91% Pakistanis cite hurdles to doing business

A recent survey has found that 91% of Pakistanis consider doing business in the country difficult, with respondents pointing to a range of economic and regulatory challenges affecting businesses.

According to the survey conducted by IPOR, 46% of respondents identified the complicated tax system as a major obstacle to doing business. Another 19% said limited access to loans and financing was among the key difficulties faced by businesses.

The survey also highlighted several other concerns. Around 12% of respondents cited corruption as a barrier, while 10% pointed to rising electricity and gas costs. Meanwhile, 7% identified government regulations as a major challenge, and 2% blamed political instability for difficulties in running businesses.

The findings also showed that 76% of Pakistanis want the government to introduce additional legislation to provide greater protection to businesses.

Concerns over the country’s growing debt burden were also widespread. About 66% of respondents said they were worried about the increasing debt burden on Pakistan.

The survey also asked respondents about the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme in Pakistan’s economic stability. According to the findings, 30% considered the programme harmful, while 19% viewed it as beneficial.

At the same time, 38% of respondents said they believed the IMF programme had provided no benefit to the general public.

The survey highlights public concerns over taxation, access to financing, energy costs, regulation, corruption and the broader economic environment, while also reflecting mixed views about the impact of the IMF programme on ordinary citizens.