89% Pakistanis view democracy essential for stability

Survey reveals 54% dissatisfied with current democratic system

By News Desk
July 21, 2025

A woman cast her vote during Pakistans general election at a polling station during the general election in Lahore, Pakistan, on July 25, 2018. — AFP
A woman cast her vote during Pakistan's general election at a polling station during the general election in Lahore, Pakistan, on July 25, 2018. — AFP

ISALAMABAD: The majority of Pakistanis consider democracy the most important for the country’s stability.

This was revealed in a survey by the Institute for Public Opinion Research (IPOR), in which more than 1,000 people from across the country participated.

Eighty-nine percent of Pakistanis expressed full confidence in the democratic system of government and called it essential for the country’s development and stability. Seven percent opposed democracy, while 4pc did not answer this question.

In the survey, 54pc said they were dissatisfied with the current democratic system, while 43pc expressed complete satisfaction.

On the question which system is best for Pakistan, sixty-five percent said democratic system, 19pc voted in favour of an Islamic system of government, while 10pc said a military-led system was better for the country. One percent supported technocratic system.

Forty-two percent of Pakistanis considered military intervention in the democratic system to be harmful for the country. Twenty-one percent said it was better for strengthening of democratic system. Twenty-two percent took a middle position, while 15pc refrained from giving any opinion on this question.