Pakistan sees ‘different’ US

“Barack Obama’s election makes no difference to Pakistan,” says Muhammad Zubair, a tea stall owner in Lahore's Mayo Hospital. "We will continue to be on the receiving end," he adds. But not everyone agrees, reports Kamal Siddiqi.

“Barack Obama’s election makes no difference to Pakistan,” says Muhammad Zubair, a tea stall owner in Lahore's Mayo Hospital. "We will continue to be on the receiving end," he adds. But not everyone agrees.

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Nadia Ahmad, a local journalist, says that the Democratic party has always been supportive of democracy in Pakistan. "Historically, the Republicans have always propped up dictators in Pakistan," she comments. There is a general feeling amongst many in Pakistan that the election of Democractic party candidate will help Pakistan and its fledging democratic goverment.

Others say that it will be a different America and their perception of Americans will also change.

Mian Tufail, a retired manager, says that it was a proud moment for the world to see Barrack Obama being elected. "Finally we see a side of the Americans we have not seen for so long. Americans who care for people of other cultures, of values and of fairness," he commented.