World

33% Indians perceive Pakistan as greatest threat: poll

A poll shows Obama is popular in India while Pakistan and extremist groups are seen as the greatest threats.

Express October 21, 2010

Thirty-three percent of Indians see Pakistan as the greatest threat to India while 42 per cent see Lashkar-e-Taiba as the greatest threat, according to a survey by the Pew Research Center.

According to the poll, Obama remains very popular in India, whereas Pakistan and extremist groups are seen as some the greatest threats by Indians.

The spring 2010 survey by the Pew Research Center’s Global Attitudes Project conducted face-to-face interviews with 2,254 adults in India from April 9 to April 30, 2010.

The poll shows that about two-thirds of Indians have favorable opinions of the US and that Indians are largely positive about the country’s economic situation. More than seven out of ten Indians said that they have confidence in the American president Barack Obama ahead of his state visit there next month.

Indians are confident of their country’s role in the international arena and most Indians (57 per cent think that the economy is in good shape) say their economy is strong. Still, most of the respondents said that India faces major challenges, including crime and corruption.

In terms of external threats, a lot of people are concerned about Pakistan and extremist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba. The survey shows that Lashkar-e-Taiba, the group widely blamed for the Mumbai attacks, is seen as the single greatest threat facing India.

Indians take a dim view of their neighbor Pakistan overall with 81 per cent of those surveyed expressing a negative opinion of Pakistan.The Indian concern that the Pakistan will be consumed by extremism is widespread with 78 per cent saying that they are worried that extremists groups will take over the Pakistani state.

Despite these concerns about Pakistan, most Indians are in favor of expanding trade ties and improving diplomatic relations with Pakistan with 83 per cent of those surveyed saying that it is important that relations with Pakistan improve, while more than 63 per cent believe an increase in trade and business ties would be good for India.

With additional input by Hassan Asif.

COMMENTS (61)

Ahmed Ilyas | 14 years ago | Reply @Tony Singh Get a life man. The fact that you are here spending so much time answers comments shows alot about your thinking. India has more than 100 rebel groups, sick and tired of you guys.

Anoop | 14 years ago | Reply @romm, "TADA is still there and indian soldiers are killing Kashmiris on daily basis with Immunities under TADA." --> You fool, its not TADA, you meant to say AFSPA. Get your facts right, first. TADA is not being implemented anymore. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TerroristandDisruptiveActivities%28Prevention%29_Act "Come out of Indian Mentality and try to start thinking like Miss Roy who is respected Indian all over the world for her unbiased opinion." --> Ms.Roy is a thinker and has her opinions and has the right to express them under the Constitution. I fully support Freedom Of Expression. She is unique and so are her opinions. But, that doesn't mean whatever she writes and says is right. I fully respect, like the Indian system her freedom to express herself. Also, might I also point out all countries in this age have legislation to tackle Terror. US has its Patriot Act and so does Pakistan. But, in countries like US and India there are institutions which monitor these laws and the people implementing them, unlike in Pakistan. Also, dude, you say Indian Army is killing people in Kashmir but the Army is not allowed inside the cities. It is the CRPF which is under the direct control of the CM who in-turn was elected by the people of J&K in an election where 66% of people participated. (http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/politics/huge-voter-turnout-in-kashmirs-third-phase-polling-second-lead_100125456.html) AFSPA is applicable army personnel only and not the CRPF, FYI. Plus, when your own country is burning and your Army commits extra-judicial murders you have the gall to point out whatever is happening in Kashmir. http://criticalppp.com/archives/23532?utmsource=twitterfeed&utmmedium=twitter Be sure to catch the video. In India atleast the Army is answerable to the Government. Who is it answerable to in Pakistan? Everything in Pakistan answers to it! I want to end this little conversation. You are neither capable of making a sound sentence which is filled with reason or have patience to understand anything apart from propaganda. Have a Pak-life.

