Gallup survey: KP residents unhappy with governance, development

ISLAMABAD: A recent province-wide survey by Gallup Pakistan reveals widespread public dissatisfaction in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) with governance, public services, economic opportunities and accountability.

Conducted between February and March 2025 with 3,000 respondents, the survey highlights deep frustrations just months after the formation of a new PTI-led provincial government.

While 74 percent report no access to clean drinking water and education, access to healthcare is low at 63 percent. In rural and southern KP, services fare even worse. Gas is unavailable to 66 percent, and 49 percent face poor or no electricity. Youth facilities are severely lacking, with most areas reporting no access to parks, libraries, or community centers.

Although, PTI’s previous term saw improvements in roads and transport, fewer than half of respondents see new projects since the 2024 elections. Notably, 49 percent of PTI voters say no recent development has taken place in their area.

Over half of those surveyed believe development funds were misused, and 71 percent support investigations into corruption—even among PTI loyalists. Nearly half of them also say corruption in government departments has increased.

Rising unemployment (59 percent) and lack of opportunity (67 percent) top economic concerns. Most respondents are unaware of government economic programmes, and 73 percent believe hiring is based on personal connections rather than merit.

While 58 percent are satisfied with security, 57 percent — especially in South KP — still fear terrorism. The formal justice system is seen as slow and corrupt, leading 84 percent of those aware of jirgas to prefer traditional mechanisms.

The Sehat Card health programme earns high praise (83 percent approval), but only 38 percent think Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur is outperforming his predecessors. Nearly half (47 percent) would prefer Imran Khan in the role.

A strong 85 percent of respondents want better cooperation between KP and the federal government, despite the province’s confrontational stance. Sixty percent believe the government has focused too much on protests over governance.

The Gallup survey signals growing public disillusionment in KP. While some programmes remain popular, the demand for jobs, accountability, and better governance is loud and clear — even from PTI’s own base. The province faces a critical moment that could shape its political and developmental trajectory.