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

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, andgovernment institutions collaborated in post-conflict development. Applying quantitative andqualitative approaches, the primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews andfocused group discussions from media persons, academicians, government, and Non-GovernmentalOrganizations (NGOs) representatives, and local community activists. The findings revealed that themedia impacted the ongoing peace situation and portrayed the conflict and post-conflict aspects ofthe 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 whichencouraged the local population to withstand against the odds. However, the community responsesshowed that the media played a destructive role and exploited real issues in some cases and wasenforced by various conflict actors. The problems like lack of reporting training, life threats,biasness, and commercialism need to be regulated in post-conflict development.