Introduction - Gallup Pakistan

OPINION POLLING IN PAKISTAN, Summary 2011 

TABLE OF Contents 

Introduction 5 

Basic Summary of OPINION POLLS by Gallup Pakistan 

Highlights 11 

Section I: Subject Wise Press Release 

1.1 Social Attitudes and Lifestyle 23 

1.2 Media: Usage and Attitudes 109 

1.3 Religion 123 

1.4 Miscellaneous Social Debates 129 

1.5 Consumer Behavior 141 

1.6 Economy 149 

1.7 Poverty 167 

1.8 Environment 175 

1.9 Disaster 179 

1.10 Sports 191 

1.11 Marriage 203 

1.12 Festivals 213 

1.13 Politics 217 

1.14 International 229 

1.15 Environment 237 

Methodology Note 

Attribution Details 

[ 3 ]


Introduction 

[ 5 ]

About Us 


[ 7 ] 



Established in 1980, is the country's most respected opinion and socio economic research 

organization and is widely quoted in national and international media. Gallup Pakistan is an 

expert in business research which helps our Clients translates customer perceptions into 

effective business strategy. Being an affiliate of Gallup International, we have close 

collaboration with Gallup associates all around the globe and enjoy the benefit of drawing 

upon an international pool of knowledge. Through its insightful Marketing and Information 

Consultancy, it delivers valuable knowledge to its enterprising Clients, which forms an 

integral part of their Marketing plans.

Environment 

1% 

[ 8 ] 



Basic Summary of OPINION POLLS by Gallup Pakistan 

Poverty 

3% 

Disasters 

6% 

Economy 

8% 

Marriage 

5% 

Sports 

4% 

Festivals 

1% 

Consumer 

4% 

Politics 

5% 

Misc. Social Debates 

6% 

POLLING BY GENRE 

International 

2% 

Religion 

2% 

Entertainment 

1% 

Media 

6% 

Social 

46%

General 

20% 

General 

50% 

Attitudes 

9% 

Health Care 

12% 

Trends 

8% 

Eating Habits 

11% 

Social Behavior 

Weather 

3% 

[ 9 ] 



Future 

Perspective 

8% 

Misc. 

20% 

Living 

Conditions 

6% 

Social Mobility 

3% 

Family 

9% 

Society 

6% 

Beliefs 

5% 

Consumer Behavior Attitudes on Economy 

Shopping 

Habbits 

40% 

Product 

40% 

Inflation 

18% 

General 

27% 

Media Usage and Attitudes Sports 

Television 

50% 

Cricket 

75% 

Employment 

55% 

Football 

25%

[ 11 ] 


HIGHLIGHT IN TERMS OF SUBJECT

1.1 SOCIAL BEHAVIOR 

1.1.1 Future Perspective 

[ 13 ] 


Section 1: HIGHLIGHTS 

• Views on most desirable goal for Pakistan in the next 10 years (7th May, 2010) 

• Hopes About The Next Generation: 28% Believe They Will Be Comparatively More Prosperous 

And 22% Say They Will Be Relatively More Safe (3rd September, 2010) 

• Most Pakistanis (22%) Aspired To Be Doctors In Their Childhood (27th October, 2010) 

• Perception That The Country Is Heading In The Right Direction Continues To Be Extremely Low At 

Year End (15th December,2010) 

• Facing Unforeseen Hard Times: 31% Believe Its Best To Save Money For A Rainy Day Followed By 

Saving Food Items (25%) (20th December, 2010) 

1.1.2 Living Conditions 

• Inadequate Water Supply in Pakistan (11th May 2010) 

• Availability of opportunities for children to grow and learn (May 17 2010) 

• Almost Half Of All Pakistanis (43%) Complain Of More Than 8 Hours Of Load Shedding In Their 

Locality (4th August, 2010) 

• Views On Settling Down Abroad; Minor Change In Opinions During The Last 25 Years (17th 

August, 2010) 

1.1.3 Social Mobility 

• Pakistanis discontent with the current public transport system in the country (13th May, 2010) 

• Most Pakistanis Use Buses, Wagons And Motorcycles To Commute Within The City (15th 

September, 2010) 

1.1.4 Family 

• Women's role in children's upbringing (18th May, 2010) 

• 72% believe that it has become difficult to raise children as compared to 10 years ago (27 th May, 

2010) 

• Vast majority of all Pakistanis seem to be aware and in favor of celebrating mother’s day (1st 

June, 2010) 

• Majority (61%) Believes That Children Should Be Checked (10th June, 2010) 

• 63% Pakistanis Take Suggestions from Their Family Members in Making Important Decisions of 

Their Life (1 st July, 2010) 

• 85% Believe That Having Children Is Essential To Lead A Pleasant Life (9th December, 2010) 

1.1.5 Society 

• Perceptions on the most like aspect of one's neighborhood (19th May, 2010) 

• Majority Believes That Cultural Values of Leading a Good Life Are Fading Away From Our Society 

(18th June, 2010) 

• Are Men And Women Treated Equally In The Society? (18th June, 2010) 

• A Reservoir for Community Development: One Third (33%) Claim To Have Thought About 

Improving Lives of Others Within Their Community (27 th July, 2010)

1.1.6 Beliefs 

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• 74% Pakistanis claim honor to be their top most desire (20th May, 2010) 

• 55% Believe That Transgender (Eunuchs) Should Be Given Special Quota In Educational Institutes 

And Offices, However, 60% Would Not Like To Be Friends With Them (21 st June, 2010) 

• 75% Believe That Load Shedding Problem Remains Unchanged or Has Even Worsened Despite 

Early Shut down Of the Market Places (28 th June, 2010) 

1.1.7 Miscellaneous 

• Most Pakistanis fear getting into various kinds of accidents (28th May 2010) 

• 64% Of Pakistanis Say They Often Reflect About Death (21 st July 2010) 

• 29% Use Henna For Their Hair Care (3rd August, 2010) 

• Curly Hair Liked by Only 19% (5th August, 2010) 

• Almost All Pakistanis (97%) Claim To Have A Regular Habit Of Cleaning Their Teeth (6th August, 

2010) 

• 78% Males Mostly Wear Shalwar Kameez, 22% Wear Trousers (27th August, 2010) 

• Views On Women’s Rights Of Inheritance; Minor Change In Opinions During The Last 30 Years 

(27th September, 2010) 

• 41% Claim To Sleep For 6 To 8 Hours On An Average In A Day, Others Sleep Less (42%) Or More 

(17%) (28th September, 2010) 

• 78% Believe That Females Cook Tastier Food Than Males (13th October, 2010) 

• Corruption And Traffic Police: Of The Cases You Know How Was A Traffic Violation Handled? 30% 

Report Paying A Bribe, While 49% Report Proper Action And 20% Say They Were Let Off After 

Apology (21st October, 2010) 

• 24% Of All Pakistanis Claim To Have A Weak Eyesight, 81% Of Whom Wear Spectacles (30th 

November, 2010) 

• Dreams: 51% Believe They Are Divine Signs While 37% Say They Are Random Pieces Of 

Imagination (14th December, 2010) 

• 32% Claim To Take A Bath Daily In Winters And 50% In Summers (21st December, 2010) 

1.1.8 Eating Habits 

• Preference for various kinds of drinks (28th May, 2010) 

• Tea versus Coffee (4th June, 2010) 

• When should one drink water; before, during or after meal 

• Popularity Of Chicken Meat Rises Sharply In The Last 25 Years (13th August, 2010) 

• Preference For Rice at Dinner Rises During The Last 25 Years (20th August, 2010) 

• Popular Diet During Ramadan Rotti And Curry At Sehri And Fruits At Iftari (6th September, 2010) 

• Almost Half Of All Pakistanis (45%) Claim To Always Wash Their Hands Before Having Food (1st 

November, 2010)

1.1.9 Health Care 

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• Perceptions about the Most Fatal Disease (9th June, 2010) 

• Affects Of Mobile Phone Usage on Health (23 rd June, 2010) 

• 40% Families Claim To Have Visited A Doctor Last Month (7th September, 2010) 

• 45% Of The Males Are Aware Of The Scary Picture Recently Placed On The Cigarette Packs, 

Majority Of Whom (62%) Support Its Presence (15th October, 2010) 

• 72% Households Faced Flu And Fever In September (22nd October, 2010) 

• Majority (71%) Have Heard Or Read About Dengue Virus, 73% Of Whom Believe It Is Spread 

Through Mosquito Bite (11th November, 2010) 

• Standard Of Public Hospitals Has Deteriorated Over The Last Nine Years (29th November, 2010) 

• 2% Of All Pakistani Households Claim To Have A Handicapped Child, 92% Of Whom Have This 

Disability Since Birth (10th December, 2010) 

1.1.10 Attitudes 

• Majority (81%) Of Pakistanis Complain Of Selfishness; 81% Believe Personal Interests Overtake 

Collective Welfare (2 nd July, 2010) 

• Majority (63%) Supports Strict Treatment of Children From A Young Age By Parents And 

Teachers For Their Better Upbringing (8 th July, 2010) 

• 53% Feel There Is A Decline In The Charitable Acts Of The Wealthy (12 th July 2010) 

• 65% Claim To Be Cheerful Early Risers (29 th July 2010) 

• More Than Half Of Whom (55%) Claim To Have Put Their Ideas Into Practice (30 th July 2010) 

• Complaints About Bribery Remain High And Unchanged During The Last 25 Years 

1.1.11 Trends 

• 78% Of Pakistani Men And 28% Of Women Claim To Own Personal Cell Phones (31st August, 

2010) 

• The Trend Of Owning And Wearing A Wrist Watch Has Decreased In The Last Ten Years (8th 

October, 2010) 

• The Trend Of Treating Drinking Water (18th October, 2010) 

• CHANGING LIFE STYLES AND HABITS: Mobile Phone Is Used To Watch Time By 21%, 26% Use 

Wrist Watch And 39% Use Wall Clock (19th October, 2010) 

• 56% Believe That White Hair Should Be Dyed (10th November, 2010) 

1.1.12 Weather 

• Harsh Summers Only Liked By 2% Pakistanis, Majority Prefers Spring (46%) And winters (45%) 

(5 th July 2010) 

• 77% Claim To Eagerly Await Winters (29th September, 2010)

1.2 MEDIA USAGE AND ATTITUDES 

1.2.1 General 

• Support for Pak‐India combined Media productions declines 

• People's perception about media 

• People's interest in national, international and local news 

• Effect of foreign media on society 

1.2.2 Television 

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• Major differences in TV viewership in urban and rural areas 

• Views on obscenity on TV (11th May 2010) 

• 95% of all Pakistani TV viewers prefer watching Urdu news channels (26th May, 2010) 

• Majority (68%) Of Drama Viewers Claim To Be More Fond Of Pakistani Dramas Than Indian Soap 

Operas (22nd November, 2010) 

1.3 RELIGION 

• Views on children becoming Hafiz ‐ e ‐ Quran (29th April, 2010) 

• Majority (52%) Gives Their Zakat Money To Their Poor Relatives (22nd September, 2010) 

• Majority Believes That Men Are Prohibited To Wear Gold And Silk In Islam (2nd November, 2010) 

1.4 MISCELLANEOUS SOCIAL ATTITUDES 

• Views on changing the time by moving clocks one hour ahead (28th April, 2010) 

• 39% Get More Distressed By National Crisis Rather Than Their Personal Problems (29th June, 

2010) 

• 49% Prefer Bright Daylight over Night’s Darkness (9 th July, 2010) 

• Fears about Personal Insecurity Have Doubled During The Last 25 Years (16 th July, 2010) 

• Perception about Threats To Pakistan: Mixed Views But External Threats Take Precedence (28th 

July 2010) 

• Views On A Capable Female Head Of The Country; Notable Change In Opinions During The Last 

25 Years (18th August, 2010) 

• Only 18% Believe That Their Country Is Moving In The Right Direction (23rd September, 2010) 

• Day Light Saving; Moderate Change In Opinions During The Last 2 Years (5th October, 2010) 

• 49% Pakistanis Were Against Two Public Sector Holidays In A Week , 28% In Favor (24th 

December, 2010) 

1.5 CONSUMER BEHAVIOR 

1.5.1 General 

• 34% Of Cell Phone Owners Have Owned Them For The Last Five Or More Years (20th October, 

2010)

1.5.2 Products 

[ 17 ] 



• Are Packaged Edible Items Pure? Public Opinion Is Mixed: 55% Are Positively Inclined While 45% 

Are Negatively (22 nd July, 2010) 

• Wheat is Pakistan's Popular Staple and Majority (55%) Gets Wheat Grain Grounded For Flour 

(26 th July, 2010) 

1.5.3 Shopping Habits 

• Shopping In Ramadan: 41% Go For Shopping In The Afternoon In Ramadan (8th September, 

2010) 

• 65% Claim That Women Select The Brands Of Grocery Items For Their Household (1st October, 

2010) 

1.6 ATTITUDE TOWARDS ECONOMY 

1.6.1 General 

• Current Budget Finds Few Supporters in Popular Opinion (22 nd June, 2010) 

• 26% Have Sometime Experienced Receiving Counterfeit Currency Notes While Shopping (July) 

• 88% Claim Their Household Expenditure Has Risen During Ramzan (1st September, 2010) 

1.6.2 Employment 

• Employment opportunities in Pakistan (3rd May, 2010) 

• Own Business versus a Salaried Job (2nd June, 2010) 

• VIEWS ON SIFARISH: 58% Approve Of ‘Sifarish’ To Get A Job While 42% Do Not (10th August, 

2010) 

• Views On Job Security; Minor Change In Opinions During The Last 10 Years (4th October, 2010) 

• 33% Households have Members Searching For A Job, Most (55%) Of Whom Have Been Searching 

For More Than Two Years (25th October, 2010) 

• POPULAR DEBATES ON UNEMPLOYMENT: What Causes It? (26th October, 2010) 

1.6.3 Inflation 

• Majority Says They Have Cut Down Their Expenditures to Counter Inflation (8th June, 2010) 

• Inability to buy food in Pakistan (4th May, 2010) 

1.7 POVERTY 

• Inability to buy food in Pakistan (4th May, 2010) 

• Comparison of poverty in Pakistan and its neighboring countries (10th May, 2010) 

• Majority Believes That Officially Zakat Managed Fund Should Be Used To Alleviate Poverty (7th 

June, 2010) 

• 31% Believe Beggars In Ramzan Are Genuinely Needy (August)

1.8 ENVIRONMENT 

• Views about Global Warming (27th May, 2010) 

1.9 DISASTERS 

[ 18 ] 



• More Than One Third Of All Pakistanis (37%) Claim To Be Affected By The Recent Flood; 14% 

Severely Affected (12th August, 2010) 

• Popular Views On Recent Airplane Tragedy In Islamabad: Bad Luck (36%) Followed By Bad 

Weather (26%), Most Common Reasons Perceived For The Tragic Incident (16th August, 2010) 

• 55% Claim To Have Helped The Flood Victims Of Whom 57% Have Helped Financially (23rd 

August, 2010) 

• Majority (83%) Believes That 2010 Floods Are More Devastating Than 2005 Earthquake (25th 

August, 2010) 

• 26% Hold Government Responsible For The Devastation Caused By The Flood; 73% Say It Was 

Unavoidable Natural Calamity (2nd September, 2010) 

• Eid Mubarak To A Resilient Pakistan: Eighty‐Two Percent (82%) Of Pakistani Men And Women 

Believe Their Country Will Not Sink But Swim Out Stronger From The Tragedy Of Floods (9th 

September, 2010) 

• 57% Believe The Construction Of Kalabagh Dam Could Have Mitigated The Devastation Caused 

By The Flood (16th September, 2010) 

• 86% Believe Government’s Efforts In Flood Relief To Be Insufficient (24th September, 2010) 

