A Gallup poll finds strong support tied to conditions, with caution about risks and a preference for legitimacy.
Children walk through the rubble of destroyed buildings in the Jabalia camp for Palestinian refugees in the northern Gaza Strip. Photo: AFP
Nearly three-quarters of Pakistanis surveyed 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 poll by Gallup Pakistan.
The survey, 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 to 3% at the 95% confidence level. This means that if 73% supported deploying troops, the “true” figure could be between 70% and 76%.
Public commitment to Gaza remains high. About 54% of respondents said they actively follow developments related to Palestine and Gaza. Opinions on post-ceasefire conditions were mixed: 43% said food and security had improved to some extent, while 26% said there had been no change.
On deploying Pakistani forces in Gaza, 73% expressed support, including 55% who said they strongly supported the idea. Support was higher among men, at 78%, compared to 68% among women. Urban support was 84%, while 67% of rural respondents supported the proposal.
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women. Urban support was 84%, while 67% of rural respondents supported the proposal.
Among supporters, 64% said the deployment should happen 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 United Nations approval. Support from major powers was the lowest: 47% cited approval from the United States or China as important, pointing to a preference for Muslim and UN-based legitimacy.
Concerns about the risks were mixed. About 27% believed there would be a high risk to the lives of Pakistani soldiers, 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 drag Pakistan into a broader war.
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Opinions 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.
On Pakistan’s participation in the Gaza “Peace Board,” formed under the initiative and control of US President Donald Trump, 34% said they were happy with Pakistan’s inclusion, 23% were dissatisfied and 39% were unsure. Gallup said this suggests limited public familiarity with 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 UN and Muslim institutions. At the same time, significant support for diplomacy and humanitarian aid shows continued public caution.
