What is your opinion on IS? Most Pakistanis say not sure

E-Paper | October 15, 2026

What is your opinion on IS? Most Pakistanis say not sure

Dawn.com Published November 19, 2015

A new Pew Research Center survey reveals that most countries with significant Muslim populations oppose the self-styled Islamic State (IS), with the notable exception of Pakistan where the majority offered no conclusive opinion.

The survey polled eleven countries with significant Muslim populations: Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Palestine, Indonesia, Turkey, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Malaysia, Senegal and Pakistan. Most of these states are victims of militancy and terrorism.

Read: Islamic State a serious threat to Pakistan, Foreign secretary admits

In no country did more than 15 per cent of people speak favourably of IS. Middle-eastern countries of Israel, Jordan, Palestine, and Lebanon (where ISIS attacked earlier this week), expressed an overall unfavourable view of IS, with some populations ranking at 99 per cent.

Also read: Anti-Islamic State graffiti emerges in Karachi

In Muslim countries of Turkey, Malaysia, Burkina Faso, Indonesia and Senegal, at least 60 to 70pc of the population opposed ISIS. Even in Nigeria, where the ISIS affiliated militant group Boko Haram is expanding its presence, 66pc of the population said they opposed the Islamic State.

In comparison, only 28pc Pakistanis expressed an unfavorable view of ISIS. 9pc said they supported it — a figure in line with the median — but a whopping 62pc offered no opinion.

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raza

Nov 19, 2015 04:06pm

I don't know who these guys asked questions from as far as the urban Pakistan is concerned its 100 % NO

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Larka

Nov 19, 2015 04:06pm

ISIS is terrorist organization.

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Aub

Nov 19, 2015 04:07pm

Hard days ahead for Pakistan..

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Asif

Nov 19, 2015 04:09pm

who did they ask?

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Hussain Rehber

Nov 19, 2015 04:11pm

ISIS is not Human being. They are terrorists,

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Nov 19, 2015 04:13pm

It is better to accept the opinion and take immediate action to educate the people about the danger of ISIS.

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Ali

Nov 19, 2015 04:17pm

This is another conspiracy to portray Pakistanis as supporters of terrorists who kill other Muslims.

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yawar

Nov 19, 2015 04:17pm

awareness programs should be launched by the govt. before our people fall in the hands of false preachers

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Waseem

Nov 19, 2015 04:21pm

And why this is important to have an opinion about anything and everything in the world?

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haris

Nov 19, 2015 04:24pm

It is wise to remain silent on questions of which you don't know the answer. by the way, Ullemas in Pakistan has issued a joint decree against Daeesh.

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AHA

Nov 19, 2015 04:26pm

PEW must have taken their 'sample' outside (or perhaps inside) Lal Masjid !!!

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haris

Nov 19, 2015 04:31pm

@BK If this survey was conducted in the West a week ago. I am sure the results would have been similar to what Pakistan has now.

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lafanga

Nov 19, 2015 04:34pm

I have no idea how this survey was conducted or what the actual questions were. Nigeria has 14% people supporting ISIS and Malaysia with 11%? I doubt these figures. We have to see the questions because I know that Western media is going to twist it like anything. After Charlie Hebdo attack, BBC conducted a survey of British Muslims and then revealed that 27% of Muslims in Britain supported the attack. The actual question was "Do you support the motive behind the attacks" i.e. the cartoons. It's not that 27% supported the attack BUT the fact that they understand what the motive was. This is how media twists these surveys.

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The Reluctant Fundamentalist

Nov 19, 2015 04:36pm

Another "report"...I remember there were "reports" on WMDs in Iraq as well.

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khanm

Nov 19, 2015 04:42pm

A new Pew Research Center survey reveals ... may i know who conducted this survey and what is the credibility.... this news does not give reference of any institute or organization. what is the credibility of this report....

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Gul khan

Nov 19, 2015 04:43pm

It's very strange though. Pakistani are a peace loving nation and they have nothing to do whatsoever the western poisonous media is portraying. Pakistan is a victim and the entire nation is very much against any form of terrorism.

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Muhammad

Nov 19, 2015 04:49pm

"Don't Know" is still better than "favorable" but this "Don't Know"must be converted into "unfavorable" at earliest by educating people.

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Qatil

Nov 19, 2015 04:50pm

Do these surveys make a difference?

