Gallup poll finds strong support tied to conditions, with caution over risks and preference for legitimacy
Boys walk past the rubble of destroyed buildings in the Jabalia camp for Palestinian refugees in the northern Gaza Strip. Photo: AFP
Nearly three-quarters of Pakistanis polled support sending Pakistani troops to Gaza as part of a peacekeeping mission involving Muslim countries, but only under strict conditions, according to a new national survey by Gallup Pakistan.
The study, conducted between January 15 and February 3, 2026, surveyed 1,600 people using computer-assisted telephone interviews. Gallup said the margin of error is about ±2-3% at a 95% confidence level. This means that if 73% supported troop deployment, the “true” number could vary between 70% and 76%.
Public engagement in Gaza remains high. About 54% of respondents said they actively follow developments in Palestine and Gaza. Views on post-ceasefire conditions were mixed, with 43% saying food and security had improved to some extent, while 26% said there was no change.
On sending Pakistani forces to Gaza, 73% expressed support, including 55% who said they strongly support the idea. Support was higher among men at 78% compared to 68% among women. Urban support was 84%, while 67% of respondents in rural areas supported the proposal.
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women. Urban support was 84%, while 67% of respondents in rural areas supported the proposal.
Among supporters, 64% said the deployment should be under a joint alliance of Muslim countries, 60% said it should follow a formal request from the Palestinian leadership, and 57% said it should have UN approval. Approval from major powers ranks lowest, with 47% citing approval from the US or China as important, indicating a preference for Muslim and UN-based legitimacy.
Concerns about risks were mixed. About 27% believed there would be a high risk to Pakistani soldiers’ lives, while 32% said the risk would be low. Regarding financial costs, 26% expected high risks and 30% rated them as low. Only 20% said such a mission could draw Pakistan into a wider war.
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Views on how Pakistan should respond also varied. About 44% said military action is necessary, while 33% favored diplomacy and humanitarian aid. Another 7% said Pakistan should stay out of the issue altogether.
Regarding Pakistan’s participation in the Gaza “Peace Board”, formed under the initiative and control of US President Donald Trump, 34% said they were satisfied with Pakistan’s inclusion, 23% were dissatisfied, and 39% were unsure. Gallup said this suggests limited public awareness of the board’s mandate or doubts about its effectiveness.
Gallup concluded that sympathy for Gaza remains strong and that there is broad support for a Pakistani role, including military involvement, as long as it is legitimate, multilateral and anchored in Muslim and UN institutions. At the same time, significant support for diplomacy and humanitarian aid shows continued public caution.
