NEW YORK, July 1: Most Pakistanis now see the Pakistani Taliban as well as Al Qaeda as a critical threat to the country — a major shift from 18 months ago — and support the government and army in their fight in the Swat valley against the militants, according to findings of a new public opinion survey released on Wednesday. The survey also reveals that Pakistan Muslim League-N chief Nawaz Sharif is the most popular leader in Pakistan and President Asif Ali Zardari the least popular politician. But Mr Zardari’s poor ratings have not affected Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani who continues to enjoy favourable ratings as does the Chief Justice of Supreme Court Iftikhar Chaudhry.
“A sea change has occurred in Pakistani public opinion. The tactics and undemocratic bent of militant groups — in tribal areas as well as Swat — have brought widespread revulsion and turned Pakistanis against them,” comments Clay Ramsay, research director at World Public Opinion Poll. However, he adds: “It’s crucial to understand that the US is resented just as much as before, despite the US having a new president.”
An overwhelming majority think that the Taliban who seek to overthrow the Afghan government should not be allowed to have bases in Pakistan. However, this does not bring with it a shift in attitudes toward the US. A large majority continues to have an unfavourable view of the US government. Almost two-thirds say they do not have confidence in President Obama. An overwhelming majority opposes US drone attacks.
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