Identity

Nabiha Khan

Representation of Pakistani Culture in Canadian Media

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Nabiha Khan is a fourth-year Professional Communication student at Toronto Metropolitan University. During her time at TMU, she has developed a strong interest in public relations and corporate communications, particularly in how organizations use storytelling and digital media to shape public perception and engage diverse audiences. Alongside her studies, she has gained hands-on experience as a Communications Intern in the Office of the Vice-President, Research & Innovation at Toronto Metropolitan University, where she supports internal and external communications initiatives, including content creation, social media management, and newsletter development. Through this role, she has strengthened her ability to translate complex research and institutional priorities into clear, engaging messaging.

This research explores how Pakistani culture is represented in Canadian media and entertainment. Using a qualitative analysis of news, television, and digital content, the study examines patterns of stereotyping, underrepresentation, and evolving forms of storytelling. The findings show that traditional media often focuses on crisis-based narratives, limiting diverse portrayals of Pakistani identity. In contrast, digital platforms allow for more authentic, self-represented perspectives, highlighting everyday experiences and cultural diversity. Overall, this research emphasizes the need for more inclusive and accurate representation to better reflect the diversity of Canadian society.

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