in the 80s and 90s was supported by the U.S. and the Saudis, respectively. The
\nSaudi involvement in Afghanistan has been exposed over the years and later its support for the
\nTaliban and the elements that propped it has disabused the Afghan people of the supposedly
\npositive Saudi role in local affairs, a hangover from jihad years when it armed the Mujahideen
\nagainst Soviet invasion. As things stand now, they blame Pakistan v not Americans, not Saudis
\nor Iran v for their troubles. Despite international presence and occupation, people now want
\nto move towards reconciliation.
\nPolitics and economy: Where would Afghanistan go from here?
\nEarlier, there was no constitution, no constituency for political forces or the legal contract with
\npeople. As a consequence, nationalism among the people is on the rise and there is a collective<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n77
\nsense of moving on and ahead. In the rural swathes of Afghanistan, the influence from the
\ncentre has been historically minimal, with the local tribes stronger than the central
\ngovernment. The elements in the periphery are so strong in fact that they care little for the
\ncentre. With the NATO-American presence, the forces in the periphery are quiet but as soon as
\nthe withdrawal happens, th_A _}\u00b5v\u0161\u0152\u00c7[\u0090A \u0090}\u00c0_\u0152_]Pv\u0161\u00c7A \u00c1}\u00b5o_A __A \u0161Z\u0152__\u0161_v__A _\u00c7A _o_u_v\u0161\u0090A \u0161Z_\u0161A
\nsupport the forces on the periphery.
\nThe economy of Afghanistan is sustained by foreign funding. If the assistance is withdrawn, it
\nwill crumble because there are no local mechanisms taxes, production or trade to tide it over
\ntransition.
\nLikewise, in the 36 provinces, security is largely provided by foreign forces and if and when they
\nexit, things will revert to bedlam because the Afghan National Army is not trained or equipped
\nenough to take over security operations all over the country. Even when there are foreign
\nforces, the likes of Fazlullah and Faqir Mohammad find sanctuaries there. What will happen if
\nNATO and Americans leave?
\nTwo kinds of mindsets exist v one, the informed one, want the U.S. to stay well until
\nAfghanistan is strong enough to fight Saudi and Pakistani designs; the other want the U.S. to
\nleave only after there are guarantees that Pakistan, Iran and Saudi interference will be met with
\nforce.
\nThe agriculture sector has grown considerably. Until recently Afghanistan depended on
\nagricultural import but last year Pakistan imported onions, tomatoes, even wheat from
\nAfghanistan. There is need for promoting trade to overcome food insecurity.
\nGlobal interest in Afghanistan
\n\/\u0161[s not just the NATO\/ Americans that are interested in Afghanistan but there is interest in its
\nvast resources from all over the world. Its mineral wealth amounts to $3 trillion, with some 20
\ncompanies vying for exploration, including Chinese.
\nViolent conflict in Afghanistan
\nAttacks on security forces in Afghanistan are met with organized search and destroy operations.
\nThese counter-insurgency operations are much successful there than here in Pakistan. Under
\nNATO guidance and support, the Afghan forces operational capacity is commendable and they
\nare proving themselves to be up to the challenge cut out for them.
\nHelpless in Pakistan: the issue of Afghan refugees
\nLast year, the rate of repatriation was high compared to this year. Afghan refugees keep
\nreturning due to insecurity in Afghanistan. One of the untold stories is that Afghans depend for
\nhealthcare on Pakistan v 80% of the Peshawar-based Z_Zu_vAD__]__oA\/v\u0090\u0161]\u0161\u00b5\u0161_[\u0090A\u2030_\u0161]_v\u0161\u0090A_\u0152_A
\nAfghans, and it is the leading healthcare institution in Pakistan where medical staff is Afghan or
\nspeaks Dari and notices are translated in Dari.<\/p>\n

78
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nThe refugees are harassed by the local police. Leading politicians and district officials give
\nirresponsible statements about eviction of refugees that prompt police to harass them, ask for
\nbribes or stop electricity supply to the localities where they live.
\nImpression of Pakistanis in Afghanistan is extremely negative especially that of people from
\nPunjab, the state policy and that of the police.
\nPortrayal of Afghanistan: positive or negative?
\nThe coverage of Afghanistan, the group agreed, is negative. Local media focus on conflict and
\nmilitary presence inside Afghanistan. There is a trust deficit between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
\nIn December last year, a well known Pakistani journalist met the governor of Kunar and
\nmentioned that Pakistan blames Afghanistan for providing sanctuaries to warlords like Fazlullah
\nand Faqir Mohammad and is it true that they are both in Afghanistan. To which the governor
\nsaid, ^zes, it is true tha\u0161A\u0161Z_\u00c7A_\u0152_AZ_\u0152_A_\u00b5\u0161A\u00c1_A_}v[\u0161A\u2030\u0152}\u0161__\u0161A}\u0152A\u2030_\u0161\u0152}v]\u00cc_A\u0161Z_uXAdZ_\u00c7AZ]__A_o}vPA
\nthe border. When we move against them, they cross over to the other side. When the Pakistani
\nauthorities hound them, they move into Afghan territory._
\nOrakzai, a former governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said there were 19 Indian consulates in
\nAfghanistan when there are actually only four v in Herat, Kabul, Mazar and Kandahar. If
\nsomeone so high up as Orakzai is so ill-informed then who can blame the likes of Hamid Zaid
\nwho say negative things about Afghanistan, a view that is then accepted and shared by people
\nand media alike.
\nThe Afghan consulate in Peshawar receives 200 applications daily from Pakistanis seeking jobs
\nin Afghanistan. There is little known about the contribution and condition of Pakistani workers
\n]vA_(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vA ____\u00b5\u0090_A\u0161Z_AW_l]\u0090\u0161_v]A \u0090\u0161_\u0161_[\u0090A v_\u0152\u0152_\u0161]\u00c0_A v _v_A Z_v__A u__]_[\u0090A v is focused on
\ngeo-strategic relations, not geo-economic.
\nFor this reason precisely, even though some five million Afghans have lived and worked in
\nPakistan over the years compared to mere thousands in India, Afghans still treat Pakistan as an
\nenemy and India a friend.
\nBesides a negative portrayal of Afghanistan in Pakistani media, there are a number of militant
\nmagazines aimed at local and Afghan population in Pakistan that promotes a negative and
\nmilitaristic view of developments in Afghanistan. A journalist narrated a story of a desk editor at
\na Karachi-based vernacular daily that received news of 15 Afghan National Army soldiers dying
\n]vA_vA]v\u0090\u00b5\u0152P_v\u0161A_\u0161\u0161__lXA^,_Al]oo__A_A(o\u00c7A}vA\u0161Z_A\u0161__o_A_v_A\u0090_]_A\u00c7}\u00b5A_}\u00b5o_A___A\u0161Z_\u0161A\u0161}A\u0161Z_Av\u00b5u__\u0152UA
\nimplying that the life of an Afghan soldier is no more valuable than that of a fly. The newspaper
\nreported that 26 Afghan National Army soldiers died ]vA\u0161Z_A_\u0161\u0161__lX_
\nA local journalist who works for a foreign wire service said that he got the news that Taliban
\nand Hizb-e-Islami had killed 10 NATO soldiers and the wire service wanted him to verify. He<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n79
\ncalled around but no-one knew of it because there are no Pakistani journalists in the border
\nareas of Afghanistan. The next day a leading Urdu daily carried the news with a byline. The
\njournalist did his own investigation and found out that there was no military presence of NATO
\nsoldiers or equipment in the area where the attacks and deaths were reported to have
\nhappened.
\nAfghan politics and reconciliation efforts are not covered in Pakistani media adequately. The
\ninformation that comes through is mostly based on research and surveys by western think-
\ntanks and Pakistani media lacks the capacity to turn them into news and analysis.
\nAnother issue with Pakistani media coverage is that it continues to be mired in the narrative
\nthat Pakistan helped defeat the Soviets v essentially promoting a jihad mindset even though
\nthere are journalists that think that such a policy could prove costly for the nation.
\nJihadist publications are widely available as well as Afghan newspapers in English, Dari and
\nPashto that are locally published and sent to Afghanistan. Such publications published here and
\nsent to Afghanistan find their way back also such as the journal Tora Bora.
\nWhile the jihad media is openly available v CDs, multimedia formats for copying on USB etc v
\nthe Afghanistan electronic media is banned by PEMRA that says they have no landing rights. On
\nthe other hand when Tulle dsA_\u0090l__A(}\u0152A]\u0161UA]\u0161A\u00c1_\u0090v[\u0161AP]\u00c0_vA_v\u00c7XAAAW_l]\u0090\u0161_vA__vv__AKhabaryal.com
\nv an U.K.-based news website run by Afghans and known for fair coverage and breaking news.
