PESHAWAR( The COW News Digital)A comprehensive public opinion survey conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has revealed widespread dissatisfaction with the provincial government’s performance, particularly under Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. The survey, conducted by Gallup Pakistan in collaboration with Global Pakistan during February–March 2025 and published in June, exposes serious concerns across governance, economy, infrastructure, public services, and corruption.
Based on 3,000 direct interviews across the province, the report paints a sobering picture of the current administration’s performance. A mere 63% of respondents said they had access to basic healthcare, while residents in southern and rural districts reported even lower availability. Furthermore, 66% of the population lacks access to gas, and 49% complained of frequent electricity shortages or poor-quality supply.
The youth have been hit particularly hard, with the report noting an alarming absence of basic facilities. Around 77% of young respondents said they had no access to public parks, 81% had no libraries nearby, and 70% had no community centers in their areas. These statistics reflect a dire lack of engagement and developmental investment for the younger population.
While roads and transportation infrastructure saw improvements during PTI’s 13-year rule, the survey indicates that progress has significantly slowed since 2024. Only 43% acknowledged the construction of new roads, while 37% noticed any improvement in public transport post-election.
Perhaps most concerning for PTI, the survey shows declining support even among its core voter base. Nearly 49% of PTI voters said they have not seen any significant development in their regions, and 52% believe that developmental funds have been siphoned off through corruption. Furthermore, 71% of all respondents, including 62% PTI supporters, called for transparent investigations into mega-projects, expressing a desire for accountability.
When asked about corruption perceptions, 40% of participants said KP was more corrupt than Punjab.
The employment situation is equally bleak, with 59% citing rising unemployment, and 73% alleging that public sector jobs are distributed based on connections rather than merit. On law and order, 58% expressed satisfaction with security, though 57% remain fearful of terrorism, indicating a mixed response. Interestingly, 58% of people praised the police, suggesting partial restoration of public confidence in the force.
The judicial system received poor marks, with 70% of citizens expressing frustration over delayed decisions. In contrast, 84% voiced strong support for the traditional “jirga” system, considering it more effective than formal courts.
On the health front, the much-touted Sehat Card scheme received high approval, with 83% supporting it. However, social media came under fire, with 80% favoring restrictions, and 75% saying they do not trust social media platforms.
Public interest in political protest appears to be waning, as 53% of KP residents said they would not participate in any demonstrations. Instead, 83% support stronger federal-provincial cooperation, and 60% criticized the provincial government’s focus on protest politics rather than governance.
The political fallout for Chief Minister Gandapur is already visible. His popularity has declined significantly, with 50% of respondents saying PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz would be a better choice for KP, including 37% of those who identified as PTI voters.
On the issue of Afghan refugees, an overwhelming 85% of KP citizens favored their repatriation, and 79% believed security would improve following their exit from Pakistan.
The survey is a clear indicator that the KP government faces a crisis of confidence among the people, including disillusionment among its own base. With elections approaching and key issues unresolved, pressure is mounting on the provincial administration to change course or face political consequences.
