Pakistanis Rejects Taliban, USA and Zardari. WPO Poll Results
Pakistani Public Turns Against Taliban, But Still Negative on US
These are some of the results of a new WorldPublicOpinion.org poll conducted May 17-28, 2009. The nationwide random sample included 1000 Pakistani adults, selected using multi-stage probability sampling, who responded in face-to-face interviews. The margin of error is +/- 3.2 percent.
There has been a huge increase in those who think the “activities of Islamist militants and local Taliban” are a critical threat to Pakistan–a 47 point rise to 81 percent, up from 34 percent in late 2007. If the Pakistani Taliban were to gain control of the country, 75 percent say this would be bad (very bad, 67%)–though only 33 percent think this outcome is likely.
Seventy percent say their sympathies are more with the government than with the Pakistani Taliban in the struggle over Swat. Large majorities express confidence in the government (69%) and the military (72%) to handle the situation. On the Afghan Taliban, an overwhelming 87 percent think that groups fighting to overthrow the Afghan government should not be allowed to have bases in Pakistan. Most (77%) do not believe the Afghan Taliban has bases in Pakistan. However, if Pakistan’s government were to identify such bases in the country, three in four (78%) think it should close the bases even if it requires using military force.
This striking new public willingness to see the government directly oppose Taliban groups and al Qaeda owes little or nothing to an “Obama effect.” A 62 percent majority expresses low confidence in President Obama to do the right thing in world affairs (none at all, 41%). Only one in three (32%) think his policies will be better for Pakistan; 62 percent think they will be about the same (26%) or worse (36%).
Views of the US remain overwhelmingly negative. Sixty-nine percent have an unfavorable view of the current US government (58% very unfavorable)–essentially the same as in 2008. Eighty-eight percent think it is a US goal to weaken and divide the Islamic world (78% definitely a goal). The US Predator drone attacks aimed at militant camps within the Pakistani border are rejected by 82 percent as unjustified. On the war in Afghanistan, 72 percent disapprove of the NATO mission and 79 percent want it ended now; 86 percent think most Afghans want the mission ended as well.
Asked about the nation’s leaders, a large majority–68 percent–views President Zardari unfavorably (very, 50%), but–unlike the recent past–there are multiple national leaders whom most do view favorably. Prime Minister Gilani is seems untarred by negative views of Zardari and gets favorable ratings from 80 percent of Pakistanis. The restored Chief Justice Chaudhry is very popular (82%), and opposition leader Nawaz Sharif is extremely popular (87%). The leader most associated with the Pakistani Taliban, Maulana Sufi Mohammad, is viewed positively by only 18 percent of Pakistanis.
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I am amazed that so many people have confidence in the US president. 28 percent say the have “a lot” or “some” confidence in Obama. What the heck?? What has he done since more than 1 in four has confidence in him? I am amazed about the naive nature of Pakistanis!
I am also amazed about 70 percent sympathies with government on “Sympathies in Swat conflict”. I would have hoped most votes for the answer “both/neither”.
I am also amazed about support from 13 percent Pakistanis on the “US drone attacks”. How can so many side line the sovereignty of Pakistan? I am amazed about the naive nature of Pakistanis!
hell 34% trust zardari, that should tell u a lot lol. NS has 87% support compare to CJ 82% lol. Hell 18% believe in sufi mohammad.
They saya zaban-e-Khalq ko naqqara-e-Khuda samjho I wonder if thats true in this case
@Afzaal
“I wonder if thats true in this case”
The Pakistanis are naive, but I also doubt that are SO naive
Yeh CJ national leader kub sey bun gaya?
wah rey Pakistan ki qismat kabhi general leader kabhi judge leader aur leader saray bekar.
thats wat beeen saying, CJ must restore judiciary system and speak like judge stop speaking like a leader, if he wants to be leader quit and come out.
When did he speak like a political leader?
I am asking because I don’t know about that.
I said it in response to the poll on top but yes he does have political motives…don’t you think so?
I don’t know. That is why I am asking.
@Observer
yaara its a perception shared by lot of folks, that CJ has an apetite for politics, and he behave more like a political leader then a CJ. It goes back to question of judicial activism.
@Afzaal,
I genuinely don’t know, and your reply is no answer.
IMO it is no sin to have political aspirations, but the aspirations must NOT shine through as long as he is the CJP.
Regrading the figures I am not at all surprised!
As afzaak said if 32% support or are satisfied with Zardari how can you blame 13% for supporting drone attacks.
BTW historically PPP support has stayed the same (in 30s except in 1997 ) so regardless of what the Moron-in-Chief does he will get the same number of votes come next election. That might not translate to same number of seats because of PML-N will field candidates all over the country.
They are working very hard on countering NS’s national appeal. One major manufactured issue is the Saraiki / Multan Province demand. Did someone hear Kalia opinion on this issue? I am sure he is biding his time! Wait till the iron is hot and then he will jump into the fray. Zardari is using this issue to pin NS down but I think NS has learnt a few lessons of his own. He has positioned a few people on each side of the divide (Javeed Hashmi vs Abassi) and he could afford to sit on the fence till he sees the momentum in either direction. But sometimes indecision is not without it’s consequences.
There is need for new provinces for administrative purpose but maybe now is not the right time but then issues don’t arise at one’s convenience.
CJP seems to be keeping a low profile. I wish there was judicial activism. Even if one was to excuse indecision on NRO he has not taken any action on government’s defiance of the court’s orders regarding fuel prices.
kalia always supported saraiki province and am talking since inception of MQM. They have been careful to jump up n down cuz they wil be accused of jinnah pur. They agreeing in principle but not taking front stand till ordered by thier masters lol