Survey shows only 18% of Pakistanis view economy as strong, 89% struggling with household purchases

An independent survey by Ipsos has highlighted growing concerns about Pakistan’s economy, with only 18% of respondents viewing the country’s economic condition as strong. The survey, conducted as part of the Q4 2025 Consumer Confidence Index, shows that the nation’s confidence in its economic direction has dropped to pre-Pakistan-India war levels, despite a brief surge following the conflict.

The survey results suggest that only one in five Pakistanis believes the economy is heading in the right direction. This perception aligns with recent statements from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad, who noted that the current economic growth model is unsustainable for Pakistan’s population of 250 million. Similarly, Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) National Coordinator Lt General Sarfraz Ahmad highlighted the absence of a clear growth plan and called for an export-led growth model.

Despite the dip in confidence, the survey found a slight increase in economic optimism compared to the previous quarter, though it remains below the post-conflict surge in sentiment. The report also revealed that inflation continues to be the primary concern for 89% of Pakistanis, with unemployment ranked as the second most pressing issue.

While inflation’s impact has led to a decline in consumer comfort with household purchases, the survey indicates that youth, men, and residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) are somewhat more comfortable than others. This trend reflects a broader caution in making major purchases, with comfort levels dipping to just 5% due to financial constraints.

On a positive note, personal financial optimism is at an all-time high, particularly among the youth, suggesting that future economic resilience may be possible. Around two in five Pakistanis now expect their personal financial situation to improve in the next six months.

The survey also found that 30% of Pakistanis are optimistic about the country’s economic outlook for the next six months, with higher optimism among youth, women, and residents of Punjab. However, Sindh remains the most pessimistic province in terms of economic prospects.

In terms of job security, 22% of Pakistanis feel secure in their jobs, marking the highest confidence level in job stability since Ipsos began tracking consumer confidence, excluding the post-conflict optimism spike. 

The rise in job security confidence is notable, particularly among the youth, middle-to-upper-middle-income groups, and residents of Punjab and K-P.

The survey results reflect a complex landscape of economic sentiment in Pakistan, with significant concerns about inflation and job security, but also emerging optimism for personal financial futures.