KEY POINTS
- Public trust in the armed forces surged
- 73% approved of the government’s performance, especially on the diplomatic front
- Majority backed political parties’ unified stance
- 91% supported the ceasefire decision
ISLAMABAD: An overwhelming majority of Pakistanis have expressed strong support for the military’s response to recent tensions with India, according to a Gallup Pakistan survey.
The poll, conducted between 13 and 18 May, found that 97% of Pakistanis rated the Army’s performance as effective, while 96% declared it victorious in the standoff.
An overwhelming majority of Pakistanis voiced confidence in the country’s armed forces and political leadership, according to a newly released Gallup Pakistan survey titled “Public Opinion after India-Pakistan Ceasefire: Comprehensive Analysis.”
The survey captures the public mood in the aftermath of heightened regional tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Army Lauded as National Heroes
An astonishing 97% of respondents rated the performance of the Pakistan Army as “good” or “very good”, hailing the military’s response to Indian aggression as decisive and effective.
Further cementing this sentiment, 96% of Pakistanis declared the army as victorious in the conflict, reflecting a unified perception of national strength.
In a remarkable display of rising trust, 93% of citizens stated that their opinion of the armed forces had improved following the conflict.
This surge in public morale points to a powerful resurgence of faith in military institutions amidst crisis.
Civilian Leadership Earns Praise
The survey also paints a largely positive picture of public satisfaction with political leadership. 73% expressed approval of the government’s overall performance during the conflict, especially its diplomatic efforts on the international stage.
While 12% maintained a neutral stance, 7% voiced dissatisfaction, and 8% chose not to comment.
Political parties, too, saw a rare moment of unity in the public eyes. A majority of respondents praised the parties for standing firm against Indian aggression:
Over 65% rated the role of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) as exemplary, 60% viewed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s role positively, and 58% appreciated the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for its stance.
Ceasefire Seen as Strategic Wisdom
Despite the war rhetoric, Pakistanis largely supported the government’s choice to accept a ceasefire agreement.
A strong 91% believed that agreeing to a ceasefire was the right decision, highlighting a national preference for peace through strength.
However, opinions diverged when it came to trust in India’s commitment to the ceasefire.
Around 52% of respondents believed that India would honour the agreement, while 34% remained skeptical, predicting that India would violate the pact. 14% admitted they were unsure.
War Narrative: India as the Aggressor
A dominant 87% of Pakistanis viewed the conflict as unprovoked aggression by India, underscoring the prevailing belief that Pakistan had no choice but to respond defensively and decisively.
Unified Pulse of Patriotism
The Gallup Pakistan survey presents a striking portrait of national consensus in a time of regional turbulence.
Whether on the battlefield or the diplomatic front, Pakistan’s military and civilian leadership have earned the public’s nod, with a strong majority believing that the country stood tall in the face of provocation and emerged with honour intact.
