Cost of living, national debt, drug abuse emerge top concerns among Pakistanis: National Citizen Survey 2026
Findings of survey highlight a significant disconnect between public priorities, allocation of public resources
Rising energy costs, soaring fuel prices, and drug abuse topped Pakistanis' list of concerns, according to the National Citizen Survey 2026 released on Monday. The nationwide study, conducted by the Institute for Public Opinion Research and Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency, aimed to assess the mismatch between citizens' priorities and government spending.
The survey of 5,155 individuals, conducted between August 23 and September 5, covered all four provinces, urban and rural areas, and various demographic groups, with a margin of error of ±1.55%. Electricity and gas price hikes were cited by 19% of respondents as the biggest national issue, while 10% pointed to fuel and petrol price increases.
The national debt burden also weighed heavily on the minds of 66% of respondents, with 49% describing it as "extremely concerning." Drug abuse emerged as another major concern, with 79% of respondents labeling it "extremely dangerous." Public trust in government institutions remained low, with only 33% trusting the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and 23% trusting the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
Approximately 91% of respondents found it difficult to start and operate businesses in Pakistan, with taxation identified as the primary hurdle. The survey highlighted a significant disparity between citizens' priorities and government spending, particularly as households faced increasing cost-of-living pressures.
Written by urgent.news from The Express Tribune - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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