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romm | 14 years ago | Reply Correction Please *Published by indian Text book Boards*

romm | 14 years ago | Reply Question :Who was Sir Zafarullah Khan? Answer :First FOREIGN MINISTER of Pakistan. Question :What was his Religion?? Answer : Ahmedi Question : Who was Doctor Abdul Salam?? Answer : Recipient of Nobel Prize for His work in Physics and Founder of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission. Question: What was His Religion? Answer : Ahmedi. U Indian need to be taught history other than textbook s published indian textbook boards

romm | 14 years ago | Reply what a funny argument. once again counter Argument...... Actions speak louder than Words. TADA is still there and indian soldiers are killing Kashmiris on daily basis with Immunities under TADA. Do u apologise on daily basis or will u apologise when all the Kashmiri Youth is exterminated. Come out of Indian Mentality and try to start thinking like Miss Roy who is respected Indian all over the world for her unbiased opinion.

romm | 14 years ago | Reply Ohhhhhhh What a nice Suggestion. Worrying about pakistan again speaks Hypocrisy. We plan things on Chankya philosophy. Enemy of ur Enemy is your Friend. Don't worry about Pakistan. whosoever will try to even look towards Pakistan, will be eaten up, like stars are swallowed by Blackhole. USSR is the example in recent past. So, cool down and start worrying about Urself.

Anoop | 14 years ago | Reply @romm, "Does Hypocartic Republic of India have the Moral courage to do the same in case of Sikhs (Golden Temple), atrocities committed under Kashmiris under TADA,burning of Catholic Nuns, and killings in Gujrat. , Babri Mosque," --> http://pakistantimes.net/2005/08/12/top7.htm Have a look at the above link for your answer. India has more than apologized to the Sikh Community. It has made one of its member The Prime Minister of India. Has Pakistan given any formal apology for 1971? Has anyone been even charged or investigated for the Genocide? Bangladesh keeps asking Pakistan to apologize but the gall of Pakistan government to ignore it! http://islamizationwatch.blogspot.com/2010/04/bangladesh-tells-pakistan-apologise.html http://news.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/world/14-bangladesh-urges-pakistan-apology-for-1971-crimes-zj-04 So, Mr.romm. Who is the Hypocrite now? Indian society has always respected people from other communities. They overwhelmingly vote for Sonia Gandhi,a Catholic. They have made Christians Chief Ministers(Kerala,Goa,etc). They are thorougly integrated into the society. Give me one instance of a Ahmadi being made a minister, forget Prime Minister or a Chief Minister, or a Hindu or Christian or a Sikh given such honour such as given to, say, Abdul Kalam, whom we have made the President. No matter what you say the fact is that Indian society is secular, pluralistic and progressive. There are going to be ugly incidents owning to the HUGE population of India and the diversity, but their frequency is decreasing. But, look at Pakistan, which has become ,in all fairness, the most dangerous place on Earth! 30,000 people died in Terror related activities in Pakistan in 2009. The ones who died are Muslims, the ones who attacked them are Muslims. In a land where Muslims discriminate against Muslims for practicing a slightly different version of Islam, forget about Religious tolerance.

Anoop | 14 years ago | Reply @Ali Sina, '"If the two countries continue to hate and fight each other as always, the next colonial rulers will be the Chinese in the 21st century. " I respect your sentiment but I dont think India is affected by its animosity towards Pakistan. Yes, it would certainly help India if resources were freed up by having Pakistan as a friend and trade partner. But, as long as India doesn't go the Soviet Union way and spent more than 3% of its GDP on defence(Now its 2.5%) and keep growing at the mind-boggling pace then there is in no trouble. The case now, is Pakistan is relevant for India on Terror front only and there is no credible Military threat coming from Pakistan. India's eyes are set on China and the Himalayas act as its greatest defence. Besides, a stable, structured, self-confident and self-reliant state is a defence in itself. Weapons are just toys used to warn the opposition. I think India relies more on its democracy and stable environment than any weapon.

