A COMPARATIVE ECOCRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF PAKISTANI NEWSPAPER COVERAGE OF 2022 AND 2025 FLOOD CRISES

Abstract

In this study the researchers have examined the representation of environmental crises by Pakistani media through news headlines about floods in 2022 and 2025. Selecting news headlines from three major Pakistani English newspapers (The Dawn, The Tribune and The Daily Jang), the study aims to analyze how Pakistani media connect the concept of floods with climate change and other environmental destructions and issues of responsibility. The study analyzes the discourse on floods not only as natural calamities, but also as occasions to discuss various perceptions of flood victimization, its responsibility, and ecological changes. Metaphorically, environmentally focused news headlines reveal how Pakistani media regularly perceive the concept of nature as a destructive power and as an environmentally vulnerable system affected by humans. While in both 2022 and 2025, human suffering and emergency situations are emphasized, coverage of issues related to climate change and governmental responsibility becomes more prevalent in 2025. Nevertheless, news stories about human tragedies continue to dominate the Pakistani media. Overall, findings of the study illustrate the increased ecological awareness in Pakistani media.