In this paper, we present findings from an experiment using survey methodology conducted from January-June 2012 in the context of the War on Terrorism from two cities of Pakistan. The sample, which consisted of university students aged between 17-29 years, focused on their opinions about the reaction of a United States representative (Secretary of State) to civilian deaths and losses incurred in drone strikes within the country's borders and their perception of the U.S. as an ally of Pakistan.  

The experimental manipulation for this survey consisted of a control group to whom no reparation was proposed by the United States representative for the victims of drone strikes. The experimental group received the message that the Secretary of State offered reparation for the victims. Participants were 1,138 students (males: 46.6%, females: 54.40%) from various universities in Islamabad and Peshawar. The survey was conducted in-person with the questionnaire randomly distributed to the participants. 

The results indicate a statistically significant impact of reparation offers to the victims of drone attacks: A proposal of reparation leads to higher satisfaction with the U.S. response, and perception of the U.S. as an ally of Pakistan. However, personally knowing someone as a victim of drone strikes negatively affects participants' perceptions about the United States. Furthermore, participants' area of origin had a non-significant effect on their opinion on the matter.  

The study concludes that an offer of reparation and personally knowing victims have a strong impact on youth’s opinion about the U.S. as an ally in the War on Terrorism. Our findings offer empirical commentary, and future research ideas on this rarely addressed issue of compensations to the victims of drone strikes in Pakistan.