Narrative Building by Baloch Separatist on X: A Thematic Analysis

Abstract

This research investigates the techniques applied to X by Baloch social media activists associated with separatist ideology. In this era of technology, 5th generation warfare is believed to create more ripples. This study analyses how particular issues are highlighted using tools of 5th-generation warfare for building desired narratives. Qualitative content analysis is adopted for this research. Content posted by X accounts of 10 activists affiliated with Baloch separatist ideology is selected for analysis. Contemporary data from 3 months is collected through an online tool (www.allmytweets.net). Codes/Themes are extracted from the data to understand the queries developed. This research discusses the issues that Baloch separatists select to present in media, the sentiments they attach to emotionalize them with intentions to gain audiences' attention and the media frames used by the activists to build a desired narrative. The research argues that the issues; are moulded around the violation of human rights and exploited to build anti Pakistan narrative. World powers and international organizations are urged to take action and help them for freedom from the forceful occupation.