Public Opinion in Pakistan

[CardSharp]

Pew poll released today reveals

Concern About Extremist Threat Slips, America's Image Remains Poor, India Still Seen as a Threat.


Pakistanis remain in a grim mood about the state of their country. Overwhelming majorities are dissatisfied with national conditions, concerned with the nation's economy, and concerned about political corruption and crime. Only one-in-five express a positive view of President Asif Ali Zardari, down from 64% just two years ago.
Nearly all Pakistanis describe terrorism as a very big problem. However, they have grown markedly less concerned that extremists might take control of the country

Nonetheless, both the Taliban and al Qaeda remain unpopular among Pakistanis – but Lashkar-e-Taiba, enjoys a less negative view in the eyes of Pakistani. Just 35% have a negative view of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a much lower percentage than for the other extremist organizations tested

Less Support for U.S. Involvement

America's overall image remains negative in Pakistan.

The U.S.-led war in neighboring Afghanistan is widely opposed by Pakistanis. Nearly two-thirds (65%) want U.S. and NATO troops removed as soon as possible. And relatively few Pakistanis believe the situation in Afghanistan could have a serious impact on their country: 25% think it would be bad for Pakistan if the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan and 18% say it would be good; 27% think it would not matter and 30% have no opinion


India Still Seen as Biggest Threat

While Pakistanis express serious concerns about the U.S., they also have deep worries about their neighbor and longtime rival India. Indeed, they are more worried about the external threat from India than extremist groups within Pakistan.

However, despite the deep-seated tensions between these two countries, most Pakistanis want better relations with India. Roughly seven-in-ten (72%) say it is important for relations with India to improve and about three-quarters support increased trade with India and further talks between the two rivals.


Also of Note:
 There is no consensus among Pakistanis about the size of American assistance to their country -- 23% believe the U.S. provides a lot of financial aid, 22% say it provides a little aid, 10% say hardly any and 16% believe the U.S. gives Pakistan no aid.
 Attitudes toward China remain positive -- 84% consider China a partner to Pakistan.

source Public Opinion in Pakistan: Concern About Extremist Threat Slips - Pew Research Center

 

[somebozo]

All i can say is democracy is all about peoples power and US better recoup its image before its too late. The idea of "disposeable" Pakistan had some hefty paybacks.

 

[Patriot]

Well Taliban threat view has gone down because Army has captured Swat and South Waziristan.

 

[CardSharp]

Well Taliban threat view has gone down because Army has captured Swat and South Waziristan.

Would it be fair to say that Lashkar-e-Taiba is seen as homegrown versus a foreign Al-Q and somewhat foreign Taliban?

 

[harry_mohan]

I feel all graphs are right except the first one, since in 2010 there has been more bomb blast than earlier year I guess!! people needs to wake up from the dreams of differentiating between good terrorist and bad terrorist, their job is to create mayhem.

If all C++ programmers are gone, java programmers will do the C++ job! this is the moral of the story people should understand.