WEBDESK: Gallup Pakistan has published the results of a national public opinion survey conducted in response to the recent false flag Pahalgam operation in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Drawing on responses from over 750 statistically selected adult Pakistanis across more than 100 districts, the survey provides insight into public sentiment regarding national security, India-Pakistan relations, and the prospects for peace.
The findings highlight strong national unity and widespread skepticism of Indian allegations:
- 93% of respondents say they would defend Pakistan if a war were to break out.
- 77% outright reject India’s claim that Pakistan was involved in the Pahalgam incident.
- 55% believe the attack may have been orchestrated by India’s own intelligence or government.
Despite rising hostilities, the Pakistani public largely advocates restraint:
- 72% are opposed to going to war with India.
- Only 15% support military action to address the current crisis.
- 41% see war as a likely outcome, yet 80% express deep concern over the potential economic consequences.
Concerns over nuclear risk and international alliances also stand out:
- 45% fear India might initiate a nuclear strike, while 61% believe Pakistan would respond with nuclear weapons if necessary.
- 70% think a nuclear conflict would result in tens of millions of casualties.
- Many expect support from allies such as China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, but anticipate opposition from Western countries including the US, UK, and Japan.
The survey also reflects significant political consensus:
- 64% are satisfied with the unified stance of political leaders on the tensions with India.
- 65% express approval of the government’s foreign policy towards India.
While emotions remain intense, Gallup Pakistan’s data shows that most Pakistanis favor diplomacy over confrontation. A majority—56%—are hopeful that India may eventually respond positively to Pakistan’s peace initiative. Gallup Pakistan has been conducting independent public opinion research for over 40 years, with more than four million interviews carried out nationwide.