\nIts account of the attack on Salala post that blamed Pakistan for incursions invoked the wrath of
\nPakistani authorities.
\nThe problem with such coverage of Afghanistan by certain jihadist journals and media is that
\nwhen viewed by people outside Pakistan or Peshawar, they form the impression that it reflects
\npopular sentiment here, like suggesting Peshawar is Talibanized even though the dominant
\nview among journalists is radically different from that.
\n–
\n–
\n–
\n–
\n–
\n–
\nThe media needs to move away from the state narrative and embrace the geo-economic
\nnarrative rather than the geo-strategic one. As long as the state is not held accountable, we
\ncannot hope for change or make it change its obsession with Zstrategic depth[. While media
\nZ_\u0090]\u0161_\u0161_\u0090A\u0161}A_Z_oo_vP_A\u0161Z_A\u0090\u0161\u0152_\u0161_P]_Av_\u0152\u0152_\u0161]\u00c0_A(}\u0152A^(__\u0152A}(A__]vPAl]oo___UA\u0161Z_A\u0090\u0161\u0152_\u0161_P]_A_\u0152P\u00b5u_v\u0161A
\nwill eventually kill everyone anyway.
\n–
\n–
\n–
\n–
\n–
\nThe militancy related activities are kept under wraps and conspiracy theories are allowed on
\nmedia. This deters public
\nempowerment. If
\nnegotiations, reconciliation, reporting and
\ninformation exchange is not allowed, people stay in the dark and confused. If media on both
\nsides is active and interacts, people would know where the Taliban, the Americans, the<\/p>\n

80
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nPakistanis or the Karzai Administration stand on issues of mutual interest, who to support and
\nwhat games the state and non-state actors play, the spoilers and facilitators of peace. The
\n\u2030_}\u2030o_[\u0090A v_\u0152\u0152_\u0161]\u00c0_A A \u00c1]ooA \u00c1__l_vA \u0161Z_A \u0090\u0161_\u0161_A v_\u0152\u0152_\u0161]\u00c0_A v Pakistan, U.S., Afghan and others v
\nbecause they are part of the problem, because people are not allowed to see, know, speak and
\ndecide what should be and how.
\nThere is certainly interest among people on both sides to get to know each other better but
\nthat is not reflected in media and initiatives that bring people together and their voices are not
\nreported in media.
\nSources of information for reporting Afghan conflict
\nIn Afghanistan today, there is a concentration of international media. Half of the news and
\nanalyses about Afghanistan carried in Pakistani media comes from foreign journalists and news
\nservices. But for all the interest and discussion of Afghanistan in local media, there are no
\nPakistani reporters in Afghanistan except Khyber TV. Similarly, the media scene in Afghanistan
\nis vibrant, with more radio stations than there are in Pakistan and they manage to reach into
\nW_l]\u0090\u0161_vA ]vA \u0161Z_A _}\u0152__\u0152A _\u0152__\u0090A _v_A __\u00c7}v_A _\u00b5\u0161A \u00c1_A _}v[\u0161A _\u0152__\u0161_A }\u0152A P_v_\u0152_\u0161_A _v\u00c7A }(A }\u00b5\u0152A }\u00c1vA
\nindependent local content and narrative on Afghanistan.
\n–
\n–
\n–
\n–
\n_v}\u0161Z_\u0152A\u0152_\u2030}\u0152\u0161_\u0152A\u0090_]_UA^\/, as a reporter, cannot go to Bara in Khyber Agency. How can I go to
\nKunar?_ implying that military presence in Afghanistan and hostility against Pakistanis makes it
\nreally difficult for Pakistani journalists to report on Afghanistan.
\n–
\n–
\n–
\n–
\n–
\nRahimullah Yousafzai is considered an authority on Afghanistan. When was the last time he was
\nthere?
\n–
\n–
\n–
\n–
\n–
\nThe media in Pakistan is strong and covers local news extensively and openly. But when it
\ncomes to AfgZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vUA\u0161Z_Au__]_A_}_\u0090v[\u0161A\u0161\u0152\u00c7A_v_A\u0161Z_A\u0090\u0161_\u0161_A_}_\u0090v[\u0161A_oo}\u00c1A\u2030_}\u2030o_A\u0161}A\u0090\u2030__lUA}\u0152A
\n_}_\u0090v[\u0161A_\u0152}____\u0090\u0161A(}\u0152A_(PZ_v]\u0090\u0161_vX
\n–
\n–
\n–
\n–
\n–
\nThe Public Information Department in Pakistan and Afghan authorities have recently signed an
\nMoU which may allow TV on local cable and facilitate journalists to cover developments in the
\ntwo countries.
