Public opinion in Pakistan is marked by cautious optimism heading into 2026, with a majority of citizens expecting gradual economic improvement rather than a sharp turnaround, according to a nationwide survey conducted by the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMA).
The ICMA Survey on Pakistan’s 2026 Outlook and Public Priorities found that 56.9% of respondents expect the economy to improve next year, while 43.1% anticipate stability. Nearly 29.3% described the outlook as promising and 25% expect economic growth, driven by hopes of recovery in industry, exports and domestic demand. Only 2.6% of respondents, however, viewed the economy as strong, underscoring continued concern over structural constraints and weak investment.
“Confidence is improving, but expectations remain measured,” the survey said, noting that respondents see progress as gradual rather than transformational.
The survey reflects views from a broad cross-section of society, including students, professionals, academics, business leaders, corporate executives and ordinary citizens, offering what ICMA described as an inclusive snapshot of public sentiment on the economy, employment, education, public services and foreign relations.
Looking back at 2025, public sentiment suggests Pakistan has moved past the most acute phase of economic stress, though challenges persist. About 54.3% of respondents reported signs of economic recovery, citing falling inflation, rising remittances and a more stable external position. At the same time, 45.7% characterized the year as turbulent, marked by volatility, weak agricultural performance and ongoing fiscal pressures.
Only 12.1% described economic conditions in 2025 as steady, while 10.3% said the year turned out to be much better than expected, indicating that broad-based growth has yet to firmly take hold, the survey found.
Political instability emerged as the top concern for 2026, cited by 33.6% of respondents. Many expressed fears that continued political discord could derail the fragile economic recovery. Youth unemployment followed closely at 29.3%, reflecting anxiety over whether growth will translate into meaningful job creation.
Inflation, cited by 26.7%, remains a concern but is no longer viewed as the dominant risk, while extreme weather events were flagged by 10.3% of respondents as a longer-term threat. Overall, the survey indicated that political stability and employment generation are seen as decisive factors for economic success in 2026.
The survey also captured strong public views on policy direction. Repeating failed policies was identified by 31% of respondents as something Pakistan must stop doing, followed by political conflict at 28.4%, which respondents said fuels uncertainty and weakens investor and public confidence.
About 26.7% of respondents said the country must reduce reliance on foreign borrowing and strengthen self-reliance through higher domestic revenues and exports, while 13.8% pointed to neglect of public services such as health and education.
A dominant theme of the survey was the call to prioritize people over physical infrastructure. About 84% of respondents supported this approach, with job creation identified as the most urgent priority by 45.7%. Education and skills development followed at 37.9%, highlighting concerns over youth employability and workforce readiness.
When asked what would most improve daily life, 62.9% of respondents pointed to efficient public services, emphasizing the need for faster, more reliable and transparent delivery in healthcare, education, utilities and administrative systems. Fast and affordable transport was cited by 13.8%, clean drinking water by 12.1% and high-speed internet by 11.2%.
On foreign relations, China emerged as the most favored international partner for 2026, selected by 44.8% of respondents, largely due to its role in investment, infrastructure and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects. Neighboring countries followed at 26.7%, valued for trade and regional stability, the ICMA survey found.
Comments
See what people are discussing