Ali Sina | 14 years ago | Reply Within one or two decades from now, China's military will surpass the strength of the US military. Mark my words -- the greatest threat to both Pakistan and India will be China. Both Pakistan and India are in the "bhookha-nanga" category. If the two countries continue to hate and fight each other as always, the next colonial rulers will be the Chinese in the 21st century. We learn from history that we learn nothing from history.

romm | 14 years ago | Reply I am surprised after reading ur arguments and counter arguments. Do two wrongs make one good. I have already regretted and condemned the atrocities committed against Bengalis and our prime minister officially Apologized. Does Hypocartic Republic of India have the Moral courage to do the same in case of Sikhs (Golden Temple), atrocities committed under Kashmiris under TADA,burning of Catholic Nuns, and killings in Gujrat. , Babri Mosque,

Anoop | 14 years ago | Reply @romm, "yes we have these problems but we dont have state sponsored terrorism against our own Nationals. " --> I can point to several incidents in Pakistan, the most glaring one is 1971 genocide. If you want I can point to few more. "we never introduced Land to target a religious community like Nehru did. Hindus still are the most influential land holders in Sind." --> What on earth are you talking about? Nehru was the guy who implemented Land Reforms in India. Its been even implemented in Bangladesh but even after 63 years its not been implemented in Pakistan. It probably never will. "As far, poem reffered is concerned, its about Muslims and has nothing to do wid Pakistan, so u r so confused and so venomous that u have stopped differentiating between muslims and pakistan." --> I always base my opinions of facts. Whenever I dont just point out, I'll clarify. Accusation is easy but analysis is tough.

romm | 14 years ago | Reply i have not heard the name of Author reffered. does not this sound supid? i think Bookha nanga Hindustan, Jaan se pyara Pakistan shouted by Kashmiris, who are living in india has more weight than foreign natonal

romm | 14 years ago | Reply yes we have these problems but we dont have state sponsored terrorism against our own Nationals. we dont have elected bugs like Modi. Here in pakistan, if someone targetted minority, he was called terrorist and was politically alienated. we treated Bengalis badly and regreted that officially but in india, Modi's case is still pending in case and wud never surface till the time he dies due to his natural death. In pakistan,if someone, does the same, he shal be declared unfit for publc office. we never introduced Land to target a religious community like Nehru did. Hindus still are the most influential land holders in Sind. As far, poem reffered is concerned, its about Muslims and has nothing to do wid Pakistan, so u r so confused and so venomous that u have stopped differentiating between muslims and pakistan.

Anoop | 14 years ago | Reply @romm, Yeah, they all happened. I completely agree that they are dark stains in India. Just because Blacks were exploited once in America, not too long ago, should they not forget and forgive? Why is it so different with India? The sheer diversity and numbers ensure that there will be skirmishes. A population of 1 Billion and there are only a handful of these kind of incidents. Comparably with a population 1/5th or 1/6th of India, Pakistan has a greater number of these kind of incidents. The weird thing in Pakistan's case is these incidents are among Muslims themselves. Atleast in India tensions arise due to different way of celebrating God. But, in Pakistan.... God knows what they fight for. There is a poem I want to adapt for Pakistan written by Martin Niemöller. It goes thus: They came first for the Hindus, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Hindu. Then they came for the trade Sikhs, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade Sikh. Then they came for the Christians, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Christian. Then they came for the Ahmadis, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Ahmadiya Then they came for the Shias, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Shia.. Then they came for me and by that time no one was left to speak up.

romm | 14 years ago | Reply 1984 genocide was not single Incident. There were series of Incidents later and still going On. First, Golden temple, then Killings of Sikhs after Indira's Assassination, then Babri Mosque, then burning of Nuns alive, then Gujrat and killings of young Kashmiri protestors still going on. Pls Don't call all these minor and single Incident. All the religious minorities have one by one been targeted in So called secular India. Does nt TADA speak the real face of Indian democratic face of of india??????

Anoop | 14 years ago | Reply @G.khan, Sorry to interrupt but why is it so important for you to know if Tony Singh is really a Sikh or not? What is in a name, Shakespeare asks. What if he is a Sikh. Yes, 1984 did happen. But, a Sikh now is a Prime Minister of India, the supreme leader who was elected again for the 2nd time by a country which has 80% Hindu population. He accepted PMship under a Muslim(Dr.Abdul Kalam, an inspiration by himself), a seat vacated for him by a Catholic Woman(Sonia Gandhi),and has another Catholic as his Defence Minister(A.K.Antony). 1984 was a dark wound, so was Gujrat, but you cannot confine yourself to one single event. Sikhs are the most loyal and the most lovely people in India. Their culture has a colorful influence in India's culture in general. They comprise a large chunk in the Indian Armed Forces. I being from South India, consider them to be more Indian than myself. @Tony Singh, do not answer his divisive queries. Religion is something personal. End it there.

G.khan | 14 years ago | Reply @ Tony singh... Mr. Singh question is still the same what have you learned from that genocide of your sown IF you are Sikh which I doubt? Is not the reason you are avoiding this question over and over again because you are not even a SINGH?LOL...Gotcha!! Answer the question.. same question...What have you learned from demolishing of GT? Anything? IF you are a Sikh? Are you? Yes ? No ? Kinda? LOL ...

User | 14 years ago | Reply @ Ashutosh Thank you. I fully agree with you. At least there is a recognition in those who did it that it must no repeat. which is good. Now coming @Tony Singh. LOL... I think You are still avoiding my question. Tell me what have you learned from Sikh genocideof 1984? Why are you avoiding answering this question? You may not have an easy answer but may have some answer? But not addressing it means you don't want to talk about it Which is being in denial mode.. You don't worry about those mosques... we will take care of them and if not.. we may suffer... but You Mr. Singh ..Why are you so happy when innocent citizens are killed ? It doesn't mean we need your sympathies..however it is Surpisng why are you happy about it? LOL.. I don't think That You are even a singh...Gotcha!!!... But the question will still be the same..i.e... What have you learned from your own genocide of 1984 & demolishing of the GT?

Ashutosh | 14 years ago | Reply @ G. Khan & Toni Singh, The “operation blue star” in 1984 was a blunder committed by India. This was followed by “Operation Black Thunder” in 1986 at the same place and that ended the militancy in (Indian) Punjab forever. Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it! India takes is lesion seriously. Not only Sikhs but also every Indian is confident that something similar to Blue Star will never happen. India is capable of handling the situation with comparative ease and maturity.

Tony Singh | 14 years ago | Reply @GKhan Don't worry abt us, just keep watch on your neighbourhood mosque. Ist there now, gone the next moment!

G.Khan45 | 14 years ago | Reply @ Toni singh.. LOL.. You never answered the question Mr. singh. Do you still remember1984 ? Thats the question! We will deal with what we are going through . You better concentrate on yourself and do something about if second Operation Blue star happens. Are you prepared Mr. Singh? Because if you are not ..... question is , : who else is ?

romm | 14 years ago | Reply Who Zaid Hamid? Don't know what are u talking about? Arundhati Roy(with all the Respects for her) has expressed her Frustration over Slogan Raised by Kashmiris -- " Bhooka Nanga Hindustan, Jaan Se Pyaara Pakistan" Indiaaaaaaa Incredible Indiaaaaaaa.

Tony Singh | 14 years ago | Reply @romm "What a curse? If we were at India’s place, we would have eaten them up within days. Indiaaaaaaa Incredible Indiaaaaaaa???????" We know you are a cannibal, don't shout from roof top. You know you were watching Zaid Hamid on TV, Generally he has the background of Delhi's Red Fort. (that is because the Landmarks in Pakistan are distroyed by Sucide bombers because they were in hurry to be with their Virgins in heaven and they wanted to share with lot of other people). And you must have thought that's an Indian Channel. It happens, even the sane get mistaken, let alone you. Next time watch more carefully!

romm | 14 years ago | Reply What a wishful imagination, Indians r destined to be ruled sometimes physically, at the moment psychologically. Watch indian TV Channels and see the way they mourn and propagate against us but they can't do Anything other than weeping. What a curse? If we were at India's place, we would have eaten them up within days. Indiaaaaaaa Incredible Indiaaaaaaa???????

Tony Singh | 14 years ago | Reply @G Khan Yes you may be right. So could 1971. OOps I am wrong. Its already work in progress (Sindh/ Balchistan/ Punjab singing their own tunes) Gilgit Baltistan already with chinese.... surely events can repeat.

G.Khan | 14 years ago | Reply @ Tony singh Once happened? If Once happened it can happen to you twice as well. It was not Otc 31 , 1984 . it was what followed it. And Not to remind you the most horrible event ( The demolishing of the Golden Temple). Being your enemy No.1 , even we protested against it because That was to cross the limits. Conflict can remain a political conflict but demolishing religious places is much more than just ethnic hatred. And you are telling me that it just happened once? where are the perpetrators of those mob killings? Those political motivators? Where is jagdish titler? Were they hanged? Or they are still at large & they still show up on TV and shed crocodile's tears? Point is we are enemies ouside the frontiers...but it seems to me your situation is completely different. And You are telling me it just happened once. I don't agree with you... Mark my words.. if it hapened once.. it can happen twice and thrice until you do something about it. Period.!!! At least we fight for our right..regardless of loss or win.. what really matters is that You stand up for your right... Thats what really matters!!!!!

Tony Singh | 14 years ago | Reply @G Khan oct31 . 1984 happened once but Pakstan bears it every single moment @romm living in fool's paradise

G.Khan | 14 years ago | Reply @Tony singh Yes, we remember 1971. But do you also remember October 31, 1984 ? And what followed it? Hope you have not forgotten it yet?

randomrandom | 14 years ago | Reply @romm i like your style, you make your rebuttal and then end it with saying relax. You dont have resilience, you have become desensitized to the whole situation and that's bound to happen in a place where bomb blasts are routine, but we do take them seriously. We also admit pakistani soldiers fought bravely and but they had no right to climb those mountains which belong to India. And i dont believe in movies or stories by our media. Goto wikipedia or any third-party review and you will have the answers.

romm | 14 years ago | Reply Just giving u Inkling about Kargil. Read India today, ask any of your Army officer who has served in Kargil, or type highest Feature in along Drass Kargil Road. U will come to know, who dominates Kargil sector now and who dominated before Kargil war. Don't be impressed with the stories shown in Movies. We admit Indian soldiers fought bravely but strategic points were occupied by pakistanis and those are still wid them. So, Coooooool down and relax.

romm | 14 years ago | Reply We have the Resilience that's why we don't Mourn the way u mourned after Single attack. Present Centrifugal force (i.e. Islam) is in reality our Centripetal Force. Don't worry we won't let any Indie leave Afghanistan the day US leaves. We know, u r playing well at the moment but u Must look beyond 2012. We r thankful to u guys that our army is war hardened now. By the way, I won't get into Kargil Discussion. Its too old and well discussed story with claims from both sides.

Tony Singh | 14 years ago | Reply May be the world is reading a different version of History than romm's. Perhaps he should ask the Pakistan's Army soldiers who died in Karil conflict and your establishment failed to note their role in conflict. After the Mumbai attack, count how many suicide attacks PAkistanis have faced. Seriously romm do some reality check before commenting.

Tony Singh | 14 years ago | Reply @Saad that's the way to go

Tony Singh | 14 years ago | Reply @romm Its on the net and accsessable. We read it and let our opinions known. No one has stopped you from commenting on Indian newspapers. Its your decision. Just because you do not do certain things, why should others not do it. You want to be like a frog in the well, thinking that is the universe, well that's your problem, not others.

randomrandom | 14 years ago | Reply and i would say we would like to be considered a threat too, because lets face it, we came down really hard on you, the three times you were playing song and dance at our fences :)

randomrandom | 14 years ago | Reply btw, No hard feelings here as well :)

randomrandom | 14 years ago | Reply Yes romm, you are right. Nevermind, the 26/11 or attack on our parliament. Its all part of the awesome propaganda. So this how i see it, 33% think Pakistan is a threat and i think its reasonable to think that, as lets face it you have caused us a lot of damage.

romm | 14 years ago | Reply I was born after 16-12-1971 and have always seen indians Mourning. I have never commented in Indian Blogs but always find indians in pakistanis. Again pakistan Centric approach. We did not respect the right of self Determination of Bengalis and suffered defeat. We suffered defeat in a month but u r bleeding since 1987. We started war in Kargil but u could not start war on other fronts. If u understand why u could not and if u could start war against pakistan. U will understand how vulnerable u r and what Pakistan can do wid u. . U know why ur establishment is mourning Bombay attks. Hope u understand. Why!

romm | 14 years ago | Reply Buddies No Hard feelings. This is how strategy works between India and pakistan. My experience in UK wid India was that they r too Pakistan Centric. If a young guy in Bombay Dies while driving a Motorbike, ISI is blamed for that. Even few years back, spread of Plague in india was termed Conspiracy Hatched by ISI. So like Nazis, indians are the victim of their own Propaganda. If this propaganda continues, may be 100 percent Indians shall term pakistan a threat. I think around 100 different m mutinies are bigger threat than Pakistan

Tony Singh | 14 years ago | Reply To all Indians What is this? Mr./Ms./Whatever romm is putting in his best effort to increase the % age from dismissal 33% (Not even a passing grade) and you are twarting his efforts! As a good and very afraid neighbour, you should give all encouragement to him. What is the percentage you would like by next poll Mr./Ms/ Whatever romm? As a good and very afraid neighbour, we will do our utmost to achieve it.

Tony Singh | 14 years ago | Reply @romm Thanks for your kind assurances for not attacking India. We will be forever indebted to you. By the way do you know the importance of date 16/12/1971?. Thanks for your kind assurances again. Now we in India can breathe easy.

Post Human | 14 years ago | Reply @Ashutosh & Zain: Again with the military.... this muscle flexing bravado needs to stop. it's time we pakistanis realize that nowadays wars are won on the balance sheet - not the battlefield. And our balance sheet resembles a two-bit mom-and-pop store.

Tony Singh | 14 years ago | Reply @romm You are getting there.. After your comments. some %age will definitely increase.

romm | 14 years ago | Reply xxxxxxxxxxx for all indian Friends! We won't bother u in near Future! Don't be Scared! We r peace loving till the time this Posture suits us. Just concentrate on ur poor masses, instead of spending money on buying weaponry worth more than total budget of pakistan. Its not guns but men behind Guns, which matter. So start making ur your younger generations eat Proteins if u really want to compete wid us.

romm | 14 years ago | Reply We r 1/10th of India and its fun knowing that indians r still afraid of us. Its the psychological edge we enjoy over Indians. We don't consider India as a threat, because we have bled and can again bleed indian whenever we feel like. India despite US pampering and Investment of Bns of $s in Afghanistan couldnt make her foothold there. So, wishful thinking and behaving like Machoman does not guarantee u indians to become a regional superpower. . We have good relations wid all all neighbours of ur neighbours. Srilanka, Nepal China, Burma all r our good buddies. Indians friends, don't be afraid of us. We don't have plans banging u in near future. We need to settle the the issues in west, then we will look towards you. So relax for a while and have fun.

IZ | 14 years ago | Reply Umm... for the dumbos who are thinking this somehow shows that India does not want to improve relations with Pakistan, please look at the statistics again. And it may be worth noticing that in the Pew Poll earlier this year 73% of Pakistanis saw India as a threat with 53% seeing it as the greatest threat. But 72% thought it was important to improve relations. I have provided a link here. . And frankly speaking its no wonder that they feel ambivalent about Pakistan given that was where Mumbai terrorist were from, and given the Kargil adventure which almost brought the two countries to nuclear war. Frankly speaking the fact that the number is so low . Its also worth looking at the entire Pew Poll. What this article so carefully forgets to mention is that almost all countries surveyed have a negative view of Pakistan and maybe we should ask ourselves why. Japan, Jordan, Egypt and Turkey all have 50% or more with a negative view of Pakistan. China, our greatest ally has a 50% negative view of us (while in Pakistan, 85% have a favourable view of China). Maybe we need to think about why we are so disliked even by our allies instead of pointing the finger at everywhere else in the world? . I'm not impressed with the quality of the reporting in this ET article. I mean all they need to do is click on the links and read the reports to find some relevant statistics.

Ashutosh | 14 years ago | Reply To Zain, Do you honestly believe that India can not snatch POK? Without getting into the details, we fought 3 wars and Pakistan won none. Also the world had gone upside down since the last war. You as Pakistani and I as Indian know how much the world has changed

Zain Abbass | 14 years ago | Reply @Jai No match for India Militarily? I want the stuff you have been smoking! If Pakistan is no match then why don't you try to snatch Kashmir away from us.

