Newspapers Representations of Environmental Education and Challenges in Pakistan with

Respect to Clean and Green Campaign Launched by PTI Government

Introduction
Pakistan has witnessed a subtle change in her ecological patterns. Smog, floods and intensive
weather have caused a lot of damage to the economy of Pakistan. The distortion of environment
patterns has increased in abundance after the industrial revolution that took place in 20 th century.
Ecology suffered a lot in form of more pollutants added into the eco system due to the
installation of more factories in eco system. It has become a hazardous issue worldwide and
Pakistan is of no exception (Rauf, Ali, & Irfan, 2021). Contemporary world is paying heed on
war footings to Environmental education to counter ever evolving ecology. Environmental
education is playing a vital role in shaping ideologies of individuals, formation of policies and
sustainable development across the world. In the context of Pakistan, a nation facing formidable
environmental challenges ranging from pollution to deforestation and climate change, the role of
media, particularly newspapers, in portraying environmental education and challenges cannot be
overstated. Newspapers serve as a primary source of information dissemination, influencing
public opinion, government policies, and societal attitudes towards environmental issues.

Political turmoil in country has also affected environmental education in Pakistan as no

stable policy was made to protect environment due to political instability. The political landscape
of Pakistan has witnessed significant shifts over the years, with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
(PTI) and Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) emerging as major political entities, each with
distinct approaches to governance and policy-making. These political transitions are often
accompanied by changes in media narratives, including how environmental issues are portrayed
and addressed. Therefore, understanding the representations of environmental education and
challenges in newspapers across different political eras is crucial for assessing the dynamics of
environmental discourse and policy implications in Pakistan.

This longitudinal study aims to examine the representations of environmental education and
challenges in Pakistani newspapers over two distinct political eras: the PTI era and the PDM era.
By comparing the coverage of environmental issues, educational initiatives, policy responses,
and challenges during these periods, this research seeks to uncover potential shifts in media
narratives and government priorities concerning environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, this study will explore the effectiveness of environmental education initiatives
promoted by government institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other
stakeholders in raising awareness and fostering sustainable practices among the Pakistani
populace. By analyzing newspaper articles, editorials, opinion pieces, and policy discussions
related to environmental issues, this research will provide insights into the evolving
environmental discourse and identify areas for improvement in environmental education
strategies and policy implementation.

The findings of this study are expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of
media in shaping environmental awareness and policy-making in Pakistan. Moreover, it will
inform policymakers, educators, and environmental advocates about the effectiveness of current
approaches to environmental education and the challenges that need to be addressed to achieve
sustainable development goals in the country. Ultimately, this research aims to stimulate
dialogue, inform decision-making processes, and promote a more informed and proactive
approach towards environmental conservation and education in Pakistan

Significance of the Study

A longitudinal study comparing newspaper representations of environmental education and

challenges in Pakistan under the PTI and PDM eras offers valuable insights into the dynamic
interplay between politics, media, and environmental discourse. By examining trends, patterns,
and shifts in newspaper coverage, researchers can elucidate the evolving landscape of
environmental education and policy-making in Pakistan, informing evidence-based strategies for
promoting environmental literacy and sustainability in the years to come.
Research Question
1. How do newspapers in Pakistan portray environmental education and address
environmental challenges faced by Pakistan?

Literature Review

Introduction to Environmental Education in Pakistan

Environmental education is recognized globally as a pivotal tool for fostering sustainable

development and addressing environmental challenges. In the context of Pakistan, a country
facing multifaceted environmental issues ranging from water scarcity to air pollution, the role of
environmental education becomes particularly crucial. Over the years, scholars and policymakers
have emphasized the importance of integrating environmental education into the national
curriculum and public discourse to promote awareness and action towards environmental
conservation and sustainability.

Historical Perspective

Pakistan has made strides in acknowledging the significance of environmental education since its
independence in 1947. Early initiatives focused on raising awareness about conservation and
natural resource management, primarily driven by government agencies and non-governmental
organizations (NGOs). However, the systematic integration of environmental education into
formal education systems and public policy frameworks gained momentum in the late 20th
century, aligning with global efforts towards sustainable development.

Role of Media in Environmental Education

Media, particularly newspapers, play a pivotal role in shaping public perceptions and discourse
on environmental issues. Through news coverage, editorials, and opinion pieces, newspapers
have the power to influence public opinion, policy agendas, and collective action on
environmental matters. In Pakistan, newspapers serve as primary sources of information for a
diverse audience, making them influential platforms for disseminating environmental knowledge
and fostering public engagement (Ferdous & Khatun, 2020).

