THEMATIC ANALYSIS OF PAKHTUNS’ DEPICTION IN PASHTO DRAMAS

Abstract

The research examines how Pakhtuns are framed through different themes in Pashto drama by Pakistan Television. Based on the identification and analysis of the themes model by Braun and Clark (2006) this research looked into different themes in the randomly selected dramas. The Framing theory by Gregory Bateson (1972) further helped the researchers to investigate how Pakhtuns are thematically framed by the state media in Pakistan. Taking inferences from the history of Pakhtuns by different authors and relating it to their social practices, five themes emerged during the transcription of dramas. The text, visuals, and characterizations of these dramas provided ample supportive evidence to reach a pragmatic conclusion that justice has not been done to Pakhtuns and their culture. The dictionary and operationalized definition of the dominant themes like  bravery, enmity, education, and respect for women contradicted their illustration in the selected dramas. They were either fabricated, exaggerated, or maltreated which can cause an irreparable loss to Pakhtuns, and demand serious intellectual and methodical efforts for the repair.