[private]WASHINGTON: Pakistanis are far less concerned about Taliban and al-Qaida, though terror groups continue to strike in their country. A majority of Pakistanis view America as an enemy and still consider India as a major threat.

According to the prestigious Pew Research Centre opinion poll carried out inside Pakistan, they have got deep worries about neighbour and long-time rival India than extremist groups within Pakistan, while Pakistanis also express serious concerns about the US. It said, “When asked which is the greatest threat to their country – India, the Taliban or al-Qaida slightly more than half of Pakistanis (53 per cent) choose India, compared with 23 per cent for Taliban and just 3 per cent for al-Qaida.” However, most Pakistanis want better ties with India, despite deep-seated tensions between Pakistan and India.

Seventy two percent said that it is important to improve relations with India. Only eight percent trusted President Barack Obama and fifty-nine per cent of the respondents described America as an enemy. Only 25 per cent of the people said if Taliban takes over Afghanistan once again, it would be bad for Islamabad.

There is a huge trust deficit between the US and Pakistan as conceded by State Department spokesman P J Crowley. He further added, “We are, in fact, a partner. I think we’re not surprised that people want to see fruits of this partnership; that’s exactly what we’re trying to do.

It goes back to what the Secretary announced in Islamabad last week – concrete projects that – on energy, on education, on health that will create tangible results so the people of Pakistanis can see it. And when they see it, then we would expect to see those poll numbers prospectively improve.”[/private]