Survey: Pakistan youth prefer Shariah to democracy

ISLAMABAD: A survey by a British organization shows a larger number of young Pakistanis believe the country should be governed by Islamic law than democracy.

The report issued Wednesday by the British Council found that 38 percent of Pakistanis between the ages of 18 and 29 thought Shariah law was the best political system for Pakistan. Thirty-two percent chose military rule, and democracy came in last with 29 percent.

Less than a quarter of young Pakistanis believe democracy has benefited themselves or their families.

The findings come as Pakistan approaches May 11 parliamentary elections — the first transition between democratically elected governments in a country that has experienced three military coups.

The British Council survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.5 percent.