Consumer Confidence in Pakistan Remains Low, But Personal Financial Hope Rises: Ipsos Q4 Report

Islamabad — Public confidence in Pakistan’s economic direction continues to remain low, even as expectations regarding personal financial improvement have shown a significant rise. These findings were highlighted in the Ipsos Consumer Confidence Index report for the fourth quarter of 2025.

According to the survey, only 18% of Pakistanis consider the economy strong, and just one out of every five people believes the country’s economic conditions are improving. Confidence in future investment also remains weak, with only 16% of respondents expressing faith in investing ahead. Men, youth and financially stable groups reported slightly higher confidence levels compared to others.

The report comes at a time when State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmed recently stated that the current economic growth model cannot support a population of 250 million. Similarly, SIFC Coordinator Lt. Gen. Sarfraz Ahmed acknowledged that the country still lacks a clear national growth plan.

Ipsos noted a minor improvement in overall confidence, yet the current level is still weaker than the temporary surge seen after the Pakistan-India conflict. The survey also showed that 89% of Pakistanis feel dissatisfied with household purchasing power. Breakdowns reveal that residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa appeared more confident at 18%, while most other regions hover around 10%.

Ipsos’ Managing Director Abdul Sattar Babar stated that inflation remains the greatest public concern, increasing by 6% compared to the previous quarter. Uncertainty also surrounds big-ticket purchases as families hesitate to commit under current financial pressure.

The silver lining in the report is the personal financial outlook, which has reached its highest point in two quarters, driven mostly by youth who expect noticeable financial improvement in the coming months.

Regarding the overall direction of the country, one in every three Pakistanis believes Pakistan is moving the right way. The confidence rate was found higher in Punjab, rural communities, men and people from wealthier backgrounds.

Furthermore, one-third of respondents expect the economy to strengthen within the next six months, although Sindh residents appeared the most skeptical. Nearly half of Pakistanis are hopeful of better personal finances, and 22% feel secure about their current jobs, signaling cautious optimism.