For Immediate Release
October 1, 2009

IRI Releases Survey of Pakistan Public Opinion

Islamabad, Pakistan - The International Republican Institute (IRI) today released its survey of Pakistan public opinion. The poll was conducted July 15-August 7, 2009.

The randomly selected sample consists of 4,900 adult men and women from 329 rural and 161 urban locations in 60 districts in all four provinces of Pakistan. The margin of error for the national sample will not exceed + 1.41 percent with a 95 percent level of confidence.

IRI has conducted surveys in Pakistan since 2002. The goal of the program is to communicate the concerns of the Pakistani people to their political leaders and to use this information in IRI's work with Pakistan's political parties.

A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, IRI advances freedom and democracy worldwide by developing political parties, civic institutions, open elections, good governance, and the rule of law.

An Analysis and Summary

Poll: Vast Majority of Pakistanis Oppose US Partnership

"The United States Is Seen as an Occupying Force"

by Jason Ditz, September 30, 2009

A new poll shows growing opposition to the US role in Pakistan, with fully 76% of those surveyed saying they are opposed to Pakistan partnering with the United States on drone attacks against extremists.

The poll also showed that 80% were opposed to accepting any US assistance in their own assorted terror wars. Top media personality Kamran Khan said the poll was not surprising and that since the Iraq and Afghan invasions "the United States is seen as an occupying force and moving unilaterally against Muslim nations."

Pakistanis have been seen increasingly resenting the US dominance over their foreign and domestic policy. Earlier this month US Ambassador Anne Patterson made headlines across Pakistan by getting a major critic's column pulled from a top newspaper and condemning the nation for being "reluctant" in launching all the wars the US has sought along the Afghan border.

The poll was taken by the International Republican Institute, a group funding by the United States government and chaired by Senator John McCain. The full release will be made available on the group's website by Friday.

 Source:

Related links

Charts and Graphs: http://www.iri.org/mena/pakistan/pdfs/2009_October_1_Survey_of_Pakistan_Public_Opinion_July_15-August_7_2009.pdf: