Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Disillusioned with Governance: Gallup Survey Reveals Alarming Insights

Peshawar:A recent survey conducted by Gallup Pakistan between February and March 2025 has unveiled surprising and critical insights into the public perception of governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Opinions were gathered from 3,000 residents across the province on various key issues including governance performance, public services, justice, employment, and security.
Key Findings:
Public Services:
66% of respondents reported a lack of access to natural gas, and 49% complained about severe electricity shortages. Facilities for youth such as parks and libraries were described as virtually nonexistent.
Development Projects:
Only 40% of respondents noticed any new development projects after 2024. Even supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) expressed disappointment with the progress.
Corruption:
52% believe that development funds have been misused, and 71% demand investigations into projects initiated during PTI’s tenure.
Employment & Economy:
59% observed a rise in unemployment. A staggering 73% think that nepotism outweighs merit in securing government jobs.
Security:
While 58% of people feel personally safe, 57% remain fearful of terrorism, particularly in southern KP.
Justice System:
70% perceive the judicial system as slow and corrupt, with 84% preferring the traditional Jirga system over formal courts.
Youth Engagement:
The youth remain politically active, but only half are satisfied with available training and development opportunities.
Leadership Preferences:
Although 83% appreciated the health card initiative, only 38% expressed satisfaction with Chief Minister Gandapur. Many favored Imran Khan or the Chief Minister of Punjab instead.
Political Strategy:
85% of respondents want better relations with the federal government, while 60% feel that frequent protests were counterproductive.
Conclusion:
The overall sentiment in KP reflects widespread dissatisfaction with governance, rampant corruption, and a lack of opportunity. The public is increasingly demanding real reforms, transparency, and effective leadership.