1.10 SPORTS 

1.10.1 Cricket 

• Majority has faith in Pakistan's Cricket Team's ability to win the world cup trophy (12th May, 

2010) 

• Afridi’s Resignation From Test Cricket: 35% Think It Is Right While 39% Believe It To Be Wrong 

(August) 

• Half Of All Pakistanis (50%) Believe The Match Fixing Allegations To Be False While 32% Think 

Those To Be True. Nevertheless 87% Are Grieved Over The Scandal (21st September, 2010) 

• 36% Support While 22% Oppose Misbah Ul Haq As The Captain Of Test Cricket Team (29th 


1.10.2 Football 

• 30% of All Pakistanis Claim Watching FIFA World Cup Football (Soccer) Matches (6 th July, 2010) 

1.11 MARRIAGE 

• Criteria for choice of life partners: Good nature beats good looks (21st May, 2010) 

• Views on Divorce Rate in Pakistan (3rd June, 2010) 

• What Is More Enjoyable: Married or Single Life? Majority of the Married (76%) Claim Happiness 

In Married Life While Majority Of Singles (70%) Claim Happiness in Single Life (14 th July 2010) 

• Almost Two Third Of All Pakistanis (64%) Favor Parents’ Signatures On The Nikkahnama To Wed 

(9th August, 2010)

[ 19 ] 



• 40% Consider Compromise And Tolerance To Be The Most Important Factor For A Successful 

Married Life Followed By Economic Prosperity (30%) And Good Understanding (29%) (12th 


• Almost Half Of All Pakistanis Believe That Ideal Age Of Marriage Of A Boy Is Between 21 To 25 

Years And Of A Girl Is Between 19 To 22 Years (12th November 2010) 

• 55% Believe That Divorce Rate Has Increased Recently, 62% Hold Men And Women Equally 

Responsible (13th December, 2010) 

1.12 FESTIVALS 

• Majority (69%) Believes That Independence Day This Year Could Not Be Celebrated With 

Traditional Fervor (26th August, 2010) 

1.13 POLITICS 

• Views about leaving Pakistan due to the social and political unrest prevalent in the country (14th 

May, 2010) 

• What Causes Corruption: Corrupt People or Corrupt System? Pakistani Views Are Split; 51% 

Blame the System While 48% Blame The Person (13 TH July, 2010) 

• Politics Turns Out To Be Not A Very Popular Choice As Profession (19 th July 2010) 

• Rulers Out Of Sync With Popular Dreams; 70% Dissatisfied With Government’s Ability To 

Improve Their Life (23 rd July, 2010) 

• 86% Are Aware Of The Sentence Given To Dr. Aafia, Majority (79%) Of Whom Believes She Is 

Innocent (11th October, 2010) 

• Shelved Benazir Bhutto Monument Project: In A Recent Poll Majority (83%) Had Opposed The 

Construction Of The Ninety Crore Rupees Worth Memorial (14th October, 2010) 

• Support For Mid Term Elections Creeps Up During The Last Two Years; 38% Now In Favor, 42% 

Oppose (15th November, 2010) 

1.14 INTERNATIONAL 

• Reasons for tension between Muslims and Western world (30th April, 2010) 

• ECONOMIC PROSPECTS IN 2011: OPTIMISM IN ASIA AND PESSIMISM IN EUROPE: Findings from 

the World’s leading Global Barometer conducted (22nd December, 2010) 

• More than Half of All Pakistanis (53%) Claim To Be Aware Of The Wikileaks Episode, More Than 

Half Of Whom (52%) Believe That The Documents Have Been Deliberately Published By America 

(27th December, 2010) 

1.15 ENTERTAINMENT 

• 68% Pakistanis listen to music on cassettes, 55% listen to music on CDs 

• Practice Apart, More Than Half (52%) Of All Pakistanis Disapprove Of The Availability Of Foreign 

Music And Movies and its Affect On The Culture (15 th July 2010)

[ 21 ] 


Section I: 

SUBJECT WISE PRESS RELEASES

[ 23 ] 


Section 1.1 

Social Attitudes and 

Lifestyles

Section 1.1.1 Future Perspective 


Section 1.1: SOCIAL ATTITUDES AND LIFESTYLES 

Views on Most Desirable Goal for Pakistan in the Next 10 Years 

According to a survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, in the next ten years Pakistanis want to see 

their country achieve success in many fields; the goal of becoming economically strong tops the list 

of goals which 58% believe should be the highest priority target of the country, followed by 

strengthening defense (23%), freedom of speech regarding happenings at work and in ones 

community (13%), and making the country more beautiful (4%). The remaining 2% were unsure. 

A nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country were asked 

“Nowadays a lot is being discussed about what should be Pakistan’s goals in the next 10 years. From 

amongst the following list of goals, please tell us, in your opinion, which ONE of these should be the 

most important goal of Pakistan?” Fifty eight percent (58%) said that the most important 

goal for Pakistan should be to become economically strong, 23% said strengthening country’s 

defense is crucial, 13% said that people should have the right to express their views about the 

happenings at work places and in their communities, 4% believe that making the country more 

[ 25 ]



beautiful should be the top most priority of Pakistan in the future. The remaining 2% of the 

respondents were not sure of their opinion. 

The findings of the survey reveal that a proportionately higher percentage of ruralites (61%) as 

compared to their urban counterparts (54%) and Pakistanis above the age of 50 (71%) believe that 

economic growth should be one of the most important goals for Pakistan to reach in the next 10 

years. 

“Nowadays a lot is being discussed about what should be Pakistan’s goals in the next 10 years. From 

amongst the following list of goals, please tell us, in your opinion, which ONE of these should be the 

most important goal of Pakistan?" 

The study was released by Gilani foundation and carried out by Gallup Pakistan, the Pakistani 

affiliate of Gallup International. The recent survey was carried out among a sample of 2723 men and 

women in rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country, during April 2010. Error margin 

is estimated to be approximately + 2‐3 per cent at 95% confidence level. 

Hopes About The Next Generation: 28% Believe They Will Be Comparatively More 

Prosperous And 22% Say They Will Be Relatively More Safe 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, 28% believe that 

the next generation will be more prosperous as compared to us and 22% are of the opinion that they 

will be more safe and secure than us. 

ON SAFETY 

In a survey, a nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country were 

asked the following question: “In your opinion how safe would our next generation be as compared 

to ours?” Twenty two percent (22%) were hopeful for the safety of the next generation, 27% 

believed that safety situation would remain the same while 39% were pessimistic. 12% said they 

don’t know. 

[ 26 ]



“In your opinion how safe would our next generation be as compared to ours?” 

ON PROSPERITY 

Hopes for Safety in Next Generation 

In another question, a nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country 

were asked the following question: “In your opinion how prosperous would our next generation be as 

compared to ours?” Twenty eight percent (28%) were optimistic about the prosperity of the next 

generation, 26% thought prosperity situation would neither improve nor worsen where as 36% 

believed that the prosperity situation would deteriorate. 11% said they don’t know. 

“In your opinion how prosperous would our next generation be as compared to 

ours?” 

Hopes for Prosperity in Next Generation 



women in rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country, during August 2010. Error 

margin is estimated to be approximately + 2‐3 per cent at 95% confidence level. 

[ 27 ]



Most Pakistanis (22%) Aspired To Be Doctors In Their Childhood 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, most popular 

aspiration was becoming a doctor (22%) followed by becoming a teacher (14%). The preference for 

medical profession was also shown in a survey in 2009 where 23% said they would like their children 

to go in the medical field. 


asked the following question: “Every child has a dream to achieve something when he/she grows up. 

What did you aspire to become in your childhood?” The most popular ambition turned out to be 

doctor (22%), followed by becoming a teacher. Other desired professions included becoming an 

engineer, judge, businessman, lawyer, pilot, army officer, banker; religious scholar etc. 20% had no 

aspirations in their childhood while 10% gave no response. 

“Every child has a dream to achieve something when he/she grows up. What did you aspire 

to become in your childhood?” 

In 2009, a nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country were asked 

the following question: “Which profession would you like your child to adopt?” It is seen that 

majority (23%) wanted their children to go into medicine and become doctors. 13% wanted their 

children to do government jobs/civil services or find a job outside Pakistan, 12% preferred their 

children to become businessmen, and 11% wanted their children to teach. 9% preferred engineering 

jobs and 6% liked military jobs for their children. The rest of the respondents mentioned law, 

banking, police, skilled labour and others as their choice for their children’s profession. 

[ 28 ]



“Which profession would you like your child to adopt?” 



women in rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country, during October 2010. Error 


Perception That The Country Is Heading In The Right Direction Continues To Be 

Extremely Low At Year End: GILANI POLL/GALLUP PAKISTAN 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, 19% of all 

Pakistanis say that their country is heading in the right direction where as 80% do not believe so. 

This is a further change from January 2010: In January, a similar Gallup and Gilani poll had found that 

21% said that country is on the right track while 74% of Pakistanis perceived the country to be 

moving in the wrong direction. 


asked the following question: “In your opinion is our country heading in the right or the wrong 

direction?” In November only nineteen percent (19%) believed their country is moving in the right 

direction as opposed to 80% who are of the opinion that it is heading in the wrong direction. 1% 

gave no response. The comparable figures in response to the same question in January 2010 were: 

21% said that the country is on the right track while 74% said it is not. 5% gave no response. 

A detailed analysis of data shows that proportionately more ruralites (22%) believe that their 

country is going in the right direction as compared to their urban counterparts (13%). 

[ 29 ]



“In your opinion is our country heading in the right or the wrong direction?” 



women in rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country, during November 2010. Error 

margin is estimated to be approximately + 2‐3 per cent at 95 confidence level. 

Facing Unforeseen Hard Times: 31% Believe Its Best To Save Money For A Rainy 

Day Followed By Saving Food Items (25%): GILANI POLL/GALLUP PAKISTAN 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, almost one third of 

all Pakistanis (31%) believe it is better to save money for unforeseen hardships followed by saving 

food items (25%). 


asked the following question: “In your opinion what commodity should one save in order to survive 

during hard times?” Thirty one percent (31%) said it is better to save food for hard times, 25% said 

one should hoard food items, 19% and 18% believed that one should invest in land and gold 

respectively. 6% gave other responses. 1% gave no response. 

A detailed analysis of the data shows that relatively more ruralites (29%) prefer saving food for a 

rainy day as compared to their urban counter parts (18%). 

[ 30 ]



“In your opinion what commodity should one save in order to survive during hard 

times?” 





[ 31 ]

Section 1.1.2 Living Conditions 

Inadequate Water Supply in Pakistan 



According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, more than two 

thirds of all Pakistanis (71%) have complained about insufficient water supply by citing that the 

problem of water supply in their area is severe or at least somewhat serious. The remaining 

respondents claim they do not face water supply problems in their area (25%) or gave no response 

(4%). 

A nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country were asked “How 

serious is the problem of water supply in your area?” Thirty seven percent (37%) said water supply 

problem is very serious in their area, 34% said water problem is somewhat serious, whereas 25% 

said it is not at all a problem. The remaining 4% of the respondents gave no response. 

“How serious is the problem of water supply in your area?” 

[ 33 ]







On Availability of Opportunities for Children to Grow Learn 

According to a survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, while a comparatively higher percentage of 

Pakistanis are confident that children in this country have enough opportunities to learn and live a 

successful life, a significant 42% disagree and believe that children do not have enough opportunities 

to grow in Pakistan. The remaining 1% gave no response. 

A nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country were asked “Some 

people believe that there are enough opportunities for the children to learn and succeed in Pakistan 

whereas others disagree with this. What is your view point?” Fifty seven percent (57%) said that 

there are enough opportunities available for children to learn and succeed in life whereas 42% 

believe otherwise. The remaining 1% of the respondents gave no response. 

The findings of the survey reveal no significant difference in opinion of people from across various 

demographics, except that a comparatively higher percentage of urbanites (63%) as compared to 

their rural counterparts (54%) are of the opinion that in Pakistan children have many opportunities 

to learn and lead a successful life. 

“Some people believe that there are enough opportunities for the children to learn and succeed in 

Pakistan whereas others disagree with this. What is your view point?” 42% 

[ 34 ]



Source: Gilani Poll conducted by Gallup Pakistan, the Pakistani affiliate of Gallup International Association 

(www.gallup-international.com; www.gallup.com.pk) 



women in rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country, during May 2010. Error margin 


Almost Half Of All Pakistanis (43%) Complain Of More Than 8 Hours Of Load 

Shedding In Their Locality 

A recent Gilani poll conducted by Gallup Pakistan, shows that 43% of all Pakistanis claim to be 

affected by more than 8 hours of load shedding, 25% complain of 6‐8 hours without electricity, 27% 

of 3‐ 5 hours and 4% of 1‐2 hours. 1% have given no response. The figures reflect their perceptions 

and may or may not correspond with the real load shedding durations. 

A nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country were asked the 

following question: “What is the duration of load shedding in your area?” Forty three percent (43%) 

suffered from more than 8 hours of load shedding, 25% complained of 6‐8 hours of load shedding, 

27% remained 3‐5 hours without electricity while 4% 1‐2 hours. 1% gave no response. 

The findings of the survey revealed that more ruralites (54%) complain of more than 8 hours of load 

shedding while more urbanites (41%) claim to remain 3 to 5 hours without electricity. 

“What is the duration of load shedding in your area?” 



women in rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country, during July 2010. Error margin is 

estimated to be approximately + 2‐3 per cent at 95% confidence level. 

[ 35 ]



Views On Settling Down Abroad; Minor Change In Opinions During The Last 25 

Years 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, 27% say that given 

an opportunity, they would like to settle down abroad while 58% claim they do not. This is not a very 

significant change from 25 years ago: In 1985, a similar Gallup and Gilani poll had found that 22% 

showed a preference for living outside Pakistan while 65% did not. 

In two different surveys, a nationally representative sample of men and women from across the 

country were asked the following question: “Would you like to settle down in any country other than 

Pakistan?” In 2010, 27% showed keenness in settling abroad as opposed to 58% who did not. 15% 

gave no response. The comparable figures in response to the same question in 1985 were: 22% were 

eager to live outside Pakistan where as 65% were not. 13% gave no response. 

A detailed analysis of the recent data shows that more urbanites (34%) would like to settle abroad as 

compared to their rural counterparts (24%). The survey data also reveals that proportionately a 

higher percentage of males (31%) would prefer living outside Pakistan than the females (23%). It can 

also be seen that with age the willingness to settle down abroad decreases. 33% of the under 30 and 

24% of over 51 years showed interest in residing outside the country. 

“If given an opportunity, will you like to settle down in any country other than Pakistan?” 

Source: 30 Years of Gallup and Gilani Surveys (1980‐2010) 

the Pakistani affiliate of Gallup International Association (www.gallup-international.com; www.gallup.com.pk) 





[ 36 ]

Section 1.1.3 Social Mobility 



Pakistanis Discontented with the current Public Transport System in the country 

According to a survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, views on the public transport system available 

in the country are split, however a comparatively higher percentage of all Pakistanis (57%) have 

shown discontentment with the public transport system whereas 47% claim to be satisfied with it. 

The remaining 1% of the respondents gave no response. 

A nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country were asked “To what 

extent are you satisfied with the public transport available through out the country?” Nine percent 

(9%) said they are extremely satisfied, 33% appear to be somewhat satisfied, another 33% said they 

are not very satisfied, whereas 24% claimed they are not at all satisfied with the public transport 

system available in the country. The remaining 1% of the respondents gave no response. 


demographics, except that a comparatively higher percentage of people above 50 years of age (73%) 

seem to be somewhat or extremely displeased with the public transport running in Pakistan. 

“To what extent are you satisfied with the public transport available through out the country?” 