\n–
\n–
\n–
\n–
\n–
\n–
\n–
\nMost of the news about Afghanistan in Pakistani media comes from foreign media and
\ni}\u00b5\u0152v_o]\u0090\u0161\u0090XA^\/\u0161A]\u0090A\u0161Z_]\u0152Av_\u0152\u0152_\u0161]\u00c0_XAK\u00b5\u0152A]v\u0161_\u0152_\u0090\u0161\u0090A\u0152_o_\u0161__A\u0161}A\u0090__\u00b5\u0152]\u0161\u00c7A_v_Areconstruction process in
\nAfghanistan are v}\u0161A\u0152_(o__\u0161__XAt_A_}v[\u0161AZ_\u00c0_A]v__\u2030_v__v\u0161A_v_o\u00c7\u0090]\u0090A____\u00b5\u0090_Av_]\u0161Z_\u0152Au__]_Av}\u0152A
\nthe Pakistani government is interested even when Afghanistan is the biggest and direct focus of<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n81
\nour trade and commerce activities today (in 2005-2006, our exports to Afghanistan amounted
\nto $5 billion). About how much the local economy is driven by trade with Afghanistan, a
\nreporter said when the export of poultry to Afghanistan was recently banned, the price fell by
\nRs30 locally. A laborer earns Rs300 as wage in Pakistan whereas in Afghanistan, a Pakistani
\nlaborer can earn Rs2000. Local tailors keep revising the prices upwards because their workers
\nare forever tempted to go and work in Afghanistan where they can earn more.
\n–
\n–
\n–
\n–
\n–
\n–
\nThe trade is there but it is a kind of black market economy at work which is in the interest of
\nthe Pakistani state because it helps support the non-state actors. It is not in the interest of the
\nstate to allow economic activities to flourish formally v it certainly is not making any effort
\nthrough official talks to open channels for such ties.
\n________________________________________________<\/p>\n

82
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n1.
\nDo Pakistani newspapers cover Afghanistan adequately?
\na.
\nyes
\nb. no
\nBriefly discuss reasons for each
\n2.
\nIs this print media coverage:
\na.
\novertly positive
\nb. overtly negative
\nc. neutral
\nBriefly discuss reasons for each
\n3.
\nDo Pakistani TV channels cover Afghanistan adequately?
\na.
\nyes
\nb. no
\nBriefly discuss reasons for each
\n4.
\nIs this electronic media coverage:
\na.
\novertly positive
\nb. overtly negative
\nc. neutral
\nBriefly discuss reasons for each
\n5.
\nWhat are the key topics of discussion in Pakistani media about Afghanistan?
\na.
\npolitics
\nb. conflict
\nc. foreign military presence in Afghanistan
\nd. social issues
\ne.
\nbusiness
\nf. culture
\ng. others (please explain)
\nBriefly discuss each topic for professional content, adequacy, relevance, usefulness
\nAnnexure 3
\nQuestions for Focus Group Discussion<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n83
\n5.
\nWhat are the main sources of information used by Pakistani media on coverage about
\nAfghanistan?
\na.
\nWestern news agencies
\nb. Western media (newspapers, TV, radio)
\nc. Internet
\nd. Afghan news sources (news agencies and private media’s own reporting)
\ne.
\nPakistani news sources (news agencies and private media’s own sources)
\nf. Afghan government
\ng. Pakistani government
\nh. Afghan military
\ni. Pakistani military
\nj.
\nNATO\/American military sources
\nk. others (please mention)
\nBriefly discuss each
\n6.
\nCan media in Pakistan play a role in improving relations between Pakistan and
\nAfghanistan?
\na.
\nyes
\nb. no
\n7.
\nIf yes, briefly discuss steps (some examples below) that Pakistani media can take to play a
\npositive role
\na.
\nreporting about Afghan society v not just “official Afghanistan”
\nb. bringing out local Afghan voices v more human interest stories
\nc. promoting individual and institutional collaboration with Afghan journalists
\nd. investing in joint\/collaborative reporting ventures
\ne.
