ISLAMABAD: An overwhelming majority of residents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) prefer working with the federal government over participating in protests, a recent survey by Gallup Pakistan reveals.
The province-wide poll, conducted from February to March 2025, included 3,000 respondents. The survey reflects a nuanced sentiment: while a robust 85 per cent of KP residents back collaborative governance, nearly two-thirds believe that targeted protests can play a strategic role in effecting federal-level change. This duality reveals a populace that values development but remains politically engaged, reserving protest as a tool—not a first instinct.
With KP’s new PTI-led government navigating its path, these findings reinforce public demand for effective governance, better services, and federal coordination—while still leaving space for dissent when deemed necessary.
Key findings included 85 per cent of respondents urged the provincial government to cooperate with the federal administration for KP’s development, while just 10 per cent opposed it and 5 per cent chose not to respond.
Across party lines, 86 per cent of PTI voters, 93 per cent of PML N supporters, 87 per cent of JUI F backers and 86 per cent of ANP constituencies favoured federal cooperation.
When asked about joining future PTI-led protests- 53 per cent rejected attendance, 40 per cent planned to participate, 7 per cent remained undecided.
On past demonstrations and sit-ins 60 per cent criticised the provincial government for allowing such protests to distract from governance and public welfare, 32 per cent supported the past protests, 8 per cent did not respond.
Despite evident resistance to protest culture, the survey also revealed that 60 per cent of people consider protests against the federal government a legitimate means to push for change. Conversely, 32 per cent disagreed, and 8 per cent abstained from responding.
Meanwhile, Fifty per cent of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa residents consider Maryam Nawaz’s performance better than that of KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, while 39 per cent believe Ali Amin’s performance is superior, Gallup Pakistan’s latest survey reveals.
Among PTI supporters, 37 per cent rated Maryam Nawaz’s performance higher. The survey, involving 3,000 residents across the province, shows that while some citizens appreciate certain efforts, many remain dissatisfied with key aspects of governance.
When asked whether Ali Amin should be replaced, 47 per cent favoured removing him, whereas 40 per cent opposed such a move, expressing satisfaction with his work. Thirteen per cent did not respond.
A majority of respondents (53 per cent) expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to curb corruption, while 49 per cent were unhappy with the lack of employment opportunities. Conversely, 47 per cent approved of efforts to provide jobs.
Regarding public services, 64 per cent were satisfied with health facilities and access to clean water, but 34 per cent and 35 per cent respectively were dissatisfied. Access to educational facilities was viewed positively by 62 per cent, with 36 per cent dissatisfied.
During PTI’s 13-year governance in KP, 59 per cent of people reported improvements in roads, 53 per cent in public transport, and 50 per cent in sanitation. However, 54 per cent felt no developmental work had been undertaken after the 2024 elections to further improve infrastructure.
Many citizens continue to express dissatisfaction over the lack of progress in public transport (61 per cent) and sanitation (58 per cent). PTI supporters also voiced concerns, with nearly half saying no work had been done in these areas.
While 74 per cent of respondents acknowledged access to clean water and educational facilities, and 66 per cent cited roads, many expressed dissatisfaction with other amenities. For instance, 81 per cent were unhappy with the availability of libraries, 77 per cent with parks, 70 per cent with community centers, and 66 per cent with gas supply.
The survey noted that southern districts like D.I. Khan lag behind in facility availability compared to other regions. The findings reflect a mixed public sentiment in KP, with some recognition of progress but widespread concerns over governance, corruption, and regional disparities. These perceptions are likely to influence future political developments in the province.
