Pakistanis see extremism as a threat to the country: survey

The survey, by the Pew Research Centre, Washington, shows that bouts of violence, suicide bombings and fears of civil war in South Asia, the Middle East and Africa have increased concerns about religious extremism in countries with substantial Muslim populations.

The survey, conducted in spring 2014, also indicates that there are still 24% people in Pakistan who do not see extremism as a serious threat. But when it comes to the Taliban, most among these 24% also want to stay away from them.

Almost 60% of the population in Pakistan sees the Taliban unfavourably. Only 8% have a favourable view of this extremist organisation.

Given the violent nature of this group, which practices targeted killings for assassinating its opponents, a third of Pakistanis are reluctant to offer an opinion.

According to the survey, the views of Pakistanis about Taliban have not changed substantially in recent years.

Opinions towards specific branches of the Taliban, such as Tehreek-i-Taliban and the Afghan Taliban, are also negative.