The majority of Pakistanis favour negotiations between the federal government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to resolve their differences, according to a survey conducted by Gallup Pakistan. The survey covered 800 statistically selected respondents across the country, including all 28 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and was conducted from October 12 to 14, 2026.
The survey revealed that 80pc of Pakistanis recommended the federal government and PTI resolve their differences through dialogue, while 10pc opposed negotiations. Support for talks was particularly strong among PTI voters, 86pc of whom favoured negotiations with the federal government.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 81pc of respondents also supported dialogue. When asked whether they would participate in any protest call issued by PTI, 68pc of respondents across Pakistan said they would not take part in any protest movement.
The proportion was higher in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where 72pc said they would not join a protest movement. Respondents were also asked what PTI should do in response to the imposition of governor's rule and an emergency.
According to the findings, 56pc recommended the party fight a legal battle, while 15pc suggested staging protests. Another 7pc advised PTI to pursue both protests and legal action simultaneously, while 5pc of respondents said the party should do nothing.
The survey found that 47pc of Pakistanis supported the imposition of an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while 36pc opposed the move. However, public opinion within the province itself appeared divided, with 40pc supporting the emergency and 42pc opposing it.
Despite their support for the imposition of an emergency, 36pc of Pakistanis rejected the federal government's argument that the KP government had failed to cooperate in the fight against terrorism. Twenty-nine percent considered the government's argument entirely valid, while 9pc described it as valid to some extent.
Regarding the potential impact of the emergency on the security situation in the province, 38pc of respondents expressed hope that security would improve following its imposition. In contrast, 30pc feared the security situation would deteriorate further, while 17pc believed the move would make no difference.
According to Gallup Pakistan, 41pc of respondents also considered the imposition of governor's rule and emergency constitutionally justified. The survey revealed that support for the imposition of an emergency was highest in Hazara Division, where 48pc of respondents backed the move, while the strongest opposition was recorded in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where 53pc of respondents opposed it.
Political analysts have noted that these findings reflect a deep public desire for political stability and a peaceful resolution to ongoing crises through constitutional and legal frameworks rather than confrontation. Further insights from the survey indicate that the electorate remains cautious about street agitations, emphasizing institutional channels for dispute resolution.