Pakistanis Affirm Belief in Democracy for Stability

A recent nationwide survey indicates that a significant portion of Pakistan’s population believes that democracy is crucial for the nation’s stability. The study, conducted by the Institute for Public Opinion Research (IPOR), gathered responses from over 1,000 individuals across the country.

The results showed that 89% of those surveyed have strong confidence in the democratic system, viewing it as a cornerstone for Pakistan’s progress and lasting stability. In contrast, 7% expressed opposition to democracy, while 4% did not provide an answer.

Despite widespread support for democracy, 54% of respondents voiced dissatisfaction with the current state of the system, whereas 43% indicated they were satisfied.

When asked about the most suitable system for Pakistan, 65% favored democracy, 19% preferred an Islamic system of governance, and 10% believed a military-led system would be more effective. Only 1% expressed support for a technocratic system.

Concerning military intervention, 42% of Pakistanis considered it detrimental to the democratic process, while 21% felt it could strengthen the system. An additional 22% held a neutral stance, and 15% did not offer an opinion.

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Democracy Index reveals a decline in Pakistan’s ranking, dropping from 3.25 in 2023 to 2.84 in 2024. This decrease occurred amidst political turbulence marked by election-related disruptions.

The EIU report highlighted instances of violence both before and during the general election on February 8, 2024.

Notably, the 2024 general election saw the highest voter turnout in the country’s history, according to the Free and Fair Election Network (Fafen). However, events surrounding the election have raised concerns regarding democratic rights and freedoms in Pakistan.