Media has become an inevitable source of information in this era of consumerism where the commodity sells as well as is sold through the discursive devices-both verbal as well as visual. This study explores how perception of socio-political reality is (re/de)constructed through media discourses with ideological underpinning-potent of both face saving and face exploitation. To cope with the research objective, a represented sample comprising political cartoons has been selected from two Pakistani newspapers-Dawn and The Nation, and mixed method is employed to analyse the sample semiotically as well as critically.  For this purpose, Kress and Leeuwen's Model (2006), Fairclough’s Tridimensional Model (1995) and Van Dijk’s model (1995, 2006) have been employed to prove media discourse-a discursive and an ideological construct. The interpretation and integration of findings confirm that the discourses reveal representations of representation instead of reality and which (re/de) construct the perception of indigenous socio-political events.

The emerging US-China rivalry over Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cutting-edge technologies has become a fundamental aspect of contemporary global politics. This research explores how the mission for technological dominance between these two major powers is redesigning the geopolitical landscape, transforming long-standing coalitions, and introducing new frontiers of competition such as innovation, data manipulation, and semiconductor supply chains. The research explores critical developments such as the rise of strategic tech-driven coalitions like QUAD and AUKUS in setting global narratives around AI governance. This research applies the theoretical lens of Defensive Realism, which argues that states act to preserve their security in an anarchic international system by countering potential threats. This qualitative study examines how AI leadership and control over innovative technologies are becoming strategic instruments in the restructuring of geopolitical power dynamics.

In a 21st-century scenario, the Pakistan-Iran equation is becoming more and more influenced by the regional and global dynamics, and India is an important strategic partner. The study discusses the evolving Indian relations with Iran with a particular emphasis on geopolitical competition, energy security, economic cooperation, and regional integration. The Indian involvement in the Chabahar Port project and its broader geopolitical drive in Afghanistan and Central Asia is covered in detail. It examines Pakistan's perception of India's rising influence in Iran and its impact on the bilateral relations and regional security between Iran and Pakistan. It also underscores Iran's policy of balancing the defence of national interests with maintaining good relations with two South Asian competitors.