There has been much discussion and controversy around the National Assembly's recent decision to defy the Supreme Court's directive to schedule immediate elections for two provincial legislatures in Pakistan. The goal of this critical discourse analysis is to look at the underlying beliefs, ideals, and power dynamics that underlie the media's portrayal of this problem.
Methodology:
The study is based on Fairclough's three-dimensional critical discourse analysis approach, which places a strong emphasis on analyzing textual, discursive, and social practices. The study analyses news articles from Al Jazeera and other media sources using a qualitative methodology.
Findings:
The analysis shows that conflicting discourses and power conflicts impacted how the media covered the National Assembly's decision to defy the Supreme Court's injunction. On the one hand, the government, and its supporters contend that the delay in holding the elections is justified by the nation's economic problems and political difficulties. They decry the Supreme Court's meddling in governmental decision-making as well.
The opposition parties, notably Imran Khan's party, contend that the government's refusal to hold the polls is a violation of the constitution and an assault on the democratic system. The government is charged with abdicating responsibility and clinging to power by using the economic crisis as an excuse.
Several media outlets emphasize various parts of the narrative, reflecting the contrasting discourses and power conflicts that are present in the topic. The National Assembly rejecting the Supreme Court's order is portrayed by certain media outlets as a win for democracy and an affirmation of parliamentary authority. The National Assembly is criticized by other media outlets for weakening the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.
Conclusion:
The analysis emphasizes how intricately intertwined power structures and conflicting ideologies are in Pakistan's political system. It demonstrates how various actors use discourse and language to sway public perception and further their political objectives. According to the study, critical discourse analysis can shed light on the underlying presumptions and power dynamics that underlie media coverage of political topics.
Key terms:
Election panel
Pakistani parliament
provincial elections
Punjab
Imran Khan
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa local governments
Chief Justice
National Assembly
full court
conflict for power
opposition
voting
economic crisis
The Election Commission of Pakistan
governance issues
legislation
chief justice
authority
governance
judiciary
general elections
economy, and
allegations of contempt
Linguistic features:
Formal language is employed in official pronouncements.
use of legal jargon like "draught law" and "electoral panel"
the use of legalese like "contempt charges" and "unconstitutional"
In order to influence public opinion, inflammatory rhetoric is used, such as "attack on the Supreme Court" and "violation of the constitution."
presentation of conflicting ideas using reported speech
important political actors: Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, Imran Khan, and Shehbaz Sharif
Discourse features:
the battle for dominance between the executive and judicial branches
Conflicting arguments for postponing the elections
The Supreme Court's interference in governmental decision-making has drawn criticism.
accusations that the government is avoiding responsibility by utilizing the economic crisis
declaration of legislative authority
The erosion of the judiciary's independence and the rule of law
The analysis shows that conflicting discourses and power conflicts impacted how the media covered the National Assembly's decision to defy the Supreme Court's injunction. On the one hand, the government, and its supporters contend that the delay in holding the elections is justified by the nation's economic problems and political difficulties. They decry the Supreme Court's meddling in governmental decision-making as well.
The opposition parties, notably Imran Khan's party, contend that the government's refusal to hold the polls is a violation of the constitution and an assault on the democratic system. The government is charged with abdicating responsibility and clinging to power by using the economic crisis as an excuse.
Several media outlets emphasize various parts of the narrative, reflecting the contrasting discourses and power conflicts that are present in the topic. The National Assembly rejecting the Supreme Court's order is portrayed by certain media outlets as a win for democracy and an affirmation of parliamentary authority. The National Assembly is criticized by other media outlets for weakening the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.
Conclusion:
The analysis emphasizes how intricately intertwined power structures and conflicting ideologies are in Pakistan's political system. It demonstrates how various actors use discourse and language to sway public perception and further their political objectives. According to the study, critical discourse analysis can shed light on the underlying presumptions and power dynamics that underlie media coverage of political topics.
Key terms:
Election panel
Pakistani parliament
provincial elections
Punjab
Imran Khan
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa local governments
Chief Justice
National Assembly
full court
conflict for power
opposition
voting
economic crisis
The Election Commission of Pakistan
governance issues
legislation
chief justice
authority
governance
judiciary
general elections
economy, and
allegations of contempt
Linguistic features:
Formal language is employed in official pronouncements.
use of legal jargon like "draught law" and "electoral panel"
the use of legalese like "contempt charges" and "unconstitutional"
In order to influence public opinion, inflammatory rhetoric is used, such as "attack on the Supreme Court" and "violation of the constitution."
presentation of conflicting ideas using reported speech
important political actors: Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, Imran Khan, and Shehbaz Sharif
Discourse features:
the battle for dominance between the executive and judicial branches
Conflicting arguments for postponing the elections
The Supreme Court's interference in governmental decision-making has drawn criticism.
accusations that the government is avoiding responsibility by utilizing the economic crisis
declaration of legislative authority
The erosion of the judiciary's independence and the rule of law
