Pakistanis 'put religion first'

Pakistanis 'put religion first'

Most Pakistanis believe their religion is more important than nationality while Indians trust the police and army more than their politicians.

These were two of the findings of the Gallup International Voice of the People survey 2005, commissioned by the BBC World Service.

The poll surveyed more than 50,000 people in 68 countries, representing the views of 1.3bn citizens.

Its findings explore the global attitudes to power.

Little control

On the question of which people were most trusted, 61% of the surveyed Indians cited the military and police, and 58% said journalists, while only 1% trusted politicians.

On the question of who had the most influence on decisions taken in personal lives, 92% of surveyed Indians said family and partner, compared to only 45% of Pakistanis. A total of 18% of Pakistanis answered religious leader, while none of the Indians surveyed did.