Islamabad: An analysis of 12 national English and Urdu newspapers has revealed that the dominant themes in April 2026’s opinion columns and editorials were the US-Israel war on Iran, Foreign Relations, and Culture and Tourism. These topics led a comprehensive assessment of 2,128 opinion pieces, reflecting the priorities of Pakistani media’s discourse.

According to Gallup and Gilani Pakistan’s Monthly Newspaper Content Analysis Research Study, overseen by Executive Director Bilal I. Gilani, the US-Israel conflict with Iran was the foremost subject, occupying 19% of the media’s focus. This was closely followed by Foreign Relations at 18%, with Culture and Tourism capturing 12% of the attention. The study, part of the Media Research Division’s ongoing efforts to understand media trends, is the 72nd edition since its inception in 2015.

The analysis identifies significant differences between English and Urdu media. In particular, the US-Israel war on Iran was more prevalent in English publications (16%) compared to Urdu (9%). Other notable themes included Social issues and the Economy, which were more prominent in English newspapers. The study indicates a detailed discourse on international tensions, economic impacts, and cultural discussions across Pakistan’s media landscape.

The findings also highlighted shifts in media focus from March to April 2026, with a notable decrease in attention on the US-Israel conflict and an increase in Foreign Relations. This fluctuation reflects evolving media interests and the dynamic nature of news coverage in Pakistan. The study aims to foster evidence-based conversations among media practitioners on improving content quality and audience engagement, as explained by Bilal Ijaz Gilani.

This analysis, conducted by Gallup and Gilani Pakistan, provides valuable insights into Pakistan’s media trends, offering a snapshot of how major national and international issues are perceived and prioritized within the country’s print media.