[ 37 ]







Most Pakistanis Use Buses, Wagons And Motorcycles To Commute Within The City 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, most Pakistanis use 

motorcycles (30%), and buses (24%) followed by wagons (15%) for traveling within the city. 


asked the following question: “What means of transportation do you use for commuting within the 

city?” Thirty percent (30%) use motorcycles for traveling within the city, followed by 24% who 

commute through buses, 15% use wagons, 12% rickshaws, 7% cars. Taxis and tongas (horse carriage) 

are used as means of transportation by 6% each. The cars and motorcycles may be self owned or 

owned by a close relative or friend. 

The findings of the survey reveal that relatively more ruralites depend on buses and wagons where 

as comparatively more urbanites use motorcycles and cars for transportation. The cars and 

motorcycles may be self owned or owned by a close relative or friend. 

“What means of transportation do you use for commuting within the city?” 





[ 38 ]

Section 1.1.4 Family 

Women’s Role in Children’s Upbringing 



According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, nearly half of all 

Pakistanis (48%) believe both men and women have to help each other but they hold women more 

responsible for upbringing children, 29% believe both have an equal role to play in their children’s 

lives, 13% believe only women should raise children, and others claim that either only men should 

be responsible (3%) or that although both are responsible, men as fathers have to play a more 

important role (4%). The remaining 3% were unsure. 

A nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country were asked “In your 

view who, amongst men and women, should be responsible for raising children?” Thirteen percent 

(13%) said only women should be responsible while 48% believe it is both men and women’s duty to 

raise kids, but women have more responsibility towards their children. Three percent (3%) claimed it 

is only men’s duty, 4% believe that both are responsible however men have to play a more 

important role, whereas 29% said that both men and women are equally responsible for raising 

children. The remaining 3% of the respondents were unsure. 

[ 39 ]




demographics, except that a proportionately higher percentage of people above 50 years of age 

(68%) are of the opinion that although both men and women should help each other raise children, 

women have more responsibility. 

“In your view who amongst men and women should be more responsible for raising children?” 





72% believe that it has become difficult to raise children as compared to 10 years 

ago 

According to a survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, more than two thirds of all Pakistanis (72%) 

believe that nowadays it has become very difficult to raise children as compared to 10 years ago; 

however one fourth (24%) believe that raising children is not affected by any change in the 

environment. The remaining 4% gave no response. 


people believe that raising children in today’s environment has become difficult as compared to 10 

years ago while others believe that environment does not have any affect on children’s upbringing. 

What is your view point?” Seventy two percent (72%) said raising children nowadays is much more 

[ 40 ]



difficult whereas 24% are of the opinion that environment does not have any affect on children’s 

upbringing. The remaining 4% of the respondents gave no response. 

“Some people believe that raising children in today’s environment has become difficult as compared 

to 10 years ago while others believe that environment does not have any affect on children’s 

upbringing. What is your view point?” 





Vast majority of all Pakistanis seem to be aware and in favor of celebrating 

mother’s day 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, a vast majority of 

all Pakistanis seem to be aware and in favor of celebrating mother’s day, like it is celebrated in other 

parts of the world every year in the month of May; 65% of the people claim to be aware of this 

particular day whereas 35% are unaware. As for supporting such celebrations 77% of all Pakistanis 

are in the favor of Muslims celebrating mother’s day while only 17% oppose it, and 6% appear to be 

unsure. 

[ 41 ]




“Recently mother’s day was celebrated in Pakistan like in the rest of the world. Have you read or 

heard about it?” Sixty five percent (65%) said they have heard about it whereas 35% claimed to be 

unaware. It is seen that a higher percentage of urbanites (84%) as compared to ruralites (56%) 

appeared to be aware of the mother’s day celebrations in Pakistan. 

“Recently mother’s day was celebrated in Pakistan like in the rest of the world. Have you read or 

heard about it?” 

In a follow up question the respondents who claimed to be aware of the mother’s day were asked 

“Some people believe that mother’s day is the tradition of the west and should not be followed by 

the Muslims, while others disagree and believe that it can be celebrated by everyone. In your 

opinion should Muslims celebrate Mother’s day or not?” Seventy seven percent (77%) said Muslims 

should celebrate this day whereas only 17% claimed that Muslims should not follow western 

traditions. The remaining 6% of the respondents were unsure. 

“Some people believe that mother’s day is the tradition of the west and should not be followed by 

the Muslims, while others disagree and believe that it can be celebrated by everyone. In your 

opinion should Muslims celebrate Mother’s day or not?” 

[ 42 ]







Majority (61%) Believes That Children Should Be Checked 

Attitudes towards children differ around the world in various cultures. According to a Gilani 

Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, almost two third of all Pakistanis (61%) 

believe that children should be checked when they indulge in mischievous acts so that they don’t get 

spoilt while 35% say that they should not be checked in order to enhance their learning process. 4% 

say they don’t know. 


following question “Some people are of the opinion that not checking children when they act 

mischievously adds to their ability to learn while others believe that not keeping control over 

children when they are being naughty spoils them. What is your opinion?” Sixty one (61%) believed 

that children should be checked when they behave naughtily for their better grooming while 35% 

assumed that not interfering when children behave mischievously sharpens their learning ability, 4% 

said they don’t know. 

[ 43 ]



An interesting finding is that proportionately greater percentage of ruralites (63%) supposed that 

children should be checked when indulged in mischievous activities as compared to urbanites (59%). 

“Some people are of the opinion that not checking children when they act mischievously adds to 

their ability to learn while others believe that not keeping control over children when they are being 

naughty spoils them. What is your opinion?” 





[ 44 ]



63% Pakistanis Take Suggestions from Their Family Members in Making 

Important Decisions of Their Life 

A good decision that everyone owns and supports is better than a great decision that is only owned 

by only one person. According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, 

almost two third (63%) of all Pakistanis take suggestions from their family members to make major 

decisions in life, 10% from their friends, 21% say they make decisions without much consultation and 

rely on their personal judgment only. The remaining gave miscellaneous responses such as 

consultation with a religious leader. 


following question: “Everyone comes across such situations where one has to make major decisions 

in life. From whom do you take suggestions when you have to make an important decision of your 

life?” Sixty three percent (63%) take suggestions from the family, 10% take opinions of their friends, 

21% make decisions independently. Remaining 6% gave other responses including seeking spiritual 

guidance, consultation with a religious scholar etc. 

A detailed analysis of data shows that a larger percentage of ruralites (68%) take suggestions from 

their family members in the decision making process as compared to their urban counterparts (53%). 

The findings also reveal that more men make decisions independently and even take suggestions 

from friends where as more women take opinions of the family. “Everyone comes across such 

situations where one has to make major decisions in life. From whom do you take suggestions when 

you have to make an important decision of your life?” 



women in rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country, during June 2010. Error margin 


[ 45 ]



85% Believe That Having Children Is Essential To Lead A Pleasant Life: GILANI 

POLL/GALLUP PAKISTAN 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, 85% believe that 

having children is very important for a pleasant life. This is a slight change from 9 years back, in 

2001; a similar Gallup and Gilani poll had found that 90% believed that children were essential to 

lead a happy life. 


country were asked the following question: “In your opinion how important are having children for a 

pleasant life?” In 2010 85% say it very important, 13% believe important to some extent, 1% 

consider children to be not important at all. 2% gave no response. The comparable figures in 

response to the same question in 2001 were: 90% said children are very important, 8% important to 

some extent and 2% not important at all. 

A detailed analysis of the recent data showed that more of the ruralites (89%) believe that children 

are very important for leading a pleasant life as compared to their urban counter parts (79%). There 

was no significant difference in the opinion by gender. It can also be seen that with age the 

perception that children are important for a pleasant life increases. 82% of the under 30 and 90% of 

over 51 years believed in this notion. 

“In your opinion how important are having children for a pleasant life?” 





[ 46 ]

Section 1.1.5 Society 



Perceptions on The Most Liked Aspect of One’s Neighborhood 

According to a survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, there are several things which people like 

about their neighborhoods. In Pakistan it is seen that more than half of all Pakistanis (57%) claim 

that the best aspect of their locality are the inhabitants of that place, followed by weather (16%), 

market areas (13%), recreational areas (6%), proper security arrangements (4%), and 1% say there 

are other aspects they like the most about their area. The remaining 3% either do not like anything 

about their neighborhood or gave no response. 

A nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country were asked “Please 

tell us what one aspect do you like the most about your locality?” Fifty seven percent (57%) said they 

like the people living in their area, 16% claimed they like their locality’s weather, 13% said that the 

best thing about their area are the market areas, 6% like the recreational areas available in their 

locality, 4% cited arrangement of proper security as the top benefit of their area and 1% said other. 

The remaining 3% of the respondents either said they do not like anything about their 

neighbourhood or gave no response. 

The findings of the survey reveal that while a higher percentage of urbanites (25%) cited Markets to 

be the best aspect of their locality, a comparatively higher percentage of ruralites (63%) said that the 

best part of their locality are its inhabitants. 

“Please tell us what one aspect do you like the most about your locality?” 





[ 47 ]



Majority Believes That Cultural Values Of Leading A Good Life Are Fading Away 

From Our Society 

Pakistan has a cultural and ethnic background going back to the Indus Valley Civilization, which 

existed from 2800–1800 B.C., and was remarkable for its ordered cities, advanced sanitation, 

excellent roads, and uniquely structured society. Pakistan has been invaded many times in the past, 

and has been occupied and settled by many different peoples, each of whom have left their imprint 

on the current inhabitants of the country. Some of the largest groups were the 'Aryans', Greeks, 

Scythians, Persians, White Huns, Arabs, Turks, Mongols, Afghans, Buddhists and other Eurasian 

groups, up to and including the British, who left in the late 1940s. 

The region has formed a distinct cultural unit within the main cultural complex of South Asia, the 

Middle East and Central Asia from the earliest times, and is analogous to Turkey's position in Eurasia. 

There are differences in culture among the different ethnic groups in matters such as dress, food, 

and religion, especially where pre‐Islamic customs differ from Islamic practices. Their cultural origins 

also reveal influences from far afield, including Tibet, Nepal, India and eastern Afghanistan. All 

groups show varying degrees of influence from Persia, Turkestan and Hellenistic Greece. Pakistan 

was the first region of South Asia to receive the full impact of Islam and has developed a distinct 

Islamic identity, historically different from areas further west. 

Pakistani society is largely multilingual, multi‐ethnic and multicultural. Though cultures within the 

country differ to some extent, more similarities than differences can be found, as most Pakistanis 

are mainly of Aryan heritage or have coexisted side by side along the Indus River for several 

thousand years, or both. However, over 60 years of integration, a distinctive "Pakistani" culture has 

sprung up, especially in the urban areas where many of the diverse ethnic groups have coexisted and 

in many cases, intermarried. Education is highly regarded by members of every socio‐economic 

stratum, with the country now having a literacy rate of 55%, up from 3% at the time of 

independence. Traditional family values are highly respected and considered sacred, although urban 

families increasingly form nuclear families, owing to socio‐economic constraints imposed by the 

traditional culture of the extended family. 

Pakistan comprises of four assorted provinces, Punjab, Balochistan, NWFP & Sindh, each with its 

own values and customs. This is a land of vast cultures yet its people are bound together by such 

common elements as patriotism and respect for religion. Most of the population belongs to lower 

class, lacking even basic necessities of life, which makes them more concerned with income for them 

and their families. These people are characterized as tough, brave, flamboyant and zest. The dresses 

of the people are simple and decent, influenced by various climatic regions. Same is the case with 

their foods, they are simple, nutritious and are according to local needs. With so many cultural 

divisions in Pakistan, there are numerous langauges spoken in different parts of the country with 

some as famous as Urdu & English and some limited to local areas like Brahawi & Balti. 

[ 48 ]




Pakistanis say that cultural values of leading a good life are fading away from the society while 30% 

believe that they are still deeply ingrained. 8% say they don’t know. 


following question: “Some people believe that cultural values of leading a good life are fading away 

from our society where as others believe that even today they are strongly instilled in our society, 

what is your opinion?” Sixty two percent (62%) assumed that cultural values of leading a good life 

have started disappearing from our society while 30% believed that traditions are still strongly 

embedded. 8% were uncertain as they said they don’t know. 

“Some people believe that cultural values of leading a good life are fading away from our society 

where as others believe that even today they are strongly instilled in our society, what is your 

opinion?” 

The view that traditions are deeply rooted is higher at 30% among the young, (less than 30 years of 

age) than among the older population (above 50 years), only 21% of whom believe the same. The 

study was released by Gilani foundation and carried out by Gallup Pakistan, the Pakistani affiliate of 

Gallup International. The recent survey was carried out among a sample of 2755 men and women in 

rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country, during May 2010. Error margin is 


Are Men And Women Treated Equally In The Society? 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, more than half 

(53%) of all Pakistanis perceive that society treats men better than women while on the other side 

25% say that women are treated better than men. Only 17% believe that both genders are treated 

equally and 4% say they don’t know. 


following question: “In your opinion are men and women treated equally in our country or not? 

Kindly choose a statement from the following which is nearest to your view”. Fifty three percent 

(53%) believed men enjoyed an edge in treatment where as 26% were of the opinion that women 

[ 49 ]



get superior treatment. Only 17% stated that both are treated equally while 4% were uncertain as 

they said they don’t know. 

One would have expected a gender difference in the response. But surprisingly the difference is very 

small: 51% of men believed that they enjoy an unfair edge in treatment while the comparable figure 

among women is slightly higher at 54%. “In your opinion are men and women treated equally in our 

country or not? Kindly choose a statement from the following which is nearest to your view. ” 





A Reservoir For Community Development: One Third (33%) Claim To Have 

Thought About Improving Lives Of Others Within Their Community 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, one third of all 

Pakistanis (33%) say they have come up with ideas to improve the lives of people of their community 

where as 58% claim not to have any such inspirations. 9% have given no response. 


following question: “Have you ever come up with an idea for improving the lives of the people of your 

community?” Thirty three percent (33%) have considered helping the people of their community 

while 58% have never thought about it. 9% gave no response. 

A detailed analysis of data shows that proportionately a higher percentage of urbanites (44%) have 

thought about helping the people of their community compared to their rural counterparts (27%). 

The survey data also reveals that more males (40%) reflected upon improving the lives others than 

[ 50 ]



the females (24%). These findings reinforce the view that urbanites and males are more empowered 

and feel the need to help others. It can also be seen that with age the concern for community 

welfare increased, 35% of over 50 years of age and 28% of the under 30 claimed to have come up 

with ideas for helping the people. 

“Have you ever come up with an idea for improving the lives of the people of your 

community?” 





[ 51 ]

Section 1.1.6 Social Beliefs 



74% of all Pakistanis Claim ‘Honour’ to be Their Top Most Desire 


thirds of all Pakistanis (74%) claim their top most desire would be honor, followed by money as cited 

by 15% and 11% say their top most wish is to get famous. 


“Suppose if you have to choose from the following list of wishes, what will be your first choice?” 

Seventy four percent (74%) said their first choice would be Honour, 15% claimed Money is their top 

most desire, whereas 11% said they want Fame. 

The findings of the survey reveal that a proportionately higher percentage of Pakistanis below 50 

years of age and women (79%) claim their wish is to be given honour whereas a comparatively 

higher percentage of respondents above 50 years of age (29%) claim money would be their first 

wish. 

“Suppose if you have to choose from the following list of wishes, what will be your first choice?” 





55% Believe That Transgender (Eunuchs) Should Be Given Special Quota In 

Educational Institutes And Offices, However, 60% Would Not Like To Be Friends 

With Them 

Eunuchs in Pakistan have claimed that they are treated worse than animals in the country, 

highlighting that there is a Government department for wildlife and animals, but no department yet 

exists for eunuchs. 


