REPATRIATION OF AFGHAN REFUGEES FROM PAKISTAN: FRAMING ANALYSIS OF DAWN AND KABUL TIMES

Abstract

The current study is an attempt to understand the framing of the repatriation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan in two leading newspapers The Dawn from Pakistan and Kabul Times from Afghanistan. The issue of repatriation of Afghan refugees is a more complex and complicated with inferences for regional stability. Using Framing as theoretical basis this study through quantitative content analysis found that both the newspaper framed the issue using nationalistic and ideological approach. Dawn is seen focusing more on the challenges linked with hosting Afghan refugees and frames the issue predominantly in terms of national security, & economic burden for Pakistan. While The Kabul Times framed it using  constructive narrative, focusing on willing repatriation & the need for international aid and policy making. The Kabul based papers portray that Afghanistan, being the receiver country of the refugee, hold a more re-conciliatory and responsibility-oriented stance, seeking support and collaboration for reintegration efforts.

Keywords :Repatriation, Afghan Refugees, Framing Theory, Print Media