News Valance of CPEC: Exploring the variables of Treatment, Issue Projection and Image in English Press of China and Pakistan

The image, treatment and Issues projection of CPEC become significant when there are extensive reports appeared in foreign media with the apprehensions from the countries intend to maintain status quo. This study examines the magnitude, treatment and difference of coverage of CPEC in highly circulated English newspapers of China and Pakistan i.e. People’s Daily, China Daily, Dawn and The News. The quantitative content analysis technique is employed for this study during March, 2014 to December, 2017. The theoretical foundation of this study is Grunig (1992) model of Public Relations. The findings of the study reveal that the newspapers of both countries are reflecting significant positive image of CPEC. Both newspapers give significance to economic, political and strategic aspects whereas inadequate significance is given to social and legal aspects of this corridor. Moreover, significant difference observed on the treatment of CPEC. However, the Image projected falls in the domains of Press Agentry and Public Information