(55%) of all Pakistanis say that that transgender (eunuchs) should be given special quota in 

[ 53 ]



educational institutes and offices so that they can have a better life. 25% do not agree and 20% state 

they do not know. However, majority (60%) states that they would not like to be friends with them, 

only 14% say they would while 26% mention that they can’t say for sure. 


following question: “Some people believe that educational institutes and offices should have a 

specific/ special quota for eunuchs so that like other people they can get educated and earn a living 

while others do not think so. What is your opinion?” Fifty five percent (55%) were of the opinion that 

special quota should be reserved for eunuchs as opposed to 25% who did not believe so. A 

significant 20% were uncertain as they said they don’t know. 

“Some people believe that educational institutes and offices should have a specific quota for 

eunuchs so that like other people they can get educated and earn a living while others do not think 

so. What is your opinion?” 

In a follow up question the respondents were asked “If an eunuch wants to be friends with you, will 

you agree or not?” Majority (60%) stated that they would not want to be friends with them, 14% 

said they would, where as a considerable 26% mentioned that they can’t say for sure. The result of 

the findings show that women are more apprehensive about becoming friends with the transgender 

as only 10% responded in the affirmative while 17% of the men agreed. The findings also reveal that 

there is a difference of opinion among the age groups. Willingness to become friends with the 

transgender is higher at 21% among the old (51 plus) than among the young population (under 30) 

as only 13% of whom believe the same. 

[ 54 ]







75% Believe That Load Shedding Problem Remains Unchanged or Has Even 

Worsened Despite Early Shut down Of the Market Places 

Electricity load shedding in Pakistan has increased manifold. For last month electricity load‐shedding 

has increased to sixteen hours daily in some areas of the country. No improvement has been made 

despite numerous assurances of government officials and the ministers. 

Electricity load‐shedding is one of the biggest issues in Pakistan including poverty and 

unemployment. Government should take drastic measure to finish this electricity load‐shedding. 

Further electricity load shedding is being used as a weapon in order to obstruct people from work. 

This type of electricity load shedding happens any time without any time table. 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, 45% are of the view 

that the load shedding situation has remained the same in spite of the early shutdown of the 

markets. 30% say it has worsened. Only 24% believe early closing of business markets in the evening 

has contributed to better supply of electricity. 1% has given no response. 


following question: “Some people believe that after the early shut down of the market places, the 

frequency of load shedding has remained the same, while some say it has increased and others say it 

has decreased. What is your opinion?” Forty five percent (45%) said that the frequency of load 

shedding has remained the same after the early shut down of market places in the evenings, 30% 

believed it has increased while 24% were of the opinion that electricity provision has improved. 1% 

gave no response. 

The findings reveal that comparatively higher percentage of urbanites (34%) were of the view that 

load shedding has increased since the early closure of markets as compared to their rural 

counterparts (28%). 

[ 55 ]



“Some people believe that after the early shut down of the market places, the frequency of load 

shedding has remained the same, while some say it has increased and others say it has decreased. 

What is your opinion?” 





[ 56 ]

Section 1.1.7 Miscellaneous 

Most Pakistanis fear getting into various kinds of accidents 



According to a survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, most Pakistanis fear getting into different kinds 

of accidents; of them fearing car accidents tops the list as claimed by 35% of all Pakistanis, followed 

by fear of drowning (16%), Air crash (14%), Train accident (10%), Falling from height (10%), and 

getting electric shock is feared the most by 9%. The remaining respondents claim to not be scared of 

any accidents (4%) or gave no response. 

A nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country were asked “God 

save everyone from bad accidents. Please tell us which one of the following accidents do you fear 

the most?” Thirty five percent (35%) said they are most scared of car accidents, 16% fear drowning, 

14% are scared of Aeroplane crashes, 10% are afraid of train accidents, another 10% claimed to be 

terrified of falling from heights, and 9% said electric shock scares them the most. The remaining 

respondents either claimed no accidents scare them (4%) or gave no response (2%). 

The findings of the survey reveal that a higher percentage of ruralites (42%) as compared to 

urbanites (22%) claim to be most scared of car accidents. It is also seen that while a proportionately 

higher percentage of people above 50 years of age fear aeroplane crash, a comparatively higher 

percentage of Pakistanis below 50 years of age are petrified of drowning. 

[ 57 ]



“God save everyone from bad accidents. Please tell us which one of the following accidents 

do you fear the most?” 





64% Of Pakistanis Say They Often Reflect About Death 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, almost two thirds 

of all Pakistanis (64%) say they often reflect about death, 33% sometimes think about it while 2% 

never reflect upon it. 1% have given no response. 


following question “How frequently do you think about or recall your death?” Sixty four percent 

(64%) claimed to think about their death often, 33% said that they sometimes recall their death 

where as 2% stated they never reflect upon their death. 1% gave no response. 

The findings of the survey reveal that proportionately a higher percentage of ruralites (68%) recall 

their death often as compared to their urban counterparts (57%). The data also shows that with the 

increase in age, the thoughts about death come more often, as 77% of over 50 years of age and 58% 

of the under 30 claim to often reflect about death. 

“How frequently do you think about or recall your death?” 

[ 58 ]







29% Use Henna For Their Hair Care 

Henna is a flowering plant used since antiquity to dye skin, hair, fingernails, leather and wool. 

Applying Henna for various purposes is widely practiced in Pakistan, where Henna is commercially 

cultivated and sold. 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, oil turns out to be 

the most commonly used hair care product used by 89%, followed by soap (68%), shampoo (55%) 

and henna (29%). 


following question: “Which of the following products do you use to take care of your hair?” Eighty 

nine percent (89%) treated their hair with oil, 68% used soap for them, 55% shampooed their hair 

and henna was applied by 29% on the hair. Other least common hair products turned out to be egg 

and yogurt used by 10% each, hair color (8%) and Gel (3%). 

A detailed analysis of data shows that proportionately a higher percentage of ruralites (91%) use oil 

to pamper their hair as compared to their urban counterparts (84%). Usage of soap in the urban 

areas is very low (45%) as compared to rural regions (81%) and shampoo on the other hand is 

consumed more by urbanites (46%) than ruralites (70%). Shampoo turns out to be more popular in 

females while soap is used by more males. 

“Which of the following products do you use to take care of your hair?” 

[ 59 ]







Curly Hair Liked by Only 19% 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, majority (55%) of 

all Pakistanis prefer straight hair while only 19% favour curly hair. A quarter of all Pakistanis (25%) 

neither like straight hair nor curly. 1% have given no response. 


following question: “Some people like straight hair while others like curly hair, what kind of hair do 

you prefer?” Fifty five percent (55%) said they like straight hair where as 19% stated they are fond of 

curly hair. 25% mentioned they neither like straight nor curly hair. 1% gave no response. 


demographics; however men are slightly more inclined towards curly hair (21%) than women (17%). 

“Some people like straight hair while others like curly hair, what kind of hair do you prefer?” 





[ 60 ]



Almost All Pakistanis (97%) Claim To Have A Regular Habit Of Cleaning Their 

Teeth 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, almost half of all 

Pakistanis (45%) claim to clean their teeth once a day, 40% clean them twice a day, 8% thrice 

a day and 4% four or more times in a day . 1% do not clean their teeth while 2% have given no 

response. 


following question: “How many times in a day do you clean your teeth?” Forty five percent (45%) 

claimed to clean their teeth once a day, 40% stated that they have a habit of cleaning their teeth 

twice a day, 8% mentioned thrice a day while 4% said four or more than four times a day. 1% stated 

that they do not clean their teeth and 2% gave no response. The manner of cleaning teeth has a 

variety, especially three methods stand out; Toothpaste, Manjan (a powder based method) and 

Miswak (an organic stick/tree branch based method). A subsequent study will analyze the 

proportional split between these various methods and the change in the share of each over the last 

30 years. 


demographics, surprisingly not even among rural and urban populations. 

“How many times in a day do you clean your teeth?” 





[ 61 ]



78% Males Mostly Wear Shalwar Kameez, 22% Wear Trousers 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, more than three 

quarter of all Pakistanis (78%) say that Shalwar Kameez is mostly worn by their male family members 

where as 22% mention that shirt and trousers are more popular among the males in their 

households. 


asked the following question: “Do the male members of your family mostly wear Shalwar Kameez or 

Shirt and Trousers?” A vast majority of 78% said that their male family members mostly wear 

Shalwar Kameez as opposed to 22% who mentioned that pants and shirts are more common among 

the males of their households. 

A detailed analysis of data shows that proportionately a greater number of ruralites (87%) are fonder 

of Shalwar Kameez as compared to their urban counter parts (61%). On the other hand trousers are 

more popular in the urban areas (38%) as compared to the rural regions (13%). A comparison among 

provinces shows that Shalwar Kameez is most popular (87%) in Kyber Pakhtoonkwa (KP) while 

trousers are least in vogue (13%). 

“Do the male members of your family mostly wear Shalwar Kameez or Shirt and Trousers?” 





[ 62 ]



Views On Women’s Rights Of Inheritance; Minor Change In Opinions During The 

Last 30 Years 


Pakistanis say that women are given their due share of inheritance in their family while 20% stated 

they aren’t. This is not a very significant change from 30 years ago: In 1981, a similar Gallup and 

Gilani poll had found that 71% of Pakistanis claimed that women were given their rights of 

inheritance where as 15% said they weren’t. It should be noted that those findings relate to 

perceptions which may be different from factual positions. There is a possibility that rights of 

inheritance are not known to all respondents. Furthermore it also depends on whether the 

respondents have faced with a serious issue of inheritance. In a society where savings are very little 

for vast majority of population, issues of inheritance are to be viewed accordingly. 


country were asked the following question: “Do women get their due share in inheritance in your 

family?” In 2010 73% replied in affirmative as opposed to 20% who said that women aren’t given 

share in inheritance. 7% gave no response. The comparable figures in response to the same question 

in 1985 were: 71% claimed that women were given their due share in inheritance where as 15% 

stated that women’s rights of inheritance did not take place in their families. 14% gave no response. 

The findings of the recent survey revealed slight variations among the rural (71%) and urban (76%) 

populations who replied in affirmative. 

“Do women get their due share in inheritance in your family?” 



women in rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country, during September 2010. Error 


[ 63 ]



41% Claim To Sleep For 6 To 8 Hours On An Average In A Day, Others Sleep Less 

(42%) Or More (17%): GILANI POLL/GALLUP PAKISTAN 


Pakistanis say that they sleep for 6 to 8 hours on average in a day followed by 25% who claim to 

sleep for 4 to 6 hours usually. 


asked the following question: “How many hours, on an average, do you sleep daily?” Seventeen 

percent (17%) said they sleep for less than 4 hours usually, 25% stated that they sleep for 4 to 6 

hours on an average. 41% mentioned they generally sleep for 6 to 8 hours, 14% for 8 to 10 hours and 

3% for more than 10 hours. 3% gave no response. 

The findings of the survey revealed that women tend to sleep less than man as 47% sleep less than 6 

hours. The comparable figure for men is 38%. 

“How many hours, on an average, do you sleep daily?” 





[ 64 ]

78% Believe That Females Cook Tastier Food Than Males 




fourth (78%) of all Pakistanis are of the opinion that females are better at cooking than males where 

as 21% believed that males have an edge over the females in cooking. 


asked the following question: “In your opinion do females cook tastier food or males?” Seventy eight 

percent (78%) believed that women cook tastier food than men as opposed to 21% who thought it is 

the other way round. 1% gave no response. Surprisingly the findings of the survey revealed no 

significant difference in opinions among the rural and urban populations. A province wise analysis 

showed that most respondents from Kyber Pakhtoonkhwa (88%) believed that female cook tastier 

food. It was also interesting to notice that comparatively more females (82%) than males (75%) 

assumed that women are better cooks where as on the other hand relatively more males (25%) 

compared to females (18%) held the view that men cook better food. 

“In your opinion do females cook tastier food or males?” 





[ 65 ]



Corruption And Traffic Police: Of The Cases You Know How Was A Traffic 

Violation Handled? 30% Report Paying A Bribe, While 49% Report Proper Action 

And 20% Say They Were Let Off After Apology 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, more than one 

third of all Pakistanis (39%) say that they or someone they know have been caught by traffic police 

for violating the rules, 49% of whom say that they were served with a proper challan. 


following question “Have you or anyone you know ever been caught for violating traffic rules while 

driving a car or a motorcycle?” 39% responded in affirmative where as 60% said that such an 

instance never took place with them or with anyone they know. 1% gave no response 

A detailed analysis of the data showed that comparatively more urbanites (48%) claimed to have 

experienced or know someone who has experienced such a situation as compared to its rural 

counter parts (34%). Same is the case with males (51%) who were more familiar with such instances 

than the females (25%). 

“Have you or anyone you know ever been caught for violating traffic 

rules while driving a car or a motorcycle?” 

In a follow up question, a nationally representative sample of men and women from across the 

country were asked the following question: “If yes, then in such a situation was a challan ticket 

issued, traffic police took bribe or were exempted on apology?” Forty nine percent (49%) said that a 

challan ticket was issued, 30% stated that traffic police took bribe while 20% mentioned of 

exemption on apology. 1% gave no response. 

[ 66 ]



24% Of All Pakistanis Claim To Have A Weak Eyesight, 81% Of Whom Wear 

Spectacles: GILANI POLL/GALLUP PAKISTAN 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, almost one fourth 

of all Pakistanis (24%) claim to have a weak eyesight, 81% of whom say they wear spectacles, 5% 

wear contact lenses while 14% do not use anything for their weak eyesight. 


asked the following question: “Is your eye sight weak?” Twenty four percent (24%) replied in 

affirmative where as 76% believed their eyesight to be fine. 

A detailed analysis of the survey revealed that proportionately more urbanites (31%) claimed to 

have a weak eye sight as compared to their rural counter parts (20%). 

“Is your eye sight weak?” 


country were asked the following question: “If yes, then how do you deal with your weak eye sight?” 

Eighty one percent (81%) said they wore glasses to counter their weak eye sight, 5% stated that they 

wore contact lenses while 14% did nothing about the weak eye sight. 

“If yes, then how do you deal with your weak eye sight?” 

[ 67 ]







Dreams: 51% Believe They Are Divine Signs While 37% Say They Are Random 

Pieces Of Imagination: GILANI POLL/GALLUP PAKISTAN 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, more than half of 

all Pakistanis (51%) are of the opinion that dreams are divine indications while 37% believe they are 

random thoughts. 1% said they are both. 


asked the following question: “Some people believe that dreams are divine signs while others believe 

they are just imagination. What is your opinion?” Fifty one percent (51%) said that dreams are signs 

from the Creator while 37% said they are part of imagination. 1% said they are both and 11% said 

they don’t know. 

“Some people believe that dreams are divine signs while others believe they are just imagination. 

What is your opinion?” 





[ 68 ]



“If yes, then in such a situation was a challan ticket issued, traffic police 

took bribe or were exempted on apology?” 





32% Claim To Take A Bath Daily In Winters And 50% In Summers: GILANI 



all Pakistanis (32%) claim to take a bath daily in winters while half of all Pakistanis (50%) claim to do 

so in summers. 


asked the following question: “How often do you take a bath in winters?” Thirty two percent (32%) 

said that they take a bath daily in winters, 12% more than once a day, 21% claimed that they took a 

bath every other day and another 21% mentioned that they took a bath twice a week. 11% once a 

week and 2% less than once a week. 1% gave no response. 

[ 69 ]



“How often do you take a bath in winters?” 


were asked the following question: “How often do you take a bath in summers?” Fifty percent (50%) 

claimed to take a bath daily in summers and 35% more than once a day. 8% said they took a bath 

every other day, 4% twice a week, 2% once a week and 1% less than once a week. 

“How often do you take a bath in summers?” 





[ 70 ]

Section 1.1.8 Eating Habits 

Preference For Various Drinks & Juices in the Summer 



According to a survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, there are many types of juices and drinks 

consumed by Pakistanis during summers; It is seen that flavored drinks (such as squash and etc) are 

preferred the most, as cited by 39% of all Pakistanis, followed by Lassi (a traditional drink made from 

yogurt and water) (29%), Lemonade (29%), Soft Drinks (24%), Milkshake (18%), 11% say they like 

processed packed juices the most and 1% gave no response. 

A nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country were asked “As soon 

as the summers start the intake of juices and other drinks increases. Please tell us what types of 

drinks do you mostly like to have?” Thirty nine percent (39%) said they like flavoured drinks (such as 

squash and etc), 29% prefer to have lassi, another 29% claimed to prefer lemonade, 24% consume 

soft drinks, 18% prefer milk shakes, and 11% said they like to processed packed juices and 1% gave 

no response. 

The findings of the survey reveal no significant difference in the preference of people from across 

various demographics, except that a higher percentage of ruralites (42%) as compared to the 

urbanites (27%) like to have lassi during the scorching summer season. 

“As soon as the summers start the intake of juices and other drinks increases. Please tell us what 

types of drinks do you mostly like to have?” 

[ 71 ]







Tea versus Coffee 

According to a survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, more than two thirds of all Pakistanis (71%) 

claim that tea refreshes the mind while only 6% believes that coffee is more refreshing. A significant 

18% finds none of these two beverages refreshing where as 5% gave no response. 

[ 72 ]



A nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country were asked “Do you 

usually drink tea or coffee?” Eighty six (86%) said they usually drink tea, only 5% claimed to take 

coffee, while 8% said they don’t drink either of them. The remaining 1% gave no response. 

“Do you usually drink tea or coffee?” 

In a follow up question the respondents were asked “Some people believe that tea refreshes the 

mind while others say coffee is more refreshing. What is your opinion?” Seventy one percent (71%) 

are of the opinion that tea refreshes their mind while 6% said that coffee is more refreshing. A 

significant 18% find none of these two beverages refreshing where as 5% gave no response. 

[ 73 ]



“Some people believe that tea refreshes the mind while others say coffee is more refreshing. What is 

your opinion?” 





[ 74 ]

When should one drink water; before, during or after meal? 



Essential to the survival of all organisms, water has always been an important and life‐sustaining 

drink to humans. Excluding fat, water composes approximately 70% of the human body by mass. It is 

a crucial component of metabolic processes and serves as a solvent for many bodily solutes. Health 

authorities have historically suggested at least eight glasses, eight fluid ounces each (168 ml), of 

water per day (64 fluid ounces, or 1.89 liters). 

When should one drink water; before, during or after meal? This a question that many people face. 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, 43% believe it is 

best to drink water before meal, however when asked what is their actual practice, only 26% say 

they drink water before the meal. The remaining 74% say they drink it otherwise. 


following question “In your opinion when is it better to drink water with a meal?” 43% believed it is 

better to drink water before a meal, 29% during a meal, 12% after a meal and the remaining said it 

makes no difference, it can be drunk anytime. In a follow up question the respondents were asked 

“Usually when do you drink water with a meal?” Only 26% say they drink water before the meal. The 

remaining 74% say they drink it otherwise. 





[ 75 ]



Popularity Of Chicken Meat Rises Sharply In The Last 25 Years 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, 31% are fond of 

beef, 33% are inclined towards mutton and 34% like chicken. This is a notable change from 25 years 

ago: In 1986, a similar Gallup and Gilani poll had found that 51% preferred mutton, 34% liked beef 

while chicken was popular among 14% only. 


country were asked the following question: “Which meat do you like the most?” In 2010 33% prefer 

mutton, 31% beef, and 34% chicken. 2% have given no response. The comparable figures in response 

to the same question in 1986 were: 51% were fond of mutton, 34% preferred beef and only 14% 

liked chicken. 1% gave no response. 

The change is mostly from mutton to chicken. There is not much change in the status of beef. The 

popularity of chicken has risen from 14% 25 years ago to 34% in 2010. By the same account the 

popularity of mutton has declined from 51% to 33%. It may be noted that preference is both in 

terms of what is liked and what is used. The two aspects get blended into each other when 

consumers are asked this type of question. 

A detailed analysis of the recent data shows that the popularity of chicken is slightly higher among 

urbanites (39%) than ruralites (32%) and among women (39%) than men (30%). 

“Which meat do you like the most?” 





[ 76 ]



Preference For Rice at Dinner Rises During The Last 25 Years 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, a quarter of all 

Pakistanis (25%) find rice to be more popular in their households for dinner as opposed to 75% who 

say that they are more fond of wheat bread. This is a notable change from 25 years ago: In 1986, a 

similar Gallup and Gilani poll had found that 19% preferred rice for dinner where as 81% were of the 

opinion that wheat bread was more liked at their homes. 


following question: “Is Wheat bread preferred for dinner at your household or Rice?” In 2010 25% 

prefer rice for dinner while 75% are fonder of wheat bread. The comparable figures in response to 

the same question in 1986 were: 19% believed rice to be more popular for dinner in their families 

where as 75% said roti was liked more. 

“Is Wheat bread preferred for dinner at your household or Rice?” 

[ 77 ]







Popular Diet During Ramadan Rotti And Curry At Sehri And Fruits At Iftari 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, most of the 

respondents (48%) are fond of Rotti and Curry at Sehri while most (41%) prefer fruits at the Iftari. 

SEHRI 


asked the following question: “What do you mostly like to eat at Sehri?” Forty eight percent (48%) 

stated they liked to eat Rotti and Curry at Sehri, 40% preferred having Pratha and Tea while 24% 

liked dairy items for Sehri. 1% said they don’t eat at Sehri and 2% gave no response. 

“What do you mostly like to eat at Sehri?”(Multiple Response) 

SEHRI 

[ 78 ]



IFTARI 


were asked the following question: “What do you mostly like to eat at Iftari?” Forty one percent 

(41%) mentioned they were fond of fruits at Iftari, 27% liked Rotti and Curry, 26% preferred fried 

food like Samosay and Pakoray and 5% Chaat. 19% said they don’t have any particular preferences 

for Iftari and 2% gave no response. 

“What do you mostly like to eat at Iftari?” (Multiple Response) 

IFTARI 





[ 79 ]



Almost Half Of All Pakistanis (45%) Claim To Always Wash Their Hands Before 

Having Food 


Pakistanis (45%) claim to always wash their hands before having food, followed by 35% who mostly 

and 18% who sometimes wash their hands before eating. 


asked the following question: “How often do you wash your hands before having food?” Forty five 

percent (45%) claimed to always wash their hands before having food, 35% said they mostly washed 

their hands before eating, 18% sometimes while 2% stated that they never washed their hands 

before food. 

“How often do you wash your hands before having food?” 


country were asked the following question: “How do you mostly wash your hands?” Seventy one 

(71%) said that they washed their hands with soap/hand wash where as 28% used just water. 1% 

gave no responses. A detailed analysis of the survey showed that relatively more urbanites (76%) 

used soap to wash their hands as compared to their rural counterparts (68%). 

[ 80 ]



“How do you mostly wash your hands?” 





[ 81 ]

Section 1.1.9 Health Care 

Perceptions About The Most Fatal Disease 




all Pakistanis (30%) believe heart diseases to be the most fatal illness, followed by cancer (28%), 

stroke (12%), AIDS (11%), loss of sight (8%) and hepatitis (6%) while 3% mentioned other diseases. 

2% gave no response. 


following question “Which disease do you believe to be the most fatal?” Thirty percent (30%) 

believed heart diseases to be the most incurable form of illness, 28% said cancer is the most fatal 

disease, 12% chose stroke, 11% AIDS, 8% loss of sight and 6% hepatitis while 3% mentioned other 

diseases. 2% gave no response. A proportionately greater percentage of ruralites (33%) perceive 

heart diseases to be a greater threat as compared to urbanites (25%). 

“Which disease do you believe to be the most fatal?” 

[ 83 ]







Affects Of Mobile Phone Usage on Health 

The effect mobile phone radiation has on human health is the subject of recent interest and study, 

as a result of the enormous increase in mobile phone usage throughout the world (as of June 2009, 

there were more than 4.3 billion users worldwide). Mobile phones use electromagnetic radiation in 

the microwave range, which some believe may be harmful to human health. A large body of 

research exists, both epidemiological and experimental, in non‐human animals and in humans, that 

shows overall no evidence for harmful effects. Other digital wireless systems, such as data 

communication networks produce similar radiation. 

The World Health Organization, based upon the consensus view of the scientific and medical 

communities, has stated that cancer is unlikely to be caused by cellular phones or their base stations 

and that reviews have found no convincing evidence for other health effects. The WHO expects to 

make recommendations about mobile phones in 2010. Some national radiation advisory authorities 

have recommended measures to minimize exposure to their citizens as a precautionary approach. 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, half (50%) of all 

Pakistanis are of the opinion that mobile usage is not harmful to health while 49% believe it is.1% 

say they don’t know. 


following question: “Some people are of the opinion that mobile phone usage is harmful to health 

while others believe that it has no adverse affects. What is your opinion?” Forty nine (49%) assumed 

that using mobile phone is not favourable to health while 50% believed that it has no side affects. 

1% were uncertain as they said they don’t know. 

[ 84 ]



The survey findings show that relatively speaking, more men (54%) than women (42%) believed 

mobile phone usage is harmful to health. The findings also reveal that there is a difference of 

opinion among the rural and urban populations as proportionately a higher percentage of ruralites 

(51%) were of the view that using mobile phone is detrimental to health as compared to their urban 

counterparts (44%). 

“Some people are of the opinion that mobile phone usage is harmful to health while others believe 

that it has no adverse affects. What is your opinion?” 





40% Families Claim To Have Visited A Doctor Last Month 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, most of the 

respondents (40%) claim to have visited a doctor a month ago followed by 16% who say they went 

to see a doctor two months back. 


asked the following question: “In case of some illness we need to visit a doctor on and off. How long 

has it been since you got your last check up done by a doctor?” Forty percent (40%) went to see a 

doctor a month back, 16% visited a doctor two months ago, 8% three months ago and so on. 1% 



demographics. 

[ 85 ]



“In case of some illness we need to visit a doctor on and off. How long has it been since you got your 

last check up done by a doctor?” 

Months since last check up by doctor 





45% Of The Males Are Aware Of The Scary Picture Recently Placed On The 

Cigarette Packs, Majority Of Whom (62%) Support Its Presence 


male Pakistanis (45%) are aware of the scary picture recently placed on cigarette packs, majority of 

whom (62%) support its presence to discourage smoking. 


asked the following question: “Recently a scary picture has been placed on cigarette packs of most of 

the brands to create awareness of the adverse effects of smoking. Did you get a chance to see this 

picture or not?” Forty five percent (45%) were aware of the picture which has recently been printed 

on cigarette packs of most of the brands as opposed to 52% who did not know about it. 3% gave no 

response. 

The findings of the survey revealed that relatively more ruralites (47%) were aware of the scary 

picture placed on the cigarette packs as compared to their urban counter parts (42%). A large 

number of smokers (73%) were conscious of that picture compared to the non‐smokers (29%). 

[ 86 ]



Awareness of the picture was comparatively higher at 58% among the old (51 plus) than among the 

young population (under 30) (39%). 

“Recently a scary picture has been placed on cigarette packs of most of the 

brands to create awareness of the adverse effects of smoking. 

Did you get a chance to see this picture or not?” 


country were asked the following question: “Some people believe that picture is against the moral 

values while others support the picture in order to discourage smoking. If you are aware of the 

picture, what is your opinion?” 37% were against the presence of the scary picture as opposed to 

62% who advocated its appearance in order to discourage smoking. 1% gave no response. 

The findings of the survey revealed that relatively more urbanites (42%) were against the 

appearance of the picture as compared to their rural counter parts (35%). Comparatively more 

smokers (47%) were of the opinion that the picture was inappropriate than the non smokers (21%). 

The notion that the picture was improper was more popular among the young population; age under 

30 (39%) than among the old, age 51 plus (17%). 

“Some people believe that picture is improper (indecent) while others support 

the picture in order to discourage smoking. If you are aware 

of the picture, what is your opinion?” 

[ 87 ]




affiliate of Gallup International. The recent survey was carried out among a sample of 1371 men in 

rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country, during October 2010. Error margin is 


Background to the use of Tobacco in Pakistan: Nearly one third of the male populations claim 

to smoke cigarettes. Some Pakistanis smoke tobacco not in cigarettes but in traditional pipes called 

‘Huqqa’ in local diction as well in the form of a powder called ‘Naswar’ or a rolled leaf called ‘Beedi’ 

and in a leaf called ‘Pan’. If all of those users are taken into account the figure rises to around 50% of 

men. The use of tobacco among Pakistani women is quite small and is not very acceptable socially; 

accept in the middle to old age rural women. The exact figures for the use of tobacco amongst 

Pakistani women are not available. 

72% Households Faced Flu And Fever In September 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, almost three fourth 

of all Pakistanis (72%) say that someone in their household has suffered from flu and fever recently. 

Almost half of all Pakistanis (47%) claim that they mostly consult a doctor in case of flu and fever. 


following question“Did anyone suffer from flu and fever in your household in the past one month?” 

Seventy two percent (72%) responded in affirmative where as 25% said that nobody in their 

household suffered from flu and fever recently. 3% gave no response. 

“Did anyone suffer from flu and fever in your household in the past one month?” 


were asked the following question: “How do you mostly treat flu and fever?” Forty seven percent 

(47%) said they visit a doctor in case of flue and fever, 17% said they treat themselves with self 

medication, 14% claimed to use Joshanda (herbal drink), 8% said they take precautionary measures, 

8% said that they treat flu and fever with nothing, and 5% stated that they take rest. 1% gave no 

response. 

[ 88 ]



“How do you mostly treat flu and fever?” 





Majority (71%) Have Heard Or Read About Dengue Virus, 73% Of Whom Believe 

It Is Spread Through Mosquito Bite: GILANI POLL/GALLUP PAKISTAN 


Pakistanis have heard or read about dengue virus, 27% of whom believe that someone in their 

locality or city has suffered from dengue fever. 73% of the aware believe that this virus is 

transmitted through mosquito bites. 


asked the following question: “Have you heard or read about dengue virus?” Seventy one percent 

(71%) said that they had heard or read about dengue virus as opposed to 28% who were not aware 

of the virus. 1% gave no response. 

A detailed analysis of the survey revealed that relatively more urbanites (88%) were aware of 

dengue virus as compared to their rural counterparts (63%). At the same time more males (77%) 

were familiar with the concept of this virus as compared to the females (65%). 

[ 89 ]



“Have you heard or read about dengue virus?” 


country were asked the following question: “Has anyone in your area or city suffered from dengue 

fever?” Twenty seven percent (27%) replied in affirmative while 56% claimed that no such case has 

occurred in their area or city. 17% were unsure and gave no response. 

“Has anyone in your area or city suffered from dengue fever?” 

In another follow up question, a nationally representative sample of men and women from across 

the country were asked the following question: “How do you think dengue virus is spread?” Seventy 

three percent (73%) believed that it spread through mosquito bites, 11% thought that it spread 

though garbage and 2% gave other responses. 14% were unsure and gave no response. 

“How do you think dengue virus is spread?” 

[ 90 ]

Comments: 



Please note that the term ‘aware of dengue virus’ is used here for those who have only heard or read 

about dengue virus. Knowledge about the manifestations of dengue fever, its treatment, 

complications and prevention has not been asked. A more detailed study is needed on this issue to 

assess the awareness about this disease. 27% say they have a dengue fever patient in their vicinity. 

The figure should not be taken as an incidence of the disease at all. Such data can be obtained from 

health department. 