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Rehman

Nov 19, 2015 04:52pm

Careful consideration must be given to the figures mentioned in the article. Some bad elements who are supporting ISIS must not be generalized for the entire country. People should be educated as to what the ground reality is. Since ISIS has Islamic in it some might think it is good, but the truth is far from it

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Ali

Nov 19, 2015 04:52pm

All Pakistani will oppose 100 % and they don't like ISIS or Daish, because they kills innocent people.

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ali

Nov 19, 2015 04:55pm

Wrong report.... 50 to 60 percent of pakistanis unfavourable of ISIS

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Kamran

Nov 19, 2015 04:56pm

The very first step of correcting anything is to realize that it is wrong. We as a nation in general think the whole world is always conspiring against us and they don't have anything better to do. Why don't we accept that ISIS are the barbarians and anti-Islam and then find a way to eliminate it rather continually remain in the state of denial. we do see confusion about talibans who killed 140 children. Why are we confused? That confusion comes from our religious leaders who never condemn such acts. Think about it folks.

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Ahmad

Nov 19, 2015 04:57pm

These surveys are taken online, if educated Pakistani doesn't have opinion then God knows what illustrate people think about ISIS.

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KPK

Nov 19, 2015 04:59pm

Why would some one in sane like them they are the black spot on humanity

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Salman

Nov 19, 2015 04:59pm

Interestingly no data about the demographics of this survey have been mentioned. Obviously if you ask someone in interior sindh about something he doesnt know about he will most probably say I dont know.

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Talha

Nov 19, 2015 05:06pm

Most countries offered negative opinions about ISIS because it sadly operates in their region so they know about it. Whereas in Pakistan only the literate people, who have access to internet and cable tv, know about it. The literate group opposes it. Whereas, the majority of Pakistan doesn't have access to internet or cable tv and as a result they don't know what ISIS is or what it does, therefore the 60 something percent of no opinion.

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Boyzes_RWP

Nov 19, 2015 05:08pm

where was this survey conducted??

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Abdulla Hussain

Nov 19, 2015 05:12pm

Plan went wrong, this purpose made outfit became very dangerous & started to bite masters. The created group stretch too far & needs to be controlled immediately

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Ahmad

Nov 19, 2015 05:16pm

http://pewrsr.ch/1MkLqee This is link where survey is published. BTW dawn suvey also suggest that 5% favour ISIS..so sad

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asghar

Nov 19, 2015 05:17pm

not surprised at all

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nirbhay

Nov 19, 2015 05:17pm

if its true than it will be a long fight..

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Amer RAO

Nov 19, 2015 05:21pm

I am confident ISIS is group of mental people. And unfortunately they are violent. They are like a cancer in a society. We have to create a jobs for public. Youngesters have no Hope and no faith on their governments. We must have to build new Polytechnique schools or colleges, where our youngeters can learn trades. Give them a HOPE.

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Ashraf

Nov 19, 2015 05:23pm

In a country where the majority is uneducated such result is possible depending on how the question is posed. Nevertheless, it is important for our educated minority to pay heed to the level of religious intolerance in the country which runs deeper than they may think ...

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M. Siddique

Nov 19, 2015 05:23pm

Eliminate the ISIS goons. No questions asked.

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Junaid

Nov 19, 2015 05:26pm

Opinion is absolute negative for the killers of innocent humans.

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JHK

Nov 19, 2015 05:28pm

Who are they asking ??? A very little sample here 245 people voted and 90% against ISIS. This is more reflective of at least people I know

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Ashraf

Nov 19, 2015 05:33pm

How many of our religious leaders have clearly & unequivocally condemned the recent attacks by ISIS ? In a deeply religious society , the not so educated mass need the guidance of the clergy which is sadly limited.

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Kumar

Nov 19, 2015 05:35pm

@Kamran The only sane comment.

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expat

Nov 19, 2015 05:36pm

This "not sure" attitude had made Pakistan suffer in the hands of Taliban for decades. For God sake, people of Pakistan, wake up to this reality that Daesh and IS are nothing but a bunch of ignorant tribesmen with the support of foreign fighters who are not even Muslims. All these savages are there to hijack our religion. Government must take action immediately to educate people who have "I don't know" thinking. Muslims all over the world need unity like never before.

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XYZ-Indian

Nov 19, 2015 05:39pm

they missed India and bangladesh

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Sarah

Nov 19, 2015 05:51pm

Cause most of the Pakistani busy updating their FB statuses - Hardly know whats going on in rest of the world

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Be Honest

Nov 19, 2015 05:52pm

It is media who built views of ordinary people, it is an indication that Media is responsible for this situation

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Munir

Nov 19, 2015 05:53pm

@raza , Stop digging head in sand brother. Online survey of Dawn itself is showing 7% in favour of ISIS. That is a bad news. 100% of urban population is not saying NO. Something shall be done by our government and religious organisations before it boomrangs on us, our children's future is in jeopardy.

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faiz

Nov 19, 2015 05:57pm

From When NO OPINION meant a favorable Opinion OR a YES

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Pakistan

Nov 19, 2015 05:58pm

No Pakistani support ISIL created by Israel and US.

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Last Word

Nov 19, 2015 06:04pm

Surprising results from Pakistan when IS is more barbaric than Taliban.

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Atam Vetta

Nov 19, 2015 06:18pm

@raza & Others. Since 1942 Statisticians have been developing methods to sample populations. The reason was that in 1942 about 20% more young men reported to Armed Forces recruitment centres when the US entered WWII than were expected on the basis of the 1940 FULL census. It was obvious that in some areas the census was very very inaccurate. The sampling methods now used expect an error because the whole population is not being questioned. This error is usually 2.5 % either side. PEWS explains its sampling method, please refer to their web site. They are also expert in formulating questions as they employ experienced statisticians. Some countries now do not hold full census but ONLY 10% census as we can calculate the error involved.

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KARACHI WALA

Nov 19, 2015 06:19pm

If anything, this survey should help Pakistan Govt. tightening screws around Maulana Aziz of LAL Masjid and like minded so called Mullah and scholars.

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Disparate

Nov 19, 2015 06:23pm

It's like independents dominating the local bodies elections. People are sick of ISIS and they are sicker of the makers of ISIS. So they are not sure who is the bigger evil, ISIS or its "super" makers.

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Amar

Nov 19, 2015 06:26pm

This survey should not have been conducted. The whole Muslim world is condemning this ISIS terrorists, except Bashar Al Assad. They are not muslims, they are claiming to be fighting in the name of Islam. Islam does not teach any of the act they do. They should be butchered from the scratch. God Bless All Humans, and all the Muslims all over the World. Ameen

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Siraj

Nov 19, 2015 06:26pm

Are you serious? There is something very wrong here - maybe with the sample selection, our ability to think - I don't know. However, given the fact that there is a big difference in the results of other countries and Pakistan, I am very worried. We need to make the general population realise how much we have already suffered because of our sympathy for extremists and our unwillingness to accept others whose beliefs may be different than ours. The whole nation has suffered but I guess not enough to realize that people who preach "we are on the right path and everyone else is on the wrong", are the ones on the wrong path and must be shunned.

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Reader

Nov 19, 2015 06:33pm

These are inhuman people. Any living creature is better. These are worst examples of human kind.

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JS Sheikh

Nov 19, 2015 06:37pm

2% in Israel support ISIS? strange

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Abbasi

Nov 19, 2015 06:38pm

I don't understand how they conduct the research but more than 90% of Pakistanis are not in favour of Daesh. Check your poll.

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M.Saeed

Nov 19, 2015 06:40pm

This survey simply proves that, nobody knows the reality of IS,ISIS or Daesh, including Israelis. Otherwise, only Israelis would have given all the Yes votes.

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Valar Morghulis

Nov 19, 2015 06:45pm

Considering Dawn readers being more informed and less conspiracy driven, I think the poll here will have selective leaning and hence not representative of Pakistan in general. Having greater percentage of 'not sure' brings about a lot many questions about the general mindset in Pakistan.

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hasan

Nov 19, 2015 07:33pm

In Pakistan many uneducated people(i.e more than 50%) don't know about ISIS so it is understandable!

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Nov 19, 2015 07:33pm

Most pakistanis aren't aware of Isil or Daesh.. they are more concerned about TTP

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ali mohammed

Nov 19, 2015 07:35pm

@Hussain Rehber but mumbai attackers are assets, taliban is good!!! two nation theory

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Waqas

Nov 19, 2015 08:18pm

Because ISIS news is being blacked out in Pakistan. Most Pakistanis dont know about ISIS

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Sonny Afridi

Nov 19, 2015 08:19pm

Most Pakistanis I know are accurate in their belief that ISIS is a western creation. - received much help from west and from "sheikhs" of Qatar and KSA

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Sail

Nov 19, 2015 08:46pm

The truth comes out ...

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Anwar Sadiqque

Nov 19, 2015 08:48pm

Denial and blaming others will not solve the problem. Who hasn't heard of ISIS? A "don't know" may not be the honest answer. The Chinese should handle ISIS as they are brutal and have solved their terrorism problem in Uighur.

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Tipukabhopu

Nov 19, 2015 09:03pm

@raza bhai. Rural folks must have polled under influence of mullahs n maulvis.

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Humanity First

Nov 19, 2015 09:25pm

LET and Hizbul Mujhadin also killed innocent people. I want to know the opinion of Pakistani on LET.

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Khwarezmi

Nov 19, 2015 09:32pm

Daish and TTP, both born out from American occupation/invasion of Muslim lands. No such groups existed before American and UK invasions. Personally I am sure they are US creation to weaken Muslims. Regional newspapers have suggested the same. Israel stand as the winner. Loooks like the frankenstein monster is now out of control. Pakistan is the only country to be winning the 4th and 5th generation wars.

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Syed Mohammad Husain

Nov 19, 2015 09:38pm

The Government should brief the people about this organization.

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Sukhbir

Nov 19, 2015 09:38pm

Is it possible that 62 % people of Pakistan have no opinion on ISIS? Perhaps these people do not want to be seen as either for or against ISIS. People of Pakistan are far better informed about ISIS than the western world.

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Zen

Nov 19, 2015 09:46pm

@khanm The creditbility is given by Dawn for publication.

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Asim Khan

Nov 19, 2015 09:49pm

I can see why the survey would show as "highly unsure" as ISIS have not really had any impact on Pakistan as of yet. The countries mainly effected are the ones in the Middle East and Europe. But if the question was revised, similar to previous polls relating to Taliban and Al Qaeda then the results are "Highly Unfavourable". Pakistan has suffered so much due to terrorism, but in the last few years, our military have done an amazing job to bring law and order and security under control.

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saqib

Nov 19, 2015 10:13pm

All Pakistani's I know hate these guys. And, we shouldnt be calling them islamic state, as they are not and it can confuse lot of people who have limited knowledge.

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Imtiaz

Nov 19, 2015 10:28pm

If terrorism has 'no religion' as apologists claim, then are the terrorists atheists?

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Montague

Nov 19, 2015 10:31pm

Well, IS is a bunch of mentally sick people.

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Sanaya

Nov 19, 2015 10:37pm

Actually i agree that this must have had happened......there are many reasons for that: first and the foremost important point is that we have suffered a lot because of this menace and now are in a recovering mode and believe it or not west was the one responsible somehow .....so the majority of Pakistan would like to see them go by the same pain! secondly, the dont know type of confusion is because if this had happened in our friendly countries like God forbid china or Saudia the opinion would have had been 100% opposite of this......... so the conclusion is that you should ask about the countries in which Daesh or IS is attacking and opinion of people....

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hqyq

Nov 19, 2015 10:54pm

This should not be surprising. One whole generation misinformed at school, looted by their own governments, betrayed by friends it is not easy to make up ones mind. But ultimately the solution for militancy will come from Pakistan.children of Indus valley civilization will teach the Mesopotamians and others how to live in peace and harmony.

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Aa2544

Nov 19, 2015 10:54pm

Modern day barbarians....... Even leaving Chinghaz Khan ( which happens to be my favourite character in history) behind by miles

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Jawad

Nov 19, 2015 10:58pm

Most Pakistanis are waiting for their necks to be chopped off in order to be sure of ISIS. Most Pakistanis displayed amnesia when it came to Taliban threat as well. Someone better wake them up.

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Ayaan

Nov 19, 2015 11:30pm

No stance is more dangerous than being openly Favorable.

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Jawwad

Nov 19, 2015 11:45pm

ISIS is just another poppet of some superpower to control world under their orders. And it wont be shocking for anyone that these superpowers also hold majority share of world's weapon industries in that way this current scenario is very favorable for arms dealers and exporters. ISIS is being used in many way but it can never be used in the name of any religion .

