This Article is From May 11, 2009

Pakistanis' attitude towards India a mixed bag

Pakistanis' attitude towards India a mixed bag
Islamabad: Pakistanis are divided almost equally in their attitudes towards India in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks, though a slender majority of 52 per cent has an "unfavourable" perception of the neighbouring country, according to a survey released on Monday.

Asked about the image of India during the poll conducted in March by US-based International Republican Institute, 45 per cent had a favourable opinion of the country while 52 per cent had an unfavourable perception.

IRI said its poll-explored attitudes among Pakistanis regarding the Mumbai terror attacks.

Asked if they believed it was true that the attacks were carried out by the outlawed Lashker-e-Toiba, only seven per cent of Pakistanis replied yes, another seven per cent replied maybe and 78 per cent said no.

In response to another question as to who they thought was responsible for the attacks, the top three replies were India (42 per cent), I don't know (33 per cent) and America (20 per cent).

Asked what should happen to those involved in the attack if it was proven that it was carried out by LeT, five per cent said the accused should be turned over to India while 82 per cent said they should be tried and punished in Pakistan. Seven per cent refused to reply.

However, a majority of Pakistanis were opposed to LeT, Al-Qaida and other terrorists using Pakistan as a base to launch attacks against India, with 79 per cent saying this would be a "serious problem" and 17 per cent saying it would not be.

Asked about their opinion of the LeT, 43 per cent of respondents said they had a favourable opinion of the group while 46 per cent said they had an unfavourable opinion of the organisation.

India has blamed Pakistan-based elements, including the LeT, for the attacks in Mumbai that killed over 180 people in November last year. After months of denial, Pakistan acknowledged that Ajmal Amir Qasab, the lone terrorist captured for the attacks, was a Pakistani national.

Five LeT operatives arrested by the Pakistani authorities for alleged involvement in the attacks are currently facing trial.

India has linked the resumption of the stalled bilateral peace process to the punishment of the perpetrators of the attacks by Pakistan.
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