Standard Of Public Hospitals Has Deteriorated Over The Last Nine Years 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, 48% perceive the 

quality of treatment at government hospitals to be bad. This is a notable change from 9 years back, 

in 2001; a similar Gallup and Gilani poll had found that 37% believed the standard of government 

hospitals to be bad. 


country were asked the following question: “In your opinion what is the quality of treatment at 

government hospitals?” In 2010 9% say it is good, 37% believe the quality to be average while 48% 

say it is bad. 6% say they don’t know. The comparable figures in response to the same question in 

2001 were: 11% stated the standard was good, 49% average and 37% said it was bad. 3% said they 

don’t know. 

A detailed analysis of the recent data showed that more of the ruralites (57%) believe that poor 

treatment is given at public hospitals as compared to their urban counter parts (32%). 

[ 91 ]



“In your opinion what is the quality of treatment at government hospitals?” 





2% Of All Pakistani Households Claim To Have A Handicapped Child, 92% Of 

Whom Have This Disability Since Birth: GILANI POLL/GALLUP PAKISTAN 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, 2% of all Pakistani 

households claim to have handicapped children/child, 92% of whom have this disability since birth 

whereas 6% acquired this disability later in life because of an accident. 2% gave no response. 


asked the following question: “Some families have children who are mentally or physically 

handicapped are there any such children in your household?” Two percent (2%) replied in affirmative 

while 98% said that there were no such children in their households. 

[ 92 ]



“Some families have children who are mentally or physically handicapped, are there any such 

children in your household?” 


country were asked the following question: “Does the child have this disability since birth or was it 

acquired by an accident later in life?” Ninety two percent (92%) said that the disability was present 

since birth, where as 6% stated that it was caused by an accident later in life. 2% gave no response. 

“Does the child have this disability since birth or was it acquired by an accident later in life?” 

Comments: 

Please note that it is the people’s perception of disability/handicap and cannot be termed as the 

prevalence of handicap children in the country. Moreover, the question has not been defined in 

terms of age limit of the child. 

According to 1998 population census, 2.54% of the total population was reported to be disabled. 





[ 93 ]

Section 1.1.10 Social Attitudes 



Majority (81%) Of Pakistanis Complain Of Selfishness; 81% Believe Personal 

Interests Overtake Collective Welfare 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, 81% of Pakistanis 

complain of selfishness as they believe that people are more concerned about their personal gains 

rather than communal welfare, 18% state that it is the other way round while 1% say they don’t 

know. 


following question: “In your opinion do Pakistanis give more importance to their personal interests or 

do they prefer collective welfare?” Eighty one percent (81%) criticized people for preferring their 

personal interests over collective wellbeing while 18% believed that communal welfare is considered 

more important. 1% said they don’t know. 

A detailed analysis of data shows that proportionately more women (21%) believe that people prefer 

collective welfare over their personal happiness, than compared to men (15%). The statistics also 

reveal that more ruralites (84%) complain of selfishness as compared to their urban counter parts 

(75%). 

“In your opinion do Pakistanis give more importance to their personal 

interests or do they prefer collective welfare?” 

Response among All 





[ 95 ]



Majority (63%) Supports Strict Treatment Of Children From A Young Age By 

Parents And Teachers For Their Better Upbringing 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, almost two third 

(63%) of all Pakistanis believe that children learn to face and survive under hardships if they are 

strictly treated from a young age by parents and teachers. On the contrary 37% are of the opinion 

that strict treatment spoils the children. 


following question: “Some people believe that parents and teachers should strictly treat children 

from a young age so that they learn how to face difficult situations while others are of the opinion 

that strict treatment spoils the children. What is your point of view?” Sixty three percent (63%) 

supported the notion that strict treatment teaches children to accept and face challenges while the 

remaining 37% believed that harsh treatment towards the children is not helpful for their 

upbringing. 


demographics. 

“Some people believe that parents and teachers should strictly treat children from a young age so 

that they learn how to face difficult situations while others are of the opinion that strict treatment 

spoils the children. What is your point of view?” 





53% Feel There Is A Decline In The Charitable Acts Of The Wealthy 


all Pakistanis (53%) believe that over the years the trend of helping the poor by the wealthy has 

decreased, 35% think that it has remained the same while only 12% are of the opinion that it has 

increased 


following question: “In your opinion, these days the trend of helping the poor by the affluent class 

has increased, decreased or has it remained the same as compared to the last ten year?” Fifty three 

percent (53%) were of the view that over the passage of years the charitable acts of the rich have 

decreased, 35% said that they have remained the same where as the remaining 12% stated that the 

trend of helping the poor has increased. 

[ 96 ]



A detailed analysis of the data shows that proportionately a higher percentage of urbanites (18%) 

believed that the trend of helping the poor has increased over the years as compared to their rural 

counter parts (8%). 

“In your opinion, these days the trend of helping the poor by the affluent class has increased, 

decreased or has it remained the same as compared to the last ten years?” 





65% Claim To Be Cheerful Early Risers 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, almost two thirds 

of all Pakistanis (65%) claim to like early rising in the morning and start an early day. They find it to 

be a pleasant experience. Only 4% find it disagreeable. However, 30% find rising early neither 

pleasant nor unpleasant. 1% have given no response. 


following question “Do you wake up early in the morning and start your day happily or do you find 

waking up unpleasant?” Sixty five percent (65%) claimed to like waking up in the morning and 

beginning a new day while only 4% found rising early to be an unpleasant part of the routine. 30% 

were indifferent towards waking up early and 1% gave no response. 

The findings of the survey reveal that more ruralites (70%) are cheerful early risers as compared to 

their urban counterparts (57%). 

“Do you wake up early in the morning and start your day happily or 

do you find waking up unpleasant?” 

[ 97 ]







More Than Half Of Whom (55%) Claim To Have Put Their Ideas Into Practice 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, a quarter of all 

Pakistanis (25%) have thought about starting their own business, more than half of whom (55%) 

have actually put their ideas into practice. On the other hand 65% of all Pakistanis have never 

thought about such entrepreneurial activity. 10% have given no response. 


following question: “Have you ever had thoughts about starting your own business?” Twenty five 

percent (25%) claimed that they have had thoughts about starting one’s own business while 65% 

said they never considered such ideas. 10% gave no response 

A detailed analysis of data shows that proportionately a higher percentage of urbanites (33%) have 

thought about starting their own business compared to their rural counterparts (21%). The survey 

data also reveals that a considerable number of more males (38%) have come up with business ideas 

than the females (10%). These findings reinforce the view that urbanites and males have either 

greater aptitude or access to resources to become entrepreneurs. 

“Have you ever had thoughts about starting your own business?” 

The respondents who had had such thoughts were further asked in a follow up question “Have you 

ever started your personal business?” Fifty five percent (55%) of those who have had thoughts about 

new business, said they acted upon their ideas while 39% did not. 6% gave no response. The survey 

findings show that surprisingly more ruralites (63%) have put their business ideas into practice as 

compared to their urban counter parts (46%). However, the variation among the male and the 

female respondents still remains as comparatively greater percentage of males (60%) have put their 

inspirations into action than the females (34%). 

[ 98 ]



“Have you ever started your personal business?” 





Complaints About Bribery Remain High And Unchanged During The Last 25 Years 


(52%) of all Pakistanis say that no task can take place without bribing the other party when asked 

about the most common reasons for bribery. 17% state that bribery is for illegal work, 16% say that 

bribery results in quick work while 15% believe that it is just a habit. This is hardly any change from 

25 years ago: In 1986, a similar Gallup and Gilani poll had found that according to 54% no work 

could be done without the use of bribery. 


following question: “Why do you think people give bribes? We will give you four reasons; 

kindly choose the one which you feel is most important?” In 2010 52% believe that no work can be 

done without bribery, 17% assume that bribery is used to get illegal work done, 16% are of the 

opinion that bribery gets work done quickly while 15% state that bribery has become a habit. The 

comparable figures in response to the same question in 1986 were: 54% considered that no work 

could be done without the use of bribery, 12% believed that bribery was used to process illegal work, 

17% thought bribery got the work done speedily and 11% mentioned that bribery had become a norm. 


A detailed analysis of the recent data shows that more ruralites (56%) believe that no work can be 

done without bribery as compared to their urban counterparts (46%). The survey also reveals that 

proportionately a higher percentage of men (20%) are of the opinion that bribery is used to get illegal 

work done than the women (6%). 

[ 99 ]



“Why do you think people give bribes? We will give you four reasons; kindly choose the one which 

you feel is most important?” 

The study was released by Gilani foundation and carried out by Gallup Pakistan, the Pakistani affiliate 

of Gallup International. The recent survey was carried out among a sample of 2708 men and women 

in rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country, during August 2010. Error margin is 

estimated to be approximately + 2-3 per cent at 95% confidence level. 

[ 100 ]

Section 1.1.11 Social Trends 



78% Of Pakistani Men And 28% Of Women Claim To Own Personal Cell Phones 


all Pakistanis (53%) own personal cell phones. The figure is 78% for men and 28% for women. 

Majority (79%) of them are ordinary cell phones with keypads and only 6% are touch screen cell 

phones. It is not certain that everyone understood what ‘touch screen’ mobile phone meant, hence 

the data should be read with that limitation in mind. 


following question “Do own a personal cell phone?” 53% responded in affirmative where as 46% said 

they do not own a cell phone. 1% gave no response. 

“Do own a personal cell phone?” 

In a follow up question the respondents were asked “What kind of cell phone do you have?” 79% 

said that they have ordinary cell phones with keypads where as only 6% stated that they used touch 

screen mobiles. 15% gave no response. 

The statistics show that respondents under 30 years age bracket are fonder of touch screen phones 

as with age the ownership of touch screen phones decreases and possession of ordinary cell phones 

increases. 

[ 101 ]



“What kind of cell phone do you have?” 





The Trend Of Owning And Wearing A Wrist Watch Has Decreased In The Last Ten 

Years: GILANI POLL/GALLUP PAKISTAN 


Pakistanis (49%) claim to own a wrist watch, most of whom (52%) wears it sometimes. This is a 

notable change from 10 years back: In 2000, a similar Gallup and Gilani poll had found that 73% of 

Pakistanis had a wrist watch, most of whom (41%) wore it almost daily. 


country were asked the following question: “Do you own a wrist watch?” In 2010 49% claim that 

they own a wrist watch as compared to 51% who say that they don’t own one. The comparable 

figures in response to the same question in 2000 were: 73% said that they have a wrist watch while 

27% stated that they don’t. 

The findings of the recent survey reveal that relatively more males (56%) claim that they own a wrist 

watch as compared to the females (41%). 

[ 102 ]



“Do you own a wrist watch?” 


country were asked the following question: “If yes, how often do you wear it?” In 2010 12% say that 

they wear it almost all the time, 36% claim that they wear the wrist watch almost daily where as 52% 

wear it sometimes. The comparable figures in response to the same question in 2000 were: 26% 

stated that they wear it almost all the time, 41% wore the wrist watch almost daily where as 32% 

wore it sometimes. 

A detailed analysis of the recent data also shows that more females (63%) wear the wrist watches 

sometimes as compared to the males (44%). 

“If yes, how often do you wear it?” 





[ 103 ]



The Trend Of Treating Drinking Water: Up From 23% to 51% During The Last 24 

Years 


Pakistanis (51%) drink water after treating or cleansing it. This is a notable change from 24 years 

back: In 1987, a similar Gallup and Gilani poll had found that 23% used treated or cleansed water for 

drinking. 

According to the 2010 survey, those who used treated or cleansed water before drinking used the 

following methods: boiling 24%, filtering 21%, using disinfectants 4% and using mineral water 2%. 

A comparative analysis of the change since 1987shows a notable shift in urban areas where the habit 

of treating water has risen from 23% to 45%. However the figure for rural Pakistan has remained 

largely unchanged since 1987at 69% using untreated water for drinking. 

“How do you treat water to make it suitable for drinking?” 





[ 104 ]



CHANGING LIFE STYLES AND HABITS: Mobile Phone Is Used To Watch Time By 

21%, 26% Use Wrist Watch And 39% Use Wall Clock 


third of all Pakistanis (39%) mostly use wall clock to stay informed about time, followed by using 

wrist watch (26%) and mobile phone (21%). Mobile phone has replaced wrist watch whose 

prevalence has declined in the last ten years (see Gallup an Gilani Poll Owning And Wearing A Wrist 

Watch). 


asked the following question: “How do you mostly keep track of time?” Thirty nine percent (39%) 

mostly used wall clock for being informed of the time, 26% used wrist watch, 21% mobile phone 

while 13% said they asked someone to keep informed of time. 1% gave no response. The data 

showed that relatively more urbanites used wall clocks and mobile phones to keep track of time. On 

the other hand proportionately more ruralites used wrist watch. Majority females used wall clock for 

tracking time while more males made use of wrist watch and mobile phone. The usage of mobile 

phone for this purpose was higher among the young population (under 30 years). 

“How do you mostly keep track of time?” 





[ 105 ]



56% Believe That White Hair Should Be Dyed: GILANI POLL/GALLUP PAKISTAN 


all Pakistanis (56%) support the dyeing of white hair as opposed to 41% who believe that white hair 

should be left white. 


asked the following question: “Mostly people dye their hair when they start turning white while 

others leave them white. Do you think white hair should be dyed or left that way?” Fifty six percent 

(56%) favored the dyeing of white hair where as 41% said that they should not be dyed and left like 

that. 3% gave no response. 

The findings of the survey revealed that relatively more urbanites (67%) favor dyeing white hair as 

compared to their rural counterparts (50%). Interestingly the survey did not find any significant 

difference in opinion by gender. Thus at least in theory, around 40% of both men and women do not 

favor dyeing of hair. 

“Mostly people dye their hair when they start turning white while others leave them white. Do you 

think white hair should be dyed or left that way?” 





[ 106 ]

Section 1.1.12 Weather 



Harsh Summers Only Liked By 2% Pakistanis, Majority Prefers Spring (46%) And 

Winters (45%) 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, Summers is the 

least liked season as only 2% of all Pakistanis like it, followed by Autumn (7%). Views are split on 

their most liked season, 46% say Spring is their favorite season and 45% state that Winters is their 

most preferred one. 


following question: “Which is your favorite season among the four seasons of the year?” Most liked 

seasons were Spring (46%) and Winters (45%) and on the other hand least liked seasons were 

summers (2%) and Autumn (7%). The findings of the survey reveal no significant difference in 

opinion of people from across various demographics. 

“Which is your favorite season among the four seasons of the year?” 

Source: Gilani Poll conducted by Gallup Pakistan, 

the Pakistani affiliate of Gallup International Association (www.gallup‐international.com; 

www.gallup.com.pk) 





77% Claim To Eagerly Await Winters: GILANI POLL/GALLUP PAKISTAN 

[ 107 ]




fourth of all Pakistanis (77%) say that they are keenly looking forward to winters. 


asked the following question: “How eagerly are you waiting for the winter season?” Forty two 

percent (42%) said they are looking forward to the winter season very keenly, 35% stated to some 

extent, 18% mentioned that they are not eager about the upcoming winters while 4% said that they 

are not at all looking forward to the cold weather. 1% gave no response. 


demographics. 

“How eagerly are you waiting for the winter season?” 





[ 108 ]

[ 109 ] 


Section 1.2 

Media: Usage and 

Attitudes

Section 1.2.1 General 

Support for PakIndia Combined Media Productions Declines 

[ 111 ] 


Section 1.2: MEDIA: Usage and Attitudes 

In the past few years Pakistan and India have produced numerous dramas and films together but 

according to a recent Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, the support 

for such combined media production has fallen since 2007. Twenty six percent (26%) support the 

idea of Pakistani artists working in India down from 51% support in 2007. Similarly, 27% favor the 

idea of Indian artists working in Pakistan down from 55% in 2007. The main reason for this change in 

attitude is increasing security tension between the two neighboring countries. 


“Recently, India and Pakistan have started to produce dramas and films together. Some people favor 

Pakistani artists working in India while others oppose it. What is your view point?” Majority of the 

respondents (44%) claimed that they do not favor it, 26% are in the favor of Pakistani artists working 

in India, whereas 30% are unsure. It is seen that a significantly higher percentage of urbanites (40%) 

favor such combined productions as compared to their rural counterparts (19%). 

