Construction of Anti-Pakistan Narrative by Indian Media: Case Study of Pahalgam Incident

Authors

  • Mahzaib Khan An MPhil Scholar at the Department of International Relations, National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad
  • Tooba Altaf A graduate from National Defense Univeristy, Islamabad, with MPhil in IR. Her research areas include South Asia, Indo-Pacific & Great Powers Competition

Abstract

‘Narrative building’ is a central concept in international relations. Through narratives, states redefine threats, identities and interests. This research study focuses on the construction of the anti-Pakistan narrative by Indian Media during the Pahalgam incident. Drawing on the insights of the constructivist paradigm, the paper examines how states in conflict situations employ media as a powerful tool to perpetuate narratives, legitimize policies and label the perceived adversaries. The first section of the paper, reviews the theoretical perspective of constructivism, analyses the role of media in narrative building with focus on the Indian media under BJP government. The second section examines the Indian media reporting during the Pahalgam incident. Content analysis of three leading Indian news outlets - India Today, NDTV and Hindustan Times - during the timeframe of 22 April 2025 - 22 May 2025 is done. The finding reveals the Indian media did biased reporting, it framed Pakistan in a negative light to advance its own national interest. 

Keywords: Narrative building, Pahalgam attack, media, terror sponsor state, cross border terrorism, Operation Sindoor

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Published

2025-09-07

How to Cite

Mahzaib Khan, & Tooba Altaf. (2025). Construction of Anti-Pakistan Narrative by Indian Media: Case Study of Pahalgam Incident. `, 4(01), 3690–3701. Retrieved from https://assajournal.com/index.php/36/article/view/848

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 01 (2025): Advance Social Science Archive Journal

Section

Articles

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