\nexchange of information\/stories among media on both sides
\nf. giving news space to Afghan journalists
\ng. others (please mention)
\n8.
\nHow can human interest stories from Afghanistan be given more space in Pakistani media?
\nDiscuss briefly.
\n9.
\nPakistan has about $1.5bn a year in formal trade with Afghanistan. The informal trade is
\ntwice as large. Why is there so little reporting on business issues in Pakistani and Afghan
\nmedia about business issues?
\nDiscuss briefly.
\n________________________________________________<\/p>\n

84
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n1.
\nDilawar Jan
\nReporter, The News
\n2
\n.
\nShamim Shahid
\nBureau Chief, Pakistan Today
\n3.
\nTehsinullah
\nReporter, Afghan Islamic Press
\n4.
\nGhulam Dastageer
\nReporter, Herald
\n5.
\nYousaf Ali
\nReporter, The News
\n6.
\nRobina Rehman
\nResearcher, Intermedia
\n7
\n.
\nKhalid Khan
\nReporter, Mashal Radio
\n8.
\nAqeel Yousafzai
\nReporter, DPA
\n9.
\nSyed Irfan Ashraf
\nTeacher, Journalism Department, University of Peshawar
\n________________________________________________
\nAnnexure 4
\nFocus Group Discussion participants<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n85
\n1.
\nDo Pakistani newspapers cover Afghanistan adequately?
\na.
\nyes
\nb. no
\n2.
\nIs this print media coverage:
\na.
\novertly positive
\nb. overtly negative
\nc. neutral
\n3.
\nDo Pakistani TV channels cover Afghanistan adequately?
\na.
\nyes
\nb. no
\n4.
\nIs this electronic media coverage:
\na.
\novertly positive
\nb. overtly negative
\nc. neutral
\n5.
\nWhat are the key topics of discussion in Pakistani media about Afghanistan?
\na.
\npolitics
\nb. conflict
\nc. foreign military presence in Afghanistan
\nd. social issues
\ne.
\nbusiness
\nf. culture
\ng. others (please explain)
\n6.
\nWhich of the following themes about Afghanistan are most under-reported in Pakistani
\nmedia? [Select 3 key themes]
\na.
\ndemocracy \/ parliament in Afghanistan
\nb. Afghan women
\nc. business and economy in Afghanistan
\nd. development in Afghanistan
\ne.
\nAfghan youth
\nf. Afghan culture
\ng. Others (please explain)
\nAnnexure 5
\nQuestionnaire for Pakistani journalists<\/p>\n

86
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n7.
\nHow would you rate the coverage of Pakistani media about Afghan conflict? [Select one]
\na.
\nbad
\nb.
\ngood
\nc.
\naverage
\n8.
\nIf Pakistani media is not reporting the Afghan conflict adequately, what do you think are
\nthe main reasons [Select 3 themes]
\na.
\nlack of interest in media organizations
\nb. lack of interest in working journalists
\nc. lack of information sources
\nd. lack of infrastructure
\ne.
\noutside pressures \/ sensitive nature of news
\nf. others (please explain)
\n9.
\nWhat are the main sources of information used by Pakistani media on coverage about
\nAfghanistan?
\na.
\nWestern news agencies
\nb. Western media (newspapers, TV, radio)
\nc. Internet
\nd. Afghan news sources (news agencies and private media’s own reporting)
\ne.
\nPakistani news sources (news agencies and private media’s own sources)
\nf. Afghan government
\ng.
\nPakistani government
\nh. Afghan military
\ni. Pakistani military
\nj.
\nNATO\/American military sources
\nk. others (please mention)
\n10
\n.
\nCan media in Pakistan play a role in improving relations between Pakistan and
\nAfghanistan?
\na.
\nyes
\nb. no
\n11
\n.
\nIf yes, briefly discuss steps (some examples below) that Pakistani media can take to play a
\npositive role
\na.
\nreporting about Afghan society v not just “official Afghanistan”
\nb. bringing out local Afghan voices v more human interest stories
\nc. promoting individual and institutional collaboration with Afghan journalists
\nd. investing in joint\/collaborative reporting ventures
\ne.
\nexchange of information\/stories among media on both sides
\nf. giving news space to Afghan journalists
\ng. others (please mention)<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n87
\n1.
