Indian Public Opinion on Pakistan

 Indian Public Opinion on Pakistan: A Diverse and Changing Landscape

The relations between India and Pakistan have always been tense and volatile. Since the partition of India, the two countries have fought three wars, and the Kashmir issue continues to be a major point of contention between the two countries. In these circumstances, the opinion of ordinary Indian citizens about Pakistan has changed under different periods and circumstances.

1. Role of the Media: Creating a Negative Narrative

The Indian media, especially the electronic media, has established a negative narrative regarding Pakistan. Most Indian TV channels present Pakistan in the context of terrorism, extremism, and violence. This also has an impact on the opinion of the Indian public and a large section sees Pakistan as an enemy and a dangerous country. Indian films and dramas also often portray Pakistan and Pakistanis in a negative light, which further biases public opinion.

2. Social Media and Youth Thinking

In recent years, two types of opinions have emerged on Indian social media regarding Pakistan.  A section, which has a radical nationalist mindset, considers Pakistan a threat to India's integrity. On the other hand, the young section of India, which knows Pakistan through technology, sports, music and culture, considers ordinary citizens of Pakistan to be good and peace-loving.

Appreciation of the performance of Pakistani players during cricket matches, liking the songs of Pakistani singers, and following Pakistani YouTubers are evidence that a positive mindset is also developing among the Indian public.

3. Personal experiences and ground realities

Indian citizens who have personally visited Pakistan or are in contact with Pakistanis have a more balanced opinion than other Indians. Such people often admit that there is a big difference between the Pakistan shown by the media and the real Pakistan. They describe the Pakistani people as hospitable, peace-loving and loving people.

4. Impact of incidents in Kashmir and the border

Whenever an incident occurs on Kashmir or the border, the opinion of the Indian public increases in harshness and hatred.  On this occasion, the Indian media further fuels patriotism and anti-Pakistan sentiment, which has a direct impact on public sentiment. But this intensity decreases with the passage of time.

5. Peace-seeking Indians

There is also a section in India that supports improving relations with Pakistan. This section believes that the two countries should resolve their problems not through war but through dialogue and diplomacy. Human rights organizations, journalists, intellectuals and artists are among this section that often try to play the role of a bridge between the two countries.

Conclusion

The opinion of the Indian public about Pakistan is not a uniform opinion, but this opinion keeps changing according to different circumstances, personal experiences, media influence, and nationalistic feelings. Although the common citizen of India sees Pakistan as an enemy state, when it comes to humanitarianism, art and culture, and sports, a glimpse of love and brotherhood can also be seen there.

 It is a fact that the misunderstandings and distances between the people of the two countries have arisen largely due to politics, the media, and bitter past experiences, while on the ground level, there is still a desire for love and peace in the hearts of people.