[Karachi – January 16, 2026]: As Pakistan steps into 2026, citizens are sending a clear and consistent message: the country’s future depends on political stability, job creation, and public services that work efficiently in everyday life. These insights emerge from the ICMA Survey on Pakistan’s 2026 Outlook and Public Priorities, which captures how people across the country assess the past year and what they expect from the year ahead.
The survey reflects the voices, ideas, and hopes of people from all walks of life, including ordinary citizens, students, the middle class, professionals from academia, business, industry, and the corporate sector, as well as seasoned leaders and emerging talent. Together, their responses offer a credible, inclusive, and on-the-ground picture of public sentiment across key areas such as the economy, employment, education, public services, and international partnerships.
Looking back at 2025
Public reflection on 2025 suggests that Pakistan has moved past the most acute phase of economic stress, though challenges remain. 54.3% of respondents acknowledged signs of economic recovery, supported by falling inflation, rising remittances, and a more stable external position. At the same time, 45.7% described the year as turbulent, marked by highs and lows and constrained by difficulties in agriculture and persistent fiscal pressures.
Only 12.1% reported steady economic performance, while 10.3% said the year turned out to be much better than expected, underscoring that broad-based growth has yet to take firm root. The overall picture suggests that while the immediate crisis is easing, achieving widespread and lasting prosperity remains the central challenge.
Expectations for 2026
Looking ahead, public opinion reflects cautious optimism rather than exuberance. 56.9% of respondents expect economic improvement in 2026, while 43.1% anticipate stability. Nearly 29.3% describe the outlook as promising, and 25% expect the economy to grow, driven by hopes of recovery in industry, exports, and domestic demand. However, only 2.6% view the economy as strong, indicating that structural constraints and weak investment continue to temper expectations. Overall, confidence is improving, but respondents clearly see progress as gradual rather than transformational.
Key worries shaping the year ahead
When asked about their main concerns for 2026, respondents placed political instability at the top, cited by 33.6%. Many fear that without political cohesion, the fragile economic recovery could lose momentum. Youth unemployment follows closely at 29.3%, reflecting anxiety about whether growth will translate
High inflation, while still a concern for 26.7%, is now viewed as secondary to these deeper structural issues. Extreme weather risks, cited by 10.3%, are recognized but seen as a more distant threat. The message is clear: political stability and opportunity creation are seen as decisive factors for success in 2026.
What Pakistan must stop doing
The survey also captures strong public views on what needs to change. Repeating failed policies tops the list at 31%, reflecting frustration with short-term fixes that do not deliver lasting results. Political conflict, cited by 28.4%, is seen as creating uncertainty, slowing decisions, and weakening confidence.
A further 26.7% believe Pakistan must reduce its reliance on foreign loans and strengthen self-reliance through higher domestic revenue and exports. Neglect of public services, including health and education, is highlighted by 13.8%. Respondents emphasize the need for long-term planning, political stability, and consistent policy direction to support sustainable progress.
People before projects
One of the clearest mandates from the survey is the call to prioritize people over physical infrastructure. An overwhelming 84% of respondents support this view. Job creation is identified as the most urgent priority by 45.7%, followed by education and skills development at 37.9%, reflecting concern over youth unemployment and workforce readiness.
While infrastructure and healthcare remain important, respondents see them as secondary to building human capability. The public emphasis is clear: progress depends less on bricks and mortar and more on skills, opportunity, and employment.
Daily life and public services
The survey highlights what citizens believe would most improve daily life. Efficient public services dominate at 62.9%, pointing to the need for faster, more reliable, and transparent delivery in healthcare, education, utilities, and administrative services. Fast and affordable transport follows at 13.8%, clean drinking water at 12.1%, and high-speed internet at 11.2%.
While infrastructure matters, respondents identify slow services and administrative hurdles as the most immediate obstacles they face, reinforcing the demand for a government that performs effectively for its citizens.
International partnerships that matter
Public opinion also sheds light on preferred international partnerships for 2026. China leads at 44.8%, viewed as an important partner for investment, infrastructure development, and CPEC-related projects. Neighboring countries follow at 26.7%, valued for peace and trade that support regional stability. Gulf countries are highlighted by 18.1% for employment opportunities and remittance flows, while the United States accounts for 10.3%, primarily for technology and education. Overall, respondents emphasize partnerships that deliver investment, jobs, and practical economic benefits.
Citizens ready to act
Beyond expectations from the state, the survey shows strong personal resolve. Learning new digital skills tops individual plans for 2026 at 56.9%, reflecting awareness of a fast-changing, technology-driven economy. Starting a business or project follows at 25%, pointing to entrepreneurial ambition and self-initiative.
Mentoring (12.1%) and volunteering (6%) remain secondary, while the dominant focus is on building skills, taking initiative, and strengthening personal economic capacity. The findings suggest a public ready to invest in itself and take ownership of the year ahead.
A clear signal for 2026
Taken together, the ICMA Survey presents a picture of a population that is realistic yet hopeful — aware of persistent challenges, but ready to contribute, adapt, and move forward. Political stability, job creation, education, skills development, and efficient public services emerge as the defining expectations shaping Pakistan’s path in 2026. For policymakers and stakeholders alike, the message is unmistakable: progress in the year ahead will be judged not by announcements, but by stability, opportunity, and performance in everyday life.
