Analyzing the Potential Role of Media in Representing Peace and Development Initiatives in Post-conflict Swat

Abstract

This article explores the role of media in peacebuilding and portraying peace initiatives in postconflict Swat Valley of Pakistan. The research focuses on how the media, civil society, and
government institutions collaborated in post-conflict development. Applying quantitative and
qualitative approaches, the primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews and
focused group discussions from media persons, academicians, government, and Non-Governmental
Organizations (NGOs) representatives, and local community activists. The findings revealed that the
media impacted the ongoing peace situation and portrayed the conflict and post-conflict aspects of
the society. The societal issues concerning conflict and peace were highlighted to promote peace,
social cohesion, and harmony. The media collaborated with the government and NGOs which
encouraged the local population to withstand against the odds. However, the community responses
showed that the media played a destructive role and exploited real issues in some cases and was
enforced by various conflict actors. The problems like lack of reporting training, life threats,
biasness, and commercialism need to be regulated in post-conflict development.