Coverage of the Raymond Davis Issue in the DAWN and The News: A Case Study of Peace Journalism

Abstract

This study examines how two leading Pakistani English newspapers Dawn and The News—framed the 2011 Raymond Davis incident, a highly sensitive diplomatic crisis involving the United States and Pakistan. Using a qualitative research design and discourse analysis, the study analyzes unsigned editorials published between 27 January and 18 March 2011 to assess whether the print media adopted a peace- oriented or sensationalist reporting approach. Drawing on Constructivism and Nye’s Soft Power theory, the study demonstrates that media discourse not only reported the incident but actively constructed political identities, narratives of sovereignty, and perceptions of power asymmetry between the U.S. and Pakistan. The findings reveal that both newspapers simultaneously served as mediators and amplifiers of conflict: while they occasionally emphasized legal processes, cooperation, and issue resolution, they also sensationalized themes of dominance, pressure, diplomatic immunity, and national dignity. The News provided more extensive and dramatic coverage, whereas Dawn adopted a relatively restrained editorial tone. Overall, the study concludes that Pakistani print media played a critical role in shaping public discourse, influencing perceptions of justice, and reframing a criminal case into a broader geopolitical confrontation. The research highlights the need to strengthen peace journalism practices to enhance responsible reporting, reduce the escalation of conflict, and promote informed public understanding during international crises.