Islamabad: Gallup Pakistan has released the findings of a national public opinion survey conducted in the wake of the recent Pahalgam attack in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The survey, based on responses from over 750 statistically selected adult Pakistanis across more than 100 districts, offers a snapshot of national sentiment on security, India-Pakistan relations, and prospects for peace.

The findings reveal overwhelming national unity and skepticism toward Indian claims:

93% of respondents say they would defend Pakistan if war breaks out.

77% categorically reject India's allegation that Pakistan was behind the Pahalgam attack.

55% believe India's own intelligence or government may have orchestrated the incident.

Despite rising tensions, the Pakistani public shows restraint:

72% are not in favor of war with India.

Just 15% support military action to resolve the current conflict.

41% consider war likely, but economic concerns weigh heavily, with 80% fearing high economic fallout.

Views on nuclear risk and international diplomacy are also significant:

45% fear India might launch a first nuclear strike; 61% believe Pakistan would respond with nuclear weapons if required.

70% believe nuclear war would cause tens of millions of casualties.

Respondents expect support from allies like China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, while expecting opposition from Western powers such as the US, UK, and Japan.

The survey also reflects strong cross-party unity:

64% are satisfied with the political leadership's unified stance on tensions with India.

65% express overall satisfaction with the current government's foreign policy toward India.

While emotions run high, Gallup Pakistan's data shows that the majority of Pakistanis favor dialogue over escalation, with 56% optimistic that India might eventually accept Pakistan's peace offer. Gallup Pakistan has been conducting independent opinion research for over four decades, with more than four million interviews conducted nationwide.