To understand whether people are open to Indian artists working in Pakistan, the respondents were 

asked “Some people favor Indian artists working in Pakistan, while others oppose it. What is your 

view point?” Once again the majority (43%) do not support Indian artists working in Pakistan. 

Twenty seven percent (27%) favored where as 30% were unsure. Half of all respondents from rural 

areas (50%) oppose Indian artists working in Pakistan.

[ 112 ] 



The data reveals that support for combined productions is slightly higher among the young under 

the age of 30, as 29% of them support it. This compared with 23% of support among those over 30. 

Recently, India and Pakistan have started to produce dramas and films together: 

Some people favor Indian artists working in Pakistan, while others oppose it. “What is your view 

point?” 

Some people favor Pakistani artists working in India while others oppose it. What is your view 

In 2007, when relations between the two countries were better, opposition to Pakistanis working in 

India was just as high, 46%. However, support was in majority at 51%. Similarly, for Indian artists 

working in Pakistan opposition was the same at 44%, but support was high at 55%. Since then 

political tension between the two countries have escalated mainly after the Mumbai attacks in 

November 2008, titling much of the support for joint cultural production not into direct opposition 

but towards more uncertainty, evident from the recent 30% unsure response in both questions. 


affiliate of Gallup International. The latest survey was carried out among a sample of 2687 men and 

women in rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country, during January 2009. Error 

margin is estimated to be approximately + 2‐3 per cent at 95% confidence level.

[ 113 ] 



2% Of All Pakistani Households Claim To Have A Handicapped Child, 92% Of 

Whom Have This Disability Since Birth: GILANI POLL/GALLUP PAKISTAN 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, 2% of all Pakistani 

households claim to have handicapped children/child, 92% of whom have this disability since birth 

whereas 6% acquired this disability later in life because of an accident. 2% gave no response. 


asked the following question: “Some families have children who are mentally or physically 

handicapped are there any such children in your household?” Two percent (2%) replied in affirmative 

while 98% said that there were no such children in their households. 

“Some families have children who are mentally or physically handicapped, are there any such 

children in your household?” 


country were asked the following question: “Does the child have this disability since birth or was it 

acquired by an accident later in life?” Ninety two percent (92%) said that the disability was present 

since birth, where as 6% stated that it was caused by an accident later in life. 2% gave no response.

[ 114 ] 



“Does the child have this disability since birth or was it acquired by an accident later in life?” 

Comments: 

Please note that it is the people’s perception of disability/handicap and cannot be termed as the 

prevalence of handicap children in the country. Moreover, the question has not been defined in 

terms of age limit of the child. 

According to 1998 population census, 2.54% of the total population was reported to be disabled. 





People’s interest in National, International and Local News 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, majority of 

Pakistanis (35%) prefer being updated with national news, followed by those who listen or read 

international news (21%). The remaining respondents prefer listening or reading local news (18%),

[ 115 ] 



important events (18%), sports news (6%) and 2% either prefer all types of news or do not take any 

interest. 

A nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country were asked “What 

type of news do you usually like to read or listen to?” Eighteen percent (18%) claimed to read or 

listen to their local area’s news, 21% prefer international news, 35% said they read or listen to 

national news and 18% like to be updated with the important events/headlines, 6% cited sports 

news, and only 1% claimed to be interested in reading or listening to all sorts of news. The remaining 

1% do not take interest in reading or listening news. 

The findings of the survey show that while interestingly a proportionately higher percentage of 

ruralites claimed to prefer international news; a comparatively higher percentage of urbanites are 

interested in being updated with national news. Amongst gender, it is seen, that comparatively more 

women like to read or listen to their local areas news and the important events/headlines, while 

more men claimed to be interested in international and national news. 

“What type of news do you usually like to read or listen to?” 





Effect of Foreign Media on Society 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, notwithstanding 

high viewership of foreign TV channels, majority of all Pakistanis (75%) believe that foreign media 

(movies and programs) is detrimental to their society. Only 7% said the impact of foreign media is 

positive, 17% said it has no effect and 1% gave no response. 


opinion what kind of an impact is foreign media (movies and programs) having on our society, 

meaning is it bad or good?” A small percentage of all respondents (7%) said foreign media has a 

positive impact, where as the majority 75% believe otherwise. Seventeen percent (17%) claimed the 

impact is neither good nor bad and 1% gave no response. 

The findings of the survey show that a proportionately higher percentage of ruralites (79%) as 

compared to their urban counterparts (66%) claim foreign media to have an adverse effect on the 

society.

[ 116 ] 



“In your opinion what kind of an impact is foreign media (movies and programs) having on our 

society, meaning is it bad or good?” 





Section 1.2.2 Television 

Major differences in TV viewership in Urban and Rural areas 

[ 117 ] 



According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, there is a stark 

difference in TV viewer ship in urban and rural areas of Pakistan. Urban viewer ship comprises of a 

combination of Pakistani (75%), Indian (60%), and English channels (20%), however Pakistani 

channels lead by 15%. On the other hand rural viewer ship is mostly of Pakistani channels (86%) with 

a small share of Indian channels (27%) and a tiny share of English channels (11%). These figures 

reflect viewers’ perceptions of channels which engage them the most and may not reflect the 

viewing time for any one or group of channels. 

A nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country were read out a list 

of three types of television channels available in Pakistan asked 

“Generally to what extent are the following kinds of channels viewed at your home?” 

Fifty five percent (55%) claimed ‘Pakistani channels’ are watched in their household to a great 

extent, 27% said to some extent, and 11% said to a very little extent. Five percent (5%) of the 

respondents claimed Pakistani channels are not at all watched in their household where as the 

remaining 2% either do not have access to these channels or gave no response. The data shows that 

a proportionately higher percentage of households in the rural areas (86%) as compared to the 

households in the urban areas (75%) claimed to watch Pakistani channels to a great or some extent. 

Interestingly a significantly higher percentage of Pashto speaking respondents claimed their family 

watches Pakistani channels to a great extent. When asked about ‘Indian channels’, only 17% claimed

[ 118 ] 



Indian channels are watched in their household to a great extent, 21% said to some extent, and 11% 

said to a very little extent. Majority (50%) of the respondents claimed Indian channels are not at all 

watched in their house or that they do not have access to them. A significantly higher percentage of 

urban households (60%) watch Indian channels to a great or some extent compared with only 27% in 

rural areas. 

‘English channels’ are claimed to be watched to a great or some extent in the households of 13% of 

the respondents, and 15% said to a very little extent. Forty eight percent (70%) of the respondents 

said English channels are not at all watched in their households. The remaining 2% gave no response. 





People’s views on obscenity on Television 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, two thirds of all 

Pakistanis (66%) believe obscenity on television has increased, 18% feel it has decreased and 16% 

think it has remained the same. Forty two percent (42%) said they sometimes feel that there are 

certain programs which can not be watched with their families because of their content, 41% often 

feel like that, where as 11% claimed to have never come across a program which is not suitable to 

watch with the family. Six percent (6%) of the respondents do not watch TV with their families. 


people object that recently obscenity on television has increased. In your view has obscenity 

increased, decreased or has remained the same?” Majority (66%) said it has increased and 18% 

believe obscenity on television has decreased. Sixteen percent (16%) of the respondents claimed it 

has been the same. A proportionately higher percentage of ruralites (21%) as compared to their 

urban counterparts (12%) claimed television programs are less obscene than before. The data also 

revealed that younger people of under 30 years of age believe media has become more obscene. 

“Some people object that recently obscenity on television has increased. In your view has obscenity 

increased, decreased or has remained the same?”

[ 119 ] 



In a follow up question the respondents were asked “Have you ever noticed that at times there 

maybe programs which are not suitable to watch with the entire family. (If yes) How often have you 

felt this?” 

Forty two percent (42%) said sometimes, 41% said often where as 11% claimed to have never come 

across a program which was not suitable to watch with the family. Six percent (6%) of the 

respondents do not watch TV with their families. While a proportionately higher percentage of rural 

dwellers said they sometimes feel some programs are obscene, a higher percentage of urbanites 

often feel programs are not suitable to be watched with family. 

“Have you ever noticed that at times there maybe programs which are not suitable to watch with 

the entire family. (If Yes) How often have you felt this?” 





95% of All Pakistani TV Viewers Prefer Watching Urdu News Channels 

According to a survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, while news channels are increasingly initiating 

different news channels for English and Urdu news, it is seen that a vast majority of all Pakistani TV 

Viewers (95%) prefer Urdu language for news channels, whereas only 3% say they watch news in 

English. The remaining 2% either do not watch news or gave no response.

[ 120 ] 



A nationally representative sample of TV viewing men and women from across the country were 

asked “Nowadays the number of news channels working in the country is increasing on a daily basis. 

Many news channels have made separate channels for both Urdu and English news. For news do you 

personally watch Urdu news channels or English?” Ninety five percent (95%) claimed they watch 

news in Urdu, 3% said they watch English news channels whereas 2% of the respondents said they 

either do not watch news or gave no response. The respondents were here principally making a 

choice only between the two languages. 

“Nowadays the number of news channels working in the country is increasing on a daily basis. 

Many news channels have made separate channels for both Urdu and English news. For news do you 

personally watch Urdu news channels or English?”

[ 121 ] 







Majority (68%) Of Drama Viewers Claim To Be More Fond Of Pakistani Dramas 

Than Indian Soap Operas: GILANI POLL/GALLUP PAKISTAN 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, 87% of TV viewers 

watch dramas, 68% of whom prefer watching Pakistani dramas over Indian soap operas. 


asked the following question: “Do you watch dramas on television?” Eighty seven percent (87%) 

replied in affirmative where as 12% said they don’t watch dramas on television. 1% gave no 

response. 

A detailed analysis of the survey revealed that proportionately more ruralites (89%) claimed to 

watch dramas on television as compared to their urban counter parts (83%). A gender wise analysis 

showed that more females (92%) are fond of watching television dramas than the males (83%).

“Do you watch dramas on television?” 

[ 122 ] 




country were asked the following question: “If yes, then do you like watching Pakistani or Indian 

Dramas?” Sixty eight percent (68%) said they preffered watching Pakistani dramas where as 25% 

liked Indian soap operas better. 1% liked both while 5% watched other dramas. 1% gave no 

response. 

A detailed analysis of the survey revealed that relatively more ruralites (76%) prefer Pakistani 

dramas over Indian soap operas as compared to their urban counter parts (53%). A gender wise 

analysis showed that more males (73%) are fond of watching Pakistani dramas than the females 

(63%). 

“If yes, then do you like watching Pakistani or Indian Dramas?” 





[ 123 ] 


Section 1.3 

Religion

Section 1.3 Religion 

Views on Children Becoming a HafizeQuran 

[ 125 ] 


Section 1.3: RELIGION 

According to a recent survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, majority of the Pakistanis claim to be in 

favor of their children, both boys and girls, who want to become a Hafize‐Quran (Someone who 

memorizes Quran); 87% say they would encourage boys of their household to memorize Quran if 

they want to, and 73% say they would support their girls in becoming a hafiz‐e‐ Quran. 

A nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country were asked “Is there 

anyone in your household who has memorized Quran i.e. he or she is a hafiz‐e‐Quran?” Seventeen 

percent (17%) claimed someone from their household is a hafiz‐e‐Quran, 72% said no one from their 

household has memorized Quran, and 11% gave no response. It may be noted that on such issues 

some respondents consider an extended (instead of the immediate family) as their household, thus 

going beyond persons who currently live together and eat from the same kitchen. 

In a follow up question the respondents were asked “Suppose a girl or a boy from your household 

wants to be a hafiz‐e‐Quran, would you encourage him or her (Reply for both genders separately)?” 

Eighty seven percent (87%) said they would encourage the boys in their household to memorize 

Quran and become a Hafiz if they want to, 12% said they would not like that and 1% gave no 

response. 

Regarding girls wanting to become a hafiz‐e‐Quran, 73% said they would encourage their girls, 26% 

claimed they would not want that and 1% gave no response. 


demographics, except that interestingly a slightly higher percentage of urbanites (79%) as compared 

to ruralites (70%) claimed that if any girl from their household shows interest in memorizing Quran 

they would encourage her. 

“Suppose a girl or a boy from your household wants to be a hafiz‐e‐Quran, would you encourage him 

or her (Reply for both genders separately)?

[ 126 ] 



Note: The survey was carried out among a sample of 2989 men and women in rural and urban areas 

of all four provinces of the country, during March 2010. Error margin is estimated to be 

approximately + 2‐3 per cent at 95% confidence level. 

Majority (52%) Gives Their Zakat Money To Their Poor Relatives: GILANI 



all Pakistanis (52%) claim to give their Zakat money to their relatives followed by beggars (20%) and 

the mosque (12%). 


asked the following question: “Mostly whom do you give your Zakat money to?” Fifty two percent 

(52%) claimed they give their Zakat money to their poor relatives, 20% said they give the amount to 

beggars, 12% to the mosque and 7% give their Zakat due to welfare organizations. The remaing gave 

miscellaneous responses. 


demographics. 

“Mostly whom do you give your Zakat money to?” 





[ 127 ] 



Majority Believes That Men Are Prohibited To Wear Gold And Silk In Islam 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, 82% are of the 

opinion that wearing gold and 79% believe that wearing silk clothes are not allowed to men in Islam. 

28% also assume that men are not permitted to use mehendi (henna) in Islam. 


asked the following question: “In your opinion are men allowed to do the following acts according to 

Islam?” Eighty two percent (82%) said that men are not permitted to wear gold in Islam as opposed 

to 14% who said they are. 4% were unsure and gave no response. 79% stated that wearing silk 

clothes is not allowed to men in our religion where as 14% said they are. 7% gave no response. 62% 

said that men are not allowed to use mehendi (henna) while 28% said they are not. 10% gave no 

response. 

A detailed analysis of the survey revealed that relatively more ruralites (17%) were of the opinion 

that men are permitted to wear gold in Islam as compared to 9% urbanites who believe that men are 

permitted to do so. As far as the usage of mehendi (henna) was concerned more urbanites (35%) 

assumed that usage of mehendi is prohibited for men as compared to its rural counterparts (24%). 

“In your opinion are men allowed to do the following acts according to Islam?” 





[ 129 ] 


Section 1.4 

Miscellaneous 

Social Debates

Section 1.4 Public Opinion 

Views on Changing Time by Moving Clocks an Hour Ahead 


Section 1.4: MISCELLANEOUS SOCIAL DEBATES 


all Pakistanis (59%) never liked the idea of moving clocks ahead in the summer, as done in the past, 

whereas 11% appear to be in support of changing time, 29% expressed indifference, and 1% gave no 

response. When asked if the government’s decision was right about not changing the time this year, 

majority (54%), again, say they support the decision whereas 13% say they wanted the time to 

change, 32% claim they are indifferent, and 1% gave no response. 

A nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country were asked “In the 

past during summer season, government would change the time by moving the clocks and hour 

ahead. Did you like this, dislike it or did it make no different to you?” Eleven percent (11%) said they 

favored this step, 59% claimed to dislike it, and 29% said it made no different to them. The 

remaining 1% of the respondents gave no response. It should be noted that on a previous Day Light 

saving time experiment (a year ago) a majority was opposed to the decision at the start of the 

change but their views became considerably more favorable towards the end of the season. It seems 

that on this issue there is reluctance to change which wears out with practice. 

“In the past during summer season, government would change the time by moving the clocks and 

hour ahead. Did you like this, dislike it or did it make no different to you?” 

