60% Pakistanis say economy is weak, only 16% confident about investing in next six months: Ipsos

A majority of Pakistanis consider the economy weak, with 60% describing current conditions as poor and only 23% saying the economy is strong, according to the latest Ipsos survey conducted in February.

The survey also shows that only 16% of respondents feel confident about making investments over the next six months, reflecting continued caution about economic prospects.

Only one in three respondents expects the economy to strengthen in the coming months. The expectation level is one percentage point lower than the previous survey conducted in November 2025, indicating no significant improvement in public perception over the past three months.

Personal financial optimism slipped to 40%, down from 41% in November 2025. Confidence in making major purchases remains limited, with 95% uncomfortable about making any large purchase. Comfort in making major purchases increased from 2% in 2024 to 5% in February, but remains well below the peak of 17% recorded eight months ago.

Confidence in job security stands at 23%. Official reports have indicated rising poverty, higher unemployment and increasing income inequality.

On the country’s overall direction, 40% believe Pakistan is heading in the right direction, compared to 12% when the current government came to power. However, the figure is lower than the 42% recorded after the Pakistan-India conflict.

Inflation remains the biggest concern among respondents, followed by unemployment and poverty. Foreign direct investment declined by over 41% to $981 million during the first seven months of the current fiscal year, according to central bank data.

The survey indicates that while perceptions are better than in early 2024, when only 4% believed the economy was strengthening, investment confidence and expectations of improvement remain subdued.