In Pakistan, Obama and Romney seen as equally bad options

Citizens expect little change in American policy towards Pakistan, regardless of who comes to power.

Watch the video on Vimeo here.

 

With the US elections just round the corner, public opinion in Pakistan regarding the better presidential choice for the White House is also shaping up. Most Pakistanis realize that the outcome of the US elections will have a direct and indirect impact on the state of affairs in their homeland.

The two countries share a close but complicated relationship, which has gone through several ups-and-downs, especially during the last year due to issues like drone attacks, the Salala incident and the outrage over the blasphemous film. Anti-American sentiments have been on a rise amongst the general population and a vast majority of Pakistanis are extremely critical not only of American policy, but also of President Obama.

A PEW survey in June showed that currently 7% of Pakistanis favor Obama, which is even lower than the popularity of President Bush in the last year of his term.

“During Obama’s presidency, there have been a lot of drone strikes and a lot of interference in our internal affairs,” says Mohibullah Siando, a student from Karachi. However, if given a choice between the two candidates Siando preferred Obama, as the risk of an unknown candidate was far too great.

Ghulam Farid, a government servant also agrees that Obama would be a more favorable option. He admitted that a while lot of Obama’s policies regarding Pakistan have backfired, there have also been positive developments during his term like the revolutions in countries like Libya and Egypt.

“People in Pakistan who blame Obama and America for things like drones forget that these attacks take place with the tacit agreement of the Pakistani government,” he added.

However, not everyone views another term under President Obama as a favorable sign.

Bushra, a housewife staunchly opposes the idea of Obama being re-elected. She blames Obama for allowing the release of offensive content like the blasphemous film.

“If Obama comes to power again, such films will continue to be made and we cannot allow that,” she said.

A new poll conducted by the BBC World Service on 24^th October 2012 has also revealed that Pakistan was the only overseas country of those polled which preferred Republican US Presidential candidate Mitt Romney. According to the poll, Pakistanis gave both US presidential candidates less than 20% approval, but Romney led by a narrow margin.

Faraz Ahmed, a research executive at a multinational company is one of those who think Romney should be given a chance.

“Obama had four years and he failed in multiple ways, it’s time to see what the other party has to offer,” said Ahmed.

Amidst those who take clear sides, there are also those who believe that there will be no change in American policy towards Pakistan regardless of who comes to power.

“An individual cannot bring about change. Their policies towards Pakistan will remain what they are,” adds Basit Zahoor, another business owner.

With the approach of general elections in Pakistan as well, there is a general consensus that the next few months will be critical for Pak-US relations.

“It would help Pakistan much more if they think and debate their own policies and actions rather than looking for a new man to blame in America,” said Taimoor Ali, a student from Karachi.