Source: Gilani Poll conducted by Gallup Pakistan, the Pakistani affiliate of Gallup International 

Association (www.gallup‐international.com; www.gallup.com.pk) 

In a follow up question the respondents were asked “This year it was decided not to change the 

time. Do you think the government should have changed the time or not, or does it make no 

difference to you?” Thirteen percent (13%) said they were in favor of changing the time whereas 

54% said they were not in favor of changing the time and 32% said it made no difference to them. 

The remaining 1% of the respondents gave no response. 

The results reveal no significant difference in opinion of people from across various demographics. 

“This year it was decided not to change the time. Do you think the government should have changed 

the time or not, or does it make no difference to you?” 

[ 131 ]




Association (www.gallup‐international.com; www.gallup.com.pk) 





The question that now arises, is that keeping in view the current load shedding situation would 

changing times by moving the clock one hour ahead be a viable option? 

39% Get More Distressed By National Crisis Rather Than Their Personal 

Problems 

Pakistan is experiencing a major existential crisis. But crises are mixed blessings which can lead to 

regression or progression. They can cause a breakdown or become a fertile ground for a 

breakthrough. Decades of mismanagement, political manipulation and corruption have rendered 

Pakistan’s civil service incapable of providing effective governance and basic public services. The 

country is currently suffering from 1) socioeconomic problems, 2) educational problems, 3) health 

care problems, 4) religious problems, 5) identity problems, 6) political problems, and 7) Human 

rights problems. 


third (39%) of all Pakistanis get more distressed by the country’s unpleasant situation as compared 

to 59% who are more concerned about their individual issues. 2% have given no response. 


following question: “Do your personal problems upset you more or does national crisis cause more 

distress?” Thirty nine percent (39%) stated that the country’s unfortunate circumstances upset them 

[ 132 ]



more than their personal issues while 59% believed it to be the other way round. 2% were uncertain 

and gave no response. 

A detailed analysis of data shows that a larger percentage of urbanites (46%) are more disturbed by 

the country’s problems as compared to their rural counter parts (35%). The findings of the survey 

also reveal that relatively a higher percentage of men (44%) are more distressed by the countries 

adverse situation than the women (33%). There is a difference of opinion among the age groups, as 

the concern for the country is seen to decrease with age and the concern for personal issues 

increase with age. 

“Do your personal problems upset you more or does national crisis cause more distress?” 





49% Prefer Bright Daylight over Night’s Darkness 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, almost half (49%) 

of all Pakistanis prefer bright day light while only 15% favour the darkness of night. A considerable 

36% equally like both stages of everyday. Apparently attitudes on this issue vary among people living 

under different climatic zones as well as different living conditions and housing situations, and 

among those with access to electricity and those without it. 


following question: “Some people like bright day light, some prefer the night’s darkness while others 

like both. What is your preference?” Forty nine percent (49%) were of the opinion that daylight is 

better where as 15% stated they like night’s darkness more. 36% did not have any particular choice 

and said that they are equally fond of daylight and the night’s darkness. 

A detailed analysis of data shows that daylight is more popular in the rural region (52%) as compared 

to the urban areas (43%). 

[ 133 ]



“Some people like bright day light, some prefer the night’s darkness 

while others like both. What is your preference?” 





Fears About Personal Insecurity Have Doubled During The Last 25 Years 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, fears about lack of 

safety and security have sharply increased over the past 25 years. In 2010 a vast majority of 

Pakistanis, all across the country (90%) feel that their area is not safe for anyone to walk for a few 

miles at night. A quarter of a century ago, in 1985,a similar Gallup and Gilani poll had found that only 

half that many (45%) believed that their area was not safe enough. On the other hand, currently only 

10% say that their area is totally safe and there are no chances of any mishap or crime taking place 

.By contrast in 1985 50% held these views about their area. 


following question: “If a person has to walk for few miles in your area at night, what are the chances 

that he would be robbed or any such mishap would take place?” Thirty eight percent (38%) believed 

that there are a lot of chances of a mishap taking place, 52% said there are some chances while 10% 

were of the opinion that it is totally safe. In 1985 19% considered their area extremely safe to walk 

for a few miles alone at night, 26% found their area safe to some extent, 50% mentioned it to be 

totally safe while 5% gave no response. 

“If a person has to walk for few miles in your area at night, what are the chances that 

he would be robbed or any such mishap would take place?” 

[ 134 ]







Perception About Threats To Pakistan: Mixed Views But External Threats Take 

Precedence 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, more than a 

quarter of all Pakistanis (28%) say that Pakistan is faced with greater external threats while 17% 

state the threats to be internal. 54% consider both threats to be equally grave. 1% have given no 

response. 


following question: “With regard to the current threats faced by Pakistan, what do you think, is 

Pakistan faced by greater internal threats or external dangers?” Twenty eight percent (28%) 

considered external threats to be more serious where as 17% found internal dangers to more 

challenging. 1% gave no response. 

A detailed analysis of data shows that proportionately a higher percentage of urbanites (25%) 

believed internal threats to be greater compared to their rural counter parts (13%). A province wise 

analysis shows that comparatively greater percentage of people from the Khyber‐ Pakhtoonkwa (KP) 

province (36%) assumed more threats to be external. At the same time more males (32%) believed 

the threats to be external than the females (23%). 

“With regard to the current threats faced by Pakistan, what do you think, is Pakistan faced by greater 

internal threats or external dangers?” 





[ 135 ]



Views On A Capable Female Head Of The Country; Notable Change In Opinions 

During The Last 25 Years 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, almost half (49%) 

of all Pakistanis say that they would welcome a female head of the country provided she is talented 

and popular as opposed to 44% who disagree. This is a notable change from 25 years ago: In 1986, a 

similar Gallup and Gilani poll had found that 39% supported a capable female leader while 51% did 

not. 


country were asked the following question: “Some people believe that a woman cannot be the head 

of the country while others are of the opinion that if a woman is talented and popular, there is no 

reason why she cannot lead a country. What is your view?” In 2010 49% show support for a woman 

head of the country where as 44% are against it. 7% have given no response. The comparable figures 

in response to the same question in 1986 were: 39% were in favor of a female leadership as opposed 

to 51% who were not. 10% gave no response. 

A detailed analysis of the recent data shows that more urbanites (55%) are in favour of a female 

head of the country, if she is capable, as compared to their rural counterparts (46%). The survey also 

reveals that proportionately a higher percentage of women (56%) support a female leader than men 

(43%). Young adults (between 30‐50 years) approve of a female head of the country the most (58%) 

as compared to other age groups. 

“Some people believe that a woman cannot be the head of the country while others are of the 

opinion that if a woman is talented and popular, there is no reason why she cannot lead a country. 

What is your view?” 

[ 136 ]







Only 18% Believe That Their Country Is Moving In The Right Direction: GILANI 



Pakistanis say that their country is heading in the right direction where as 80% do not believe it is so. 


asked the following question: “In your opinion is our country heading in the right or the wrong 

direction?” Only eighteen percent (18%) believed their country is moving in the right direction as 

opposed to 80% who are of the opinion that it is heading in the wrong direction. 2% gave no 

response 

A detailed analysis of data shows that proportionately more ruralites (22%) believe that their 

country is going in the right direction as compared to their urban counterparts (13%). 

“In your opinion is our country heading in the right or the wrong direction?” 





[ 137 ]



Day Light Saving; Moderate Change In Opinions During The Last 2 Years: GILANI 


According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, more than a 

quarter of all Pakistanis (27%) want day light saving to be continued while 68% are not in its favor. 

This is a moderate change from 2 years back: In 2008, a similar Gallup and Gilani poll had found that 

17% of Pakistanis believed that the day light saving should be resumed while 64% were against it. 


country were asked the following question: “Do you think day light saving should be continued the 

way it was done last year or not?” In 2010 27% believed that day light saving should be continued as 

opposed to 68% who were against this practice. 5% gave no response. The comparable figures in 

response to the same question in 2008 were: 17% supported day light saving where as 64% were not 

in its favour. A considerable 19% gave no response. 

The findings of the recent survey revealed no significant difference in opinion of people from across 

various demographics. 

49% Pakistanis Were Against Two Public Sector Holidays In A Week , 28% In 

Favor: GILANI POLL/GALLUP PAKISTAN 


Pakistanis (49%) opposed two public sector holidays in a week where as 28% support them. A 

considerable 23% gave no response. 


asked the following question: “Recently the government has abolished two holidays for government 

institutions. Do you support or oppose two public sector holidays in a week?” Forty nine percent 

(49%) said they were against two public sector holidays in a week while 28% were in favour. 23% 


[ 138 ]



A detailed analysis of the recent data showed that relatively more urbanites (34%) were against two 

holidays in a week as compared to their urban counter parts (25%). 

“Recently the government has abolished two holidays for government institutions. Do you support or 

oppose two public sector holidays in a week?” 



women in rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country, during December 2010. Error 


[ 139 ]

[ 141 ] 


Section 1.5 

Consumer Behavior


[ 143 ] 


Section 1.5: CONSUMER BEHAVIOR 

34% of Cell Phone Owners Have Owned Them For The Last Five Or More Years; 

Others Are Recent Subscribers 


third of all Pakistani cell phone owners (34%) have owned their cell phones for the last five or more 

years followed by 18% (three years) and 17% (one year). 


following question “Do own a personal cell phone?” 54% responded in affirmative where as 46% said 

they do not own a cell phone. 

“Do own a personal cell phone?” 


country were asked the following question: “If yes, for how long have you owned a cell phone?” 

Thirty four percent (34%) claimed to own cell phone for the past five or more years, 29% for three to 

four years, 31% for one to two years and 5% for less than a year. 1% gave no response. 

A detailed analysis of the data revealed that surprisingly more ruralites (39%) have owned cell phone 

for five or more years as compared to their urban counter parts (28%).

“If yes, for how long have you owned a cell phone?” 

[ 144 ] 







Section 1.5.2 Products 

[ 145 ] 



Are Packaged Edible Items Pure? Public Opinion Is Mixed: 55% Are Positively 

Inclined While 45% Are Negatively 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, public opinion is 

mixed regarding the purity of packaged food items. 14% are fully confident of the purity while 9% 

are totally opposed. The rest are in‐between, 41% trust the packed food content to some extent and 

36% to very little extent. . 


following question: “While using packaged edible products, to what extent do you trust them to be 

pure and unadulterated?” Fourteen percent (14%) said they have a lot of trust in the packaged 

edible items, 41% considered them to be unadulterated to some extent and 36% believed them to 

be very little pure. However, 9% completely doubted the purity of sealed food items. 

The findings of the survey revealed that proportionately a higher percentage of ruralites (47%) 

doubted the quality of packaged food items as compared to their urban counter parts (40%). 

“While using packaged edible products, to what extent do you trust 

them to be pure and unadulterated?” 





Wheat is Pakistan's Popular Staple And Majority (55%) Gets Wheat Grain 

Grounded For Flour 


all Pakistanis (55%) get wheat grains grounded for flour personally, 23% consume packaged flour 

while 22% buy flour from the ‘Chakki’, a small flour mill in the neighborhood. 


following question: “Which type of flour is mostly used at your home?” Fifty five percent (55%) said 

they buy wheat and get it personally grounded to make flour, 23% use packaged flour where as 22% 

buy flour from the ‘Chakki’. 

The findings of the data reveal that there is a great variation regarding the choice of flour among the 

rural and urban populations. A considerably greater percentage of ruralites (66%) get wheat grain

[ 146 ] 



grounded as compared to their urban counterparts (31%). On the other hand 41% of the urbanites 

consume packaged flour as opposed to 14% ruralites. A proportionately larger percentage of 

urbanites (27%) buy flour from the ‘Chakki’ than the ruralites (19%). 

“Which type of flour is mostly used at your home?” 




is estimated to be approximately + 2‐3 per cent at 95% confidence level.

Section 1.5.3 Shopping Habits 

[ 147 ] 



Shopping In Ramadan: 41% Go For Shopping In the Afternoon In Ramadan 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, most of all 

Pakistanis (41%) go for shopping in the afternoon, 29% go to the bazaar in the morning, 21% after 

Iftari while 6% go to the market after the Taraweeh prayer. 


following question: “In Ramadan people go for shopping at different times of the day. Mostly in your 

house when do your family members go to the bazaar?” Forty one percent (41%) go to the market in 

the afternoon followed by 29% who go for shopping in the morning, 21% after Iftari and 6% go to 

the bazaar after the Taraweeh prayer. 3% said they don’t know. 


demographics. 

“In Ramadan people go for shopping at different times of the day. Mostly in your house when do your 

family members go to the bazaar?” 





[ 148 ] 



65% Claim That Women Select The Brands Of Grocery Items For Their Household: 

GILANI POLL/GALLUP PAKISTAN 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, even though in 

most cases the purchase is made by men, almost two third of all Pakistanis (65%) claim that the 

brands of grocery items are selected by the females in the household while 27% claim that it is men 

who make this decision in their household. 


asked the following question: “Who makes the buying decision for brands of grocery items in your 

household?” Twenty seven percent (27%) said that males select the brands of the grocery items as 

opposed to 65% who mentioned that women make such decisions in their household. 5% believed 

that children influence the decisions while 1% were of the opinion that buying decisions were 

influenced by shopkeepers and friends/relatives each. 1% gave other responses. 

It is interesting to notice that relatively more males (31%) as compared to females (22%) state that 

the brands of grocery items are selected by men in their household. On the other hand 

comparatively more females (72%) than males (59%) say that brand selection is done by women at 

their homes. 

“Who makes the buying decision for brands of grocery items in your household?” 




margin is estimated to be approximately + 2 3 per cent at 95% confidence level.

[ 149 ] 


Section 1.6 

Economy


Current Budget Finds Few Supporters in Popular Opinion 

[ 151 ] 


Section 1.6: ECONOMY 

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)‐led government presented a budget on June 6 that continues the 

unpopular International Monetary Fund (IMF) program of cutting public expenditure and increasing 

taxes. Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh openly declared that the “focus of this budget is on 

austerity”. 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, half (50%) of all 

Pakistanis say that the recent budget is worse than the last year’s budget, 35% say it’s the same 

while 11% say it is better. 4% do not know. As far as the recent budget being beneficial to the 

common man is concerned, only 8% say it is, 16% believe to some extent it is where as 73% state it is 

not beneficial to the ordinary man. 3% have given no response. 


following question: “In your opinion is this year’s budget better, worse or the same as the last year’s 

budget?” Fifty percent (50%) were of the opinion that recent budget is worse than the previous 

year’s budget, 35% said it is the same while 11% believed that it is better than last year. 4% stated 

they don’t know. “In your opinion is this year’s budget better, worse or the same as the last year’s 

budget?” 

In a follow up question the respondents were asked “In your opinion to what extent has this year’s 

budget benefited the common man?” Forty six (46%) mentioned it has not benefited the ordinary 

citizen at all, 27% believed very little, 16% said to some extent while only 8% were of the opinion 

that the budget has been very beneficial to the common man. 3% gave no response.

[ 152 ] 




demographics. 





26% Have Sometime Experienced Receiving Counterfeit Currency Notes While 

Shopping 

Counterfeit money is currency that is produced without the legal sanction of the state or 

government to resemble some official form of currency closely enough that it may be confused for 

genuine currency. Producing or using counterfeit money is a form of fraud. 


fourth (26%) have received fake money while buying something from the market while 74% have not 

come across any such situation. 


following question: “Have you ever received counterfeit currency notes while buying anything from 

the market?” Seventy four percent (74%) they have not had any such experience while 26% stated 

that there had been an instance or instances where they got back forged notes from the bazaar. 

A detailed analysis of data shows that proportionately more men (34%) have had the experience of 

receiving counterfeit money while shopping as compared to women (17%). This is explainable 

because most shopping and dealings with money are carried out by men in the Pakistani culture. 

“Have you ever received counterfeit currency notes while buying anything from the market?”

[ 153 ] 







88% Claim Their Household Expenditure Has Risen During Ramzan 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, a vast majority 

(88%) of all Pakