Gallup Poll on Current Pakistan Crisis
Islamabad, October 13, 2001

• 51% support Musharaf on his policy on current crisis.
• But 83% side with Taliban against America.
• Only 16% favour to let America use Pakistani air bases:

According to the findings of a recent poll conducted by Gallup Pakistan the Pakistani public is undergoing a set of complex emotions. Around half of them, 51%, say they favour General Musharaf’s policy on the current crisis, which is substantially higher compared to three weeks ago when the level of support was only 32%. Furthermore, 37% think that he has handled his job on this issue in a very good or good way. But having said that 83% of Pakistanis say that in the conflict between America and Taliban, their sympathies are with the Taliban. 82% of them believe Osama Bin Laden is a "Mjuahid" and not a terrorist and only 12% believe that he was responsible for the attacks on USA. Quite importantly only 16% favour that Americans should be allowed to use air bases in Pakistan, 75% are opposed.

The findings have emerged from a survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan on October 11-12 in the urban areas of all the four provinces of the country. The respondents were chosen statistically and they represented a cross section of people belonging to various age, education, income and language backgrounds.

The findings of this survey will also be published under a special arrangement by the international weekly Magazine "Newsweek" in its forthcoming issue.

The survey revealed an apprehension on the part of a sizable number of Pakistanis that after its action gets underway in Afghanistan, America may start similar action in Kashmir. Nearly 6 out of 10 Pakistanis believed that the chances of this happening were either very high, a view held by 17% or some chances, a view held by 42%. Only 41% ruled out such a possibility.

Pakistani public opinion is divided on whether the aid promised by America would help solve the nation’s economic problems. While 59% believe it would be useful, 38% think it would be harmful; 3% did not give a view. But most people are pessimistic about the unfolding economic scenario and believe that the national economy will be worse off in the aftermalth of the crisis, a view held by 54%. Only 22% believed it would improve, while 24% think it would remain the same.

According to the survey 64% of Pakistanis believed that the attack on USA on September 11 was a terrorist attack and not Jihad. It is also notable that one third, or 34% of the respondents were of the view that Osama Bin Laden should present himself before a court of law for trial, while 57% disfavoured this idea.

The survey was conducted by Gallup Pakistan, the Pakistani affiliate of Gallup International. The complete text of this Report can also be seen at www.gallup.com.pk.

Date/Time Last Modified: 6/17/2002 3:36:51 PM

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