Gallup Pakistan has released a new public opinion survey focused on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), showing that a majority of the province’s population now stands against protest politics. According to the findings, 53% of respondents said they would not participate in any future protests, while 40% said they might join. This shift in public mood reflects growing concern for peace and development in the province.
The survey also revealed a strong desire for cooperation between KP’s provincial government and the federal government. A remarkable 85% of all respondents urged the KP government to work with the center. Even among PTI supporters, 86% supported this approach, signaling that party loyalty is taking a backseat to public interest.
At the same time, 60% of people criticized the KP government’s past involvement in dharnas (sit-ins) and protests. They felt that precious time and resources were wasted on political agitation instead of improving people’s lives. Only 32% expressed support for those past protests, indicating a clear disappointment with previous strategies.
Interestingly, despite their frustration, 60% of citizens said they still view protests against the federal government as a useful tool for political pressure. This contradiction shows that while protests are not preferred locally, many still believe they can bring change at the national level when used strategically.
Lastly, the survey raised serious concerns about corruption in the use of development funds. Many participants said that funds meant for KP’s progress have been misused or gone to waste. People want more accountability, better governance, and focus on essential public services. Overall, the people of KP seem ready to move beyond street politics toward progress, peace, and unity.