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the potential differences in newspaper representations between the PTI and PDM eras,
certain challenges and opportunities persist in advancing environmental education in Pakistan.
Structural barriers such as limited resources, institutional capacity constraints, and competing
policy priorities pose significant challenges to sustained progress in environmental literacy and
awareness. However, opportunities for collaboration between government, civil society,
academia, and media outlets remain vital for overcoming these challenges and fostering a culture
of environmental stewardship and sustainability (Chhachhar, Arain, & Chandio, 2020).

Climate Change and Press Coverage and Framing Trends in Pakistan

Nowadays mass media is dominating the lives of people and vested great influence on the lives
of the people. The role of media in contemporary world is not only limited to enlighten and
inform but aware people about the burning issues in their surrounding and frame their ideologies.
Specifically, Scientists’ communication about climates and policy maker’s statements and their
suggestions through mass media has been a theme of deep interest and making public
understanding about the climatic issues . All type of media like Television, Radio, newspaper
and social media disperse the news at the speed of light. National press, regional press and small
and local language newspapers they all give the coverage to climate changes and natural disaster
according to their policy. These coverages help the public to know the environmental & climate
changes effects, Warnings and its preventive actions (Javed, Basit, & Hussain, 2020).
Methodology

Qualitative research method of content analysis was adopted for the study . “Purposive
Sampling” is used to conduct this study. The sample is comprised of all selected 4 newspapers
published and circulated during three months which includes two Urdu newspapers and two
English newspapers and on daily basis all newspapers were analyzed. That collectively make 356
newspapers, 112 newspapers from the month of February, 124 newspapers from the month of
March and 120 newspapers from the month of April. The unit of analysis is news and
advertisements related to the issue.

Data Analysis

Hypothesis Testing & Discussion

The first hypothesis states, “Pakistani newspapers are giving enough coverage to ‘Clean and
Green
Pakistan’ campaign.” The Pearson Chi-Square test was applied to check the content validity
shown in the Table I.

Table 1

Asymp. Sig. (2-sided) Value

df
Pearson Chi-Square .049a 6 1.000
Likelihood Ratio .049 6 1.000
Linear-by-Linear Association .004 1 .952
N of Valid Cases 356
 The above table reveals a undesirable relationship between the constructs, content analysis
of all 4 newspapers newspaper are more or less highlighting the ‘Clean and Green Pakistan’
Campaign. Hence the hypothesis is partially rejected.

The second hypothesis states that “Urdu print media/newspapers give more coverage to ‘Clean
and Green Campaign’ than English Print Media/newspapers” has been tested by Pearson Chi-
Square.

Table 2

Value df Asymp. Sig. (2-sided)

Pearson Chi-Square 11.309a 6 .079

Likelihood Ratio 12.629 6 .049
Linear-by-Linear Association 3.620 1 .057
N of Valid Cases 30

The above table reveals a undesirable relationship between the constructs, content analysis of all
4 newspapers newspaper are more or less highlighting the ‘ Clean and Green Pakistan ’
Campaign. Hence the hypothesis is partially rejected.

Chi –Square value in the table shows the significant results that Urdu print media/
newspaper has given more coverage to ‘Clean and Green campaign’ than English newspaper
through news and advertisements. Hence the hypothesis is rejected.
 The purpose of this study is intended to collect data from February 2019 to April 2019
from four leading newspapers in which two newspapers are English while other two are Urdu
newspaper i-e: Nawai-Waqt, Jang, Dawn and The News in order to sense the part of print media
in promoting Clean and Green Pakistan.

Jang Newspaper

Two headlines and two ads were released in February, which is incredibly little to launch a large-
scale campaign such as Clean and Green Pakistan. The Clean and Green Campaign suffered
greatly in February 2019 since there was no good news reported. On February 14 and 19, 2019,
two news stories were released, both of which included unfavorable content. In February 2019,
no fair-minded news reports were published. Two encouraging commercials were released on
February 1st and 13th, 2019. The Jang newspaper did not have any balanced or negative
advertising in February 2019.

The Daily Jang Urdu daily published eight stories and four advertisements in March. In March
2019, two pieces of positive news were released. The Daily Jang Urdu newspaper published six
unfavorable stories between March 12 and March 19, 2019. The Daily Jang Urdu Newspaper did
not publish any fair news in March. Positive advertisements appeared in the Daily Jang Urdu
Newspaper on March 11, 14, 18, and 20. In March 2019, the Daily Jang Newspaper did not issue
any balanced or negative advertising.

