Islamabad – July 21 2025 — A comprehensive new nationwide survey by IPOR shows that an astounding 89% of Pakistanis believe democracy is essential to long-term stability and development of their nation. Published today by The News, this poll provides a vivid portrait of public sentiment in an unstable political climate.Survey Findings in Favor of Democracy
A recent poll with over 1,000 Pakistani respondents demonstrated that 65% believe democracy to be the ideal system of governance. This far outshone support for alternative models: only 19% favored an Islamic system, 10% advocate military rule and only one percent supported technocracy as models of governance. At most only seven percent opposed democracy while four refused to respond for further questions and four refused to answer altogether (Curious Pakistan/Geo TV/The News International poll results). Only four refused altogether while seven opposed it with four simply declining altogether: 7/7 opposition and 4 refused altogether with 4 refusing responses that included those that refused/did not respond by either Curious Pakistan/Geo TV/The News International Survey Results +2.
Satisfaction Vs Aspiration
Pakistanians appear divided on democracy: while most accept its principles, satisfaction with how it’s implemented varies significantly. A poll conducted by Geo TV + The News International found 54% expressed discontent with its current functioning compared with 43% who expressed satisfaction (Geo TV = 1) while only 43% considered themselves satisfied with it in its current form (The News International =1).
The public appears to be deeply committed to democratic ideals while calling for improvements in delivery and accountability.
Historical and Political Context Pakistan has seen periods of both civilian rule and military control since independence. Since 2008, civilian rule has enjoyed its longest stretch since then; yet military influence still permeates all aspects of politics, media, and economy. According to a 2025 Freedom House report titled Partly Free Politics by International Republican Institute (2025 Freedom House 2025 Freedom House/2025 Daily Times 2025/20502025 Freedom House), with continued involvement of military in civilian affairs by 2025 International Republican Institute 2025 Freedom House 2025 Daily Times +15 for 2025/2025 2025/2025 2025 Freedom House Report
Economic pressures and political disillusionment have only served to heighten public expectations further. According to Gallup polling in early 2024, Pakistanis were more pessimistic about their economic prospects than at any previous point over 18 years, with 70% viewing conditions as worsening (Gallup.com).
Rising living costs and slow economic growth have driven an upsurge in demand for democratic reforms.
Analysts interpret the survey’s results as an explicit message for Pakistanis: they remain attached to democratic principles but are dissatisfied with their current state. According to Curious Pakistan’s commentary, while faith in democracy remains strong, frustration with political performance due to delays, corruption, and weak service delivery has increased substantially (Pew Research Center +7
Curious Pakistan +7 The News International).
At 54% dissatisfaction rate, public discontent signals a hunger for more effective institutions, transparent governance and responsive leadership. With military still playing an influential role in politics and concerns about democratic erosion arising from recent changes to constitution power shifts, public preference suggests there is a desire for stronger civilian rule that is fairer.
National Reforms: Voter support of democracy could bolster efforts to enhance election integrity, judicial independence and media freedom.
Civil-Military Clash: Public backing may place pressure on both civilian leaders and military to clarify roles and uphold democratic norms.
Future Voice: With future elections scheduled, reformist momentum may increase and alter Pakistan’s governance landscape.
This poll confirms that democracy remains highly valued among Pakistan’s citizens – not simply as an abstract concept, but as the cornerstone for stability, prosperity and responsive governance. Nearly nine out of ten Pakistanis acknowledged democracy as essential – both an indicator of hope as well as caution that democratic principles remain embedded within public sentiment; their implementation requires urgent focus.