ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) –Rising national debt and increasingly expensive electricity and gas bills are among the biggest concerns facing Pakistanis, while an overwhelming majority believe starting or running a business in the country is difficult, according to the National Citizen Survey 2026 released on Monday.
The nationwide survey highlighted a significant gap between citizens’ priorities and the allocation of public resources, while also pointing to concerns over inflation, unemployment, taxation, education, corruption and public trust in state institutions.
The survey was independently conducted by the Institute for Public Opinion Research (IPOR) and launched at a Citizens’ Roundtable convened by the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT).
Researchers interviewed 5,155 people face-to-face in their homes between August 23 and September 5, 2026. The sample covered all four provinces and included rural and urban respondents across major age, gender and income groups.
National debt emerges as major public concern
According to the survey, 66 per cent of respondents considered Pakistan’s rising national debt a grave concern, including 49pc who described the issue as “extremely concerning”.
The findings come as debt servicing consumes a substantial share of federal expenditure.
Of the Rs18.771 trillion federal budget cited in the survey presentation, 42.9pc is allocated to debt servicing, highlighting the fiscal pressure created by Pakistan’s borrowing obligations.
Researchers contrasted this with considerably smaller allocations for social sectors, including federal health expenditure.
The concern over debt was not confined to a particular region or demographic group, with researchers reporting similar anxiety across provinces, income levels and urban and rural communities.
Electricity and gas prices hit households
For ordinary households, however, the most frequently identified immediate problem was the cost of energy.
Around 19pc of respondents identified rising electricity and gas prices as the country’s number one problem, making expensive energy the single most-cited issue nationwide.
The rising cost of everyday necessities was another leading concern, reflecting continued pressure on household budgets.
Unemployment ranked third among the problems identified by respondents.
Together, the findings indicate that household finances and broader economic conditions remain at the centre of public concern.
91% say doing business in Pakistan is difficult
The survey delivered a particularly striking assessment of Pakistan’s business environment.
Around 91pc of respondents said starting or running a business in Pakistan was difficult, with taxation identified as the biggest obstacle.
The finding could have implications for policymakers seeking to encourage entrepreneurship, private investment and employment creation.
High taxation, regulatory requirements, energy costs and broader economic uncertainty can affect the ability of businesses to expand, invest and generate jobs, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises.
Majority sees little public benefit from IMF programme
Public perceptions of Pakistan’s relationship with the International Monetary Fund were also largely negative.
The survey found that 68pc of respondents considered the IMF programme either harmful or of no benefit to ordinary citizens.
The finding reflects widespread public concern over the social and economic impact associated with fiscal adjustment, taxation and energy-sector reforms.
It represents respondents’ perceptions of the programme rather than an economic assessment of its overall effects.
Education system faces public criticism
Pakistanis also expressed concern about whether the education system is preparing people for the demands of a changing economy.
Around 60pc of respondents said the country’s education system did not meet the requirements of a modern economy.
The result highlights concerns about skills development, employability and the relationship between education and Pakistan’s labour market.
Survey reveals trust deficit in public institutions
The National Citizen Survey also found limited complete trust in major public institutions.
According to the findings, 15pc of respondents expressed complete trust in Parliament, while the revenue authorities recorded complete trust among 13pc.
Among institutions covered by the survey, the Federal Investigation Agency recorded a comparatively higher confidence level of 33pc, followed by the National Accountability Bureau at 23pc.
No institution assessed by the survey received complete trust from a majority of respondents.
18% report personal experience of bribe demands
Corruption also emerged as a significant governance concern.
Around 18pc of respondents said a government official had personally asked them for a bribe during the previous year.
The finding provides a measure of respondents’ reported direct experience with demands for illicit payments rather than simply their perception of corruption.
Social media overtakes TV in trust for news
The survey also highlighted changes in how Pakistanis consume and evaluate information.
Around 42pc of respondents said they trusted social media more than television for news, indicating the growing influence of digital platforms on public opinion and information consumption.
At the same time, 56pc blamed the internet for declining social values, showing a complicated public relationship with digital technology.
Concerns over drug use were even more pronounced, with 79pc describing its rise in Pakistan as “extremely dangerous”.
Foreign-funded reports face scepticism
The survey also examined attitudes towards reports about Pakistan produced by foreign-funded non-governmental organisations and think tanks.
Around 43pc of respondents viewed such reports as either exaggerated and contrary to facts or influenced by a foreign agenda, while 25pc regarded them as fact-based.
The results indicate significant public scepticism over externally funded assessments of Pakistan.
Mamoon Bilal, Executive Director of PILDAT Consulting, delivered the opening remarks at the survey launch, while IPOR Executive Director Tariq Junaid presented its methodology and findings.
Representatives from academia, think tanks, the legal profession, judiciary and media participated in discussions surrounding the results.
The findings present policymakers with a broad picture of public sentiment in 2026, with debt, energy prices, cost of living, unemployment and the business environment emerging as central economic concerns, alongside questions about institutional trust and governance.