Saad | 14 years ago | Reply Do we have to frame ourselves for the wishes of someone else ??? But of course we need to stop the radical and extermist forces and eliminate them. The future of this lovely country lies in a secular state, forget whether India is or not, we have to be, becuase we are Pakistan and becuase we are neither India nor Saudi Arabia. Yet we should be friend with India as we can't change neighbors and let the Indian Media say whatever. Our Image is in our hands, if we eliminate these fanatics, gear up for 8 - 10% economic growth rate and a high per capita income - no media can broadcost our bad image. . The threat lies within and not from outside ... The greater threat to Pakistan are the terrorists, extermists, and relgious parties like Ji and JUI/P and not India, as we have shown it many times to all the world and to the agressor in particular that no matter we are small in size but have always answered with a tit-for-tat. . To become conservative is not the way but to be pessimists is neither. We have everything to be a great nation, but we have to fight this last war, to get ourselves out of the hands of these remnants of terrorism, extermists and religious fanatics.

Jai | 14 years ago | Reply Ofcourse Pakistan is not the biggest threat. It is no match for India militarily. However it is a tool in the hands of the biggest threat, China.

lalit | 14 years ago | Reply some people will always find a negative thing in even a most positive of thing.

Adeel Ahmed | 14 years ago | Reply so the majority of indians DONT think we are the biggest threat to them... good to know.

Tony Singh | 14 years ago | Reply Only 33%! No wonder some Pakistanis are livid. Now they have to think what more dirty tricks they can play to bring the rest 67% around.

Manoj | 14 years ago | Reply Happy to note that 67% of Indian, do not see Pakistan as threat. Good begining, still miles to go, before we both enjoy the peaceful co-existance and prosper together.

ash | 14 years ago | Reply did i miss something here guys? according to the article most indians want better relations with pakistan, including improving trade relations. they fear extremism taking over our country, similar to our fears. they understand that better relations with us are in their interest (the public not the government), as should we. i think improving relations with all our neighbors especially the one to the east will lead to a more prosperous, tolerant, stable and independent Pakistan. something we all as patriotic Pakistanis desire. India will play an increasingly important role in international politics and economics. and as its economy integrates deeper with the world's, we as Pakistani's will find ourselves increasingly isolated, with fewer people wanting to listen to what we have to say. i say we should swallow our pride, make peace with our neighbors and the wider world, develop our economic strength and maybe a few years down the road, when we have matured economically, politically, socially and religiously, we can then debate about flexing our muscles. after all, no one really takes a young teenage brat seriously.

Vegabond | 14 years ago | Reply @romm - dont try to act smart... atleast in India its just 33% i am so sure except for few sane individuals it will be 90% infavourable opinion on India from ur side... Eg: The crowd that gathers to hear Hafiz saeed and his co...

Hamood | 14 years ago | Reply Most Indians will never be friends of Pakistan. They've been fed enough negative stuff that they will never have a positive view. Their government and their military has and will always side with the enemies of Pakistan and they have and will continue supporting anti- Pakistan elements within the country. Who are we fooling? For Indians to accept Pakistan's existence is like negating their nationhood and the very idea of India. Most Indians do not know that India as country did not exist until Muslims made it one. Before that, India was just a region full of princely states and independent territories. Having independence is way better than being second class citizens like Indian Muslims. Average income of an Indian Muslim is below that of Dalits, the untouchable class of Hindus and many Muslims now live in ghettos. Thank God we have Pakistan. Being a young country we have many problems, with the right leadership there is no reason they cannot be overcome.

romm | 14 years ago | Reply Eye Opener for pseudo intellectuals who advocate that Indians want a prosperous and Stable Pakistan . Survey shows that 81 percent Normal indies expressed gut feelings about pakistan. I think ppl like Kamran Shafi should be sent to India to carryout ground surveys and then sent into forced Exile to Gujrat.

Bangash | 14 years ago | Reply Indian public is constantly bombarded with negative opinions and views on Pakistan, and even when these views are proven wrong, such as during Indian cricket tour of 2004, the bombardment resumes.

Haris | 14 years ago | Reply good to hear indians are thinking about us

Anoop | 14 years ago | Reply Interesting.

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