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