Rising power, gas prices top Pakistanis’ concerns

ISLAMABAD: Rising electricity and gas prices have emerged as the biggest concern for Pakistanis, according to a new survey conducted by the Institute for Public Opinion Research (IPOR).

The survey found that 19 per cent of respondents identified higher electricity and gas prices as the most pressing issue affecting their daily lives. The findings highlight the growing pressure on households as utility costs continue to strain family budgets.

Rising prices of essential daily-use items were identified as another major concern. Around 17 per cent of Pakistanis said the increasing cost of basic commodities was among the country’s most serious problems.

Unemployment ranked third among the concerns highlighted by respondents. According to the survey, 16 per cent of people identified a lack of employment opportunities as a major issue facing the country.

The rising cost of petroleum products was also cited as a significant problem. Around 10 per cent of respondents said increases in fuel prices were among the key challenges affecting the public.

Meanwhile, 7 per cent of those surveyed pointed to limited access to healthcare facilities as an important national concern. The finding reflects continued public worries over the availability and affordability of essential health services.

The survey also highlighted broader challenges faced by the government in addressing public concerns. IPOR pointed to the country’s debt burden as one of the major factors limiting the government’s ability to allocate sufficient resources to public welfare.

According to the institute, around 43 per cent of the government’s budget, amounting to more than Rs8,000 billion, is consumed by debt-related payments. It said the large allocation towards debt servicing leaves limited fiscal space for tackling issues directly affecting ordinary citizens.

The findings indicate that inflation, expensive utilities, unemployment, fuel prices and access to healthcare remain among the leading concerns of Pakistan’s population.

The survey provides an insight into the economic pressures being faced by households and the difficulties involved in addressing these challenges through limited public finances.