Poll: Public support for Musharraf plummets

Support for Pakistan8217;s President has plunged since his botched bid to fire the country8217;s top judge, according to an opinion poll published on Wednesday, while a think tank warned his determination to retain power could fuel Islamic radicalism.

The latest poll conducted by the Washington-based International Republican Institute found dissatisfaction with President Gen Pervez Musharraf has surged this year 8212; with 63 percent of respondents backing his resignation8212; along with a strong rise in support for his political rivals. The poll also showed a rising sense of insecurity in the country, and widespread concern about religious extremism.

Based on interviews with 4,000 randomly selected adults in rural and city locations across Pakistan, the poll comes as the country heads toward presidential and legislative elections. Musharraf is expected to seek a new five-year term.

The institute gave a margin of error of plus or minus 1.58 percentage points for the poll, which was conducted between mid-June and early July.