ISLAMABAD: As many as four in 10 Pakistanis believe the country is on the right track, with optimism higher among men, the upper-, lower- and middle-income classes, rural residents and people living in Punjab.

Confidence in the country’s direction has increased more than threefold from 12pc to 40pc since the current government came to power, reaching its highest level soon after the Pakistan-India conflict.

These findings are contained in the Consumer Confidence Index report for the first quarter of 2026. The survey was conducted by a market research company, Ipsos, which interviewed more than 1,000 people across the country. Although economic concerns rem­ain the most worrying, their intensity has fallen sha­rply across all indicators since the first quarter of 2024.

The most pressing issues of inflation, poverty and unemployment have declined significantly over the past two years under the government.

Asked about the current state of the economy, one in four Pakistanis said the economy was strong, with the perception led by men, youth, residents of Punjab and Sindh, and affluent respondents.

“The perception of a strong economy has jumped from 4pc to 23pc, a sixfold increase, since the first quarter of 2024 after the government took office, approaching its highest recorded level,” the report stated.

The survey revealed that only 12pc Pakistanis feel comfortable making household purchases, with higher comfort levels among youth, affluent groups, urban residents and those living in Punjab.

“Comfort in making household purchases has tripled from 4pc to 12pc over the past two years, marking steady progress during the government’s two-year term,” it said.

Regarding economic expectations, one in three Pakistanis expects the economy to strengthen, with optimism highest among youth, rural residents, upper- and lower-income groups, and people in Punjab.

Personal financial optimism has reached an almost record high of 40pc, up from 35pc since the first quarter of 2024, reflecting sustained positive sentiment under the government. When asked about their personal financial situation, 40pc of respondents expected improvement, with optimism strongest among youth, men, Punjab residents, and upper- and middle-income groups.

Comfort in making major purchases edged up from 2pc to 5pc over the past two years, indicating modest improvement.

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2026