Only three stories and two ads on Clean and Green Pakistan were published in the Daily Jang
Urdu daily in April 2019. On April 2, 2019, a solitary piece of good news was released in the
Daily Jang Urdu newspaper. Two unfavorable stories regarding April were released on April 2,
2019. In April 2019, there was not any news that was balanced. In April 2019, there were two
Positive Advertisements released.
Nawa-i-Waqt Newspaper

In February 2019, Nawa-i-Waqt published three news articles on the Clean and Green Pakistan
Campaign. On February 22, 2019, there was only one news article published in Nawa-i-Waqt.
On February 19, 2019, there was only one news story published in Nawa-i-Waqt. The sole
balanced news item that was published in Nawa-i-Waqt on February 10, 2019 was this one.
Positive advertising was the sole thing released on February 9, 2019. In February, no fair and
unfavorable advertising were released.

Eight of these stories and one advertisement pertaining to Green Pakistan rather than Clean
Pakistan were noted to have appeared in the Nawa-i-Waqt daily in March. On March 14 and 21,
2019, it was noted that there were just two pieces of good news released. Four unfavorable news
stories were published in Nawa i Waqt on March 14, 15, 17, 22, 23, and 24 of 2019. Three fair
news stories were published in Nawa-i-Waqt on March 16 and 17. Only one favorable
advertisement was published in (Nawa-i-Waqt, 2019).
Three unfavorable news stories on the Clean and Green Pakistan Campaign were published in
Nawa-i-Waqt in April 2019. Three bad news stories were published in Nawa-i-Waqt on April 1,
17, and 28 of this year. It was noted that there was not a single Clean and Green Pakistan-related
commercial issued in April 2019.

Dawn Newspaper

There were no news stories or advertising about the Clean and Green Pakistan Campaign
published in Dawn in the month of February 2019.

Two articles and two adverts were published in DAWN on March 12 and 16, 2019, respectively,
during the month of March. Good news was released on March 12, 2019. The DAWN newspaper
did not print any bad news in the month of March. In the month of March, the Dawn newspaper
did not print any news that was balanced. Positive advertisements were issued on March 7 and
21, 2019. In the DAWN newspaper in March, there were no fair and unfavorable adverts.

There were just three ads for Clean and Green Pakistan that appeared in the DAWN newspaper
in April. Positive advertisements appeared on April 3, 12, and 22 of this year. The DAWN
newspaper did not contain any balanced or negative advertising in the month of April.

The News

The News English newspaper published just one story in the month of February. There was just
one news article published in The News during the month of February. The News English
newspaper did not publish any fair or impartial news articles in the month of February 2019.
There were two news stories published in The News in the month of March 2019. Two uplifting
stories were released in The News on March 8 and 14, 2019, respectively. In March, there were
no ads published. Newspaper articles and ads on Clean and Green Pakistan were nonexistent.

Results

March is focused on the spring season, hence print media expressed greater concerns about this
campaign in March than in previous months. Certain print media outlets not only highlighted the
Clean Pakistan initiative, but also the Green Pakistan initiative. The local Pakistani workers who
worked anywhere for this campaign were not appreciated by either of the English- or Urdu-based
media that were chosen. Negative news was found to be more frequently reported in Urdu print
media than in English print media. The majority of the time, Pakistani print media produced
stories to enhance the public perception of politicians rather than to further the "Clean and Green
Pakistan Campaign."

English-language publications carried stories about the Clean and Green Campaign, often
including five to six columns. While news was seldom based on three or four columns when it
was published in some Urdu print media, it was typically based on just one column.

The majority of the time, advertisements that were printed in certain print media in Urdu and
English took up one-fourth of the page. We can draw the conclusion that this topic was mostly
highlighted negatively in the press. Such media portrayal harms the "Clean and Green Pakistan"
Campaign's promotion around the world, particularly in Asia. According to Qamer et al. (2016),
deforestation is thought to be highest in Pakistan. Our homeland and nation is Pakistan.

It will therefore greatly benefit our environment and health if we maintain it neat, orderly, and
green. Newspapers should include stories about individuals participating in the Clean and Green
initiative rather than politicians in order to draw attention to the initiative and educate readers
about its significance. Furthermore, the Clean and Green Campaign is not being sufficiently
promoted by the Pakistani media. The media shapes public opinion and establishes agendas that
are detrimental to Pakistan's future. In summary, it can be stated that chief editors and print
media outlets should embrace policies that promote the nation's image and work to foster
goodwill among other nations by promoting clean and green campaign.

Limitations of the study

Limitations of the study are as following:

1. Just the four newspapers—Jang, Dawn, Nawa-i-Waqt, and The News—were examined.

2. The research has a three-month duration, spanning from February to April 2019.

3. Ads and news are solely taken into account while analyzing the research study.

4. The content analysis approach is the sole foundation for this study. Other approaches can also
be used.

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