Representation of Indigenous People in Pakistan

Abstract

Indigenous people are also referred as tribal. Pakistan’s census (1998) does not take into account the tribal population of the country. There is a perception of absence of liaison between indigenous populace and mainstream society. How media depicts indigenous individuals and issues is an important variable affecting the link of indigenous people with mainstream society. This research is based on both qualitative and quantitative methods. Using quantitative content analysis, this study analyzes the representation of indigenous people and issues through news stories in three mainstream Pakistani English newspapers: The News International, Dawn and The Nation for a period of three months (1 April 2016 to 30 June 2016). Lack of representation along with negativity associated in news stories reflect that Pakistani press discriminate and marginalize indigenous people. Further, telephone interviews from 24 journalists of these three newspapers revealed valuable information regarding the news value and barriers in covering issues related to indigenous people. Finally, open ended inquiry from these journalists gave important suggestions on how reporting on issues concerning indigenous people in Pakistan can be improved.