Islamabad, Pakistan - Almost half of the people in Pakistan feel that the influence of religion is increasing in their society over the past few years, according to a survey on religion released today.
Forty-four per cent of respondents in the Gallup Pakistan poll said the influence of religion is increasing in the country as compared to 24 per cent who felt its influence is decreasing. Twenty-nine per cent said there has been no change.
Respondents were also asked whether they think various practices in the name of religion are acceptable.
There was considerable consensus on issues related to attributing divinity to mortals -- a clear majority believes such practices are wrong. For instance, kissing or bowing at the graves of elders.
But a majority (57 per cent) of respondents believe giving offerings (Nazar-o-Niyaz) in the memory of their elders is acceptable while 43 per cent oppose it.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents also believe making concrete graves is wrong.
More or less all respondents agreed on the religious importance of giving alms and other forms of charity.
Over a thousand people in the urban areas of all four provinces of Pakistan were questioned in the survey.