Manufacturing Hostility: Indian Media’s Role in Shaping Anti-Pakistan Sentiment -A Case Study of Pahalgam

• Faizan Khan

  Author

This paper is a critical discussion of how Indian mainstream media created an anti-Pakistan image when reporting the Pahalgam incident. The study adopts a case study design, which analyses media framing strategies, selective reporting bias, and rhetoric tools that helped in informing the citizens. The research indicates that sensationalism, blame games and unproven allegations were commonly used to present Pakistan as the main aggressor, with little or no evidence to support some of their claims. These media habits are not only inflaming tensions between the two nuclear powers but also obstructive journalism and personal reporting. The paper states that biased framing strengthens ideological divisions, creates enmity, and restrains the possibility of productive communication. Comparing different sources and finding differences in reportages, the study demonstrates that moral norms, media literacy across national borders, and objective journalism are necessary. It is concluded in the paper that media polarization is a challenge that should be resolved to curb misinformation and facilitate peace and stability in the region.

Keywords: Media Framing, Anti-Pakistan Narrative, Indian Media, Pahalgam Incident, Political Communication, Cross-Border Relations, Media Bias, Propaganda Techniques

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