\nHave you ever read Pakistani newspapers or seen Pakistani news channels on TV?
\na.
\nyes
\nb.
\nno
\n2.
\nIf yes, then have you noticed any coverage about Afghanistan and conflict in
\nAfghanistan
\na.
\nyes
\nb.
\nno
\n3.
\nIn your opinion is Pakistani media giving adequate coverage to Afghanistan?
\na.
\nyes
\nb.
\nno
\nc.
\nd}v[\u0161Alv}\u00c1
\n4.
\nHow would you classify the nature of Afghanistan related coverage in Pakistani media
\na.
\noverall positive
\nb.
\noverall negative
\nc.
\nneutral
\n5.
\nIn your opinion, is it important for media\/ journalists in Pakistan to give adequate
\ncoverage to Afghanistan?
\na.
\nyes
\nb.
\nno
\n6.
\nIf yes, please explain in a few sentences, why you think it is important.
\n7.
\nIn your opinion can media in Pakistan play a role in improving relations between
\nPakistan and Afghanistan?
\na.
\nyes
\nb.
\nno
\nAnnexure 6
\nQuestionnaire for Afghan journalists<\/p>\n

88
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n8.
\nIf yes, then what in your opinion would be the most important steps that Pakistani
\nmedia can take to play a positive role? (Tick 3 most relevant)
\na.
\nreporting about Afghan society
\nb.
\nbringing out Afghan voices
\nc.
\npromoting collaborations with Afghan journalists
\nd.
\ninvesting in joint reporting ventures
\ne.
\npublishing \/ broadcasting proactive reports about Afghanistan
\nf.
\ngiving news space to Afghan journalists
\ng.
\nany other (please explain)
\n9.
\nIn your opinion does the Afghan media give adequate coverage to Pakistan?
\na.
\nyes
\nb.
\nno
\n10.
\nIn your opinion, is it important for the Afghan media to report issues related to
\nPakistan?
\na.
\nyes
\nb.
\nno
\n11.
\nIf yes, and then please explain why.
\n12.
\nAny additional comments on how the Pakistani media reports \/ should report
\nAfghanistan related Issues.
\n________________________________________________<\/p>\n

Reporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\n1
\nAbout the author
\nSadaf Baig has been associated with journalism for the last 10 years; she has spent the better
\npart of her journalistic career in newsrooms of different TV channels. Over the course of the
\nlast 10 years Ms. Baig has worked on almost all the rungs of the production ladder. Starting
\nfrom the tickers desk and leaving as a Senior Producer, she has had the chance to produce news
\npackages, bulletins, daily\/ weekly shows, and documentaries. She has also been associated with
\nCNN International, Atlanta as an ICFG fellow on Pakistan-United Sates Professional Partnership
\non Journalism. She is currently associated with Intermedia Pakistan as Director Research and
\nCommunications and is involved in various research and monitoring projects over journalism
\nand state of media and is also involved in a key effort to promote journalist safety in Pakistan.
\nShe is currently ]vA _Z_\u0152P_A }(A W_l]\u0090\u0161_v[\u0090A (]\u0152\u0090\u0161A \u00c1__\u0090]\u0161_A ___]__\u0161__A \u0161}A i}\u00b5\u0152v_o]\u0090\u0161A \u0090_(_\u0161\u00c7A issues
\nwww.journalistsafety.org. You can write to her at sadaf.baig03@gmail.com or connect via
\ntwitter @nuqsh<\/p>\n

2
\nReporting Afghanistan
\nIntermedia Pakistan
\nContact us
\nEmail: outreach@intermedia.pk
\nTwitter: @IntermediaPak
\nwww.intermedia.pk<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

November 2012 Reporting Afghanistan Mapping Afghan conflict in Pakistani media A media monitoring report analyzing news content from April to August 2012 Author: Sadaf Baig Editor: Aurangzaib Khan This report is part of an ongoing project to monitor various types of conflicts as covered by select samples of media in Pakistan, including newspapers and TV channels. In this […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[9,10],"tags":[154,446,3436],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/pakistanfoemonitor.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6606"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/pakistanfoemonitor.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/pakistanfoemonitor.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/pakistanfoemonitor.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/pakistanfoemonitor.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6606"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/pakistanfoemonitor.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6606\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/pakistanfoemonitor.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6606"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/pakistanfoemonitor.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6606"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/pakistanfoemonitor.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6606"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}