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abdul

Nov 19, 2015 11:57pm

PEW should put same question about TALIBAN. i am sure there is a whopping difference in result.

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Saira Durrani K, Austin,TX

Nov 20, 2015 12:22am

Where was this poll conducted? Was it in English only?

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Naeem

Nov 20, 2015 12:23am

Pew's credibility is already is already doubtful due to d=some of their earlier reports. However, as usual, the Government of Pakistan did not bother to inform people, who is IS. They have other priorities, not the national threat.

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Faisal

Nov 20, 2015 12:31am

The bottom line is that Pakistan had gone through a wave of right wing Islamization that started n Zia ear. You come out of you Defense and Baharia society homes and go sit in some local mosque even in old part of Lahore you will find people sympathetic to Taliban, ISIS and othee orgs. Saudi money is still flowing to these institutions. Not everything is a conspiracy - if a problem exists then take it head on and do something about solving the issue. I am not sure about the percentage numbers in the poll and how the poll was monitored but in general I know there is plenty of religious intolerant people in the country who believe their way is the only way.

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Assamese

Nov 20, 2015 01:02am

@Kamran We need more people like you in the muslim world.

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Assamese

Nov 20, 2015 01:05am

@Boyzes_RWP Surveys were done in Pakistan. Still living in denial?

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Rizwan

Nov 20, 2015 01:34am

It is sad to see that Pakistan which has suffered so much due to terrorism is not sure about ISIS.

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Jhumka

Nov 20, 2015 01:57am

@Kumar , I second it.

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Muslim Medina

Nov 20, 2015 02:20am

Sadly enough this poll does not include Emirates and Saudi Arabia where the results would have been opposite.

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S.R

Nov 20, 2015 02:20am

World doubts Pakistani claims of fighting terrorism when they see these kinds of news. Perception is greater than reality in this case.

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AXH

Nov 20, 2015 02:42am

The government needs to do a better job in exposing what the ISIS is through media campaign. If the public is not educated then it could become a mess for the country in the coming future.

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indian

Nov 20, 2015 02:53am

@Qatil yeah ...so there arent more terrorists in pakistan.

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adil

Nov 20, 2015 03:01am

There seems to be division within Pakistan, the urban (educated) Pakistan who oppose the terrorism and then their is the rural and fanatic Pakistan that seems to at least sympathetic to IS. And that is what is scary and can divide our country. The terrorist sympathizers

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Samina

Nov 20, 2015 03:08am

This is troubling, how can anyone be unsure after the gruesome crimes committed by the group. What is wrong with us?

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Mali

Nov 20, 2015 03:24am

@haris I agree, I am sure that the 62% who said 'Don't Know' must not know about ISIS. My wife learned about them only after the Paris attacks last week...

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Rahul B

Nov 20, 2015 03:39am

Illiteracy and radical teachings need to be curbed. The government must keep a hawks eye where the extremists could be brainwashing innocent people. ISIS wants those people and only govt and army and matured citizens/ NGOs can stop it.

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Naseer

Nov 20, 2015 03:41am

@Ali Everything we do not like to hear should not be labeled as conspiracy and brushed aside. We must own it and fix it by educating masses.Otherwise,our youth will be easy target to bad influence.

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Naseer

Nov 20, 2015 03:49am

@Kamran I fully endorse your views. Instead of arguing over the validity of this survey,efforts must be doubled to educate common man on the street and rural areas how dangerous such extremist organizations are.

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karachi@hotmail.com

Nov 20, 2015 03:53am

Stupid question to even ask. They are all butchers and must not be liked by anyone one with sane mind.

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parvez chowdhury

Nov 20, 2015 04:00am

very sad!

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A shah

Nov 20, 2015 04:09am

Disgusting

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Thoughtful

Nov 20, 2015 04:38am

The ignorance of the Pakistanis are very evident in this survey.

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Ramsay

Nov 20, 2015 07:55am

"Not favorable" is the only sane response

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BoldOver

Nov 20, 2015 08:25am

The people sitting on the fence are mostly actually IS sympathisers not wanting to come out in the open.This is a very serious condition for Pakistan and the region and sooner it comes out in the open the action against it will be effective.

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