Research
Counterterrorism in Public Opinion: A Cross Sectional Research in Punjab, Pakistan
Main objective of terrorism is to influence wide audience and creates state of fear among them. Demand for scaled down of terrorism is foremost phenomenon in Pakistan. Public pursued governments for not only sustainable terrorism policy but also react to affairs related to terrorism. Present study aimed to collect general information regarding terrorism and government responses to terrorism in the light of public perspicacity. A cross sectional survey was conducted, with a sample size of 372 inhabitants from Punjab, Pakistan. The study demonstrated public feelings and thinking regarding responses to terrorism by government of Pakistan and role of military offensive actions. Majority of the respondents shown confidence on military response to terrorism. Political leadershipβs policies regarding counterterrorism were not highly appreciated by the public. Political affiliation of the respondents affirmed the offensive action against all forms of terrorism. Political affiliation significantly favors (p=.000 <Ξ±=0.05) the demand that Pakistan army should be given full authority to control terrorism. International assistance to counterterrorism was disproved by the people of Pakistan. Demand of negotiation with militant was much significant (p=.001 <Ξ±=0.05) among those who belong to religious organizations.
