KARL KALTENTHALER, C. CHRISTINE FAIR
POLITICAL SCIENCE QUARTERLY | Volume 136 Number 4 2021 | www.psqonline.org
© 2021 Academy of Political Science
The authors of this paper find that their empirical findings corroborate the hypothesis that Pakistanis who favour the political status quo, Punjabis, Ahl-e-Hadith believers, and women are the responders who are more inclined to see LeT sympathetically. They contend that these people are likely to see LeT as a way to maintain or enhance their social value.
The authors ask the counterfactual question of whether LeT would enjoy the same level of popularity in Pakistan if the Pakistani government did not support it is highly intriguing. While some Pakistanis could view this negatively towards LeT, others might be drawn to the organisation as a result of having absorbed the government of Pakistan’s favourable propaganda. LeT is a rather distinctive militant organisation because it receives backing from the nation where it is situated. It is challenging but worthwhile to further investigate how official backing affects LeT in the eyes of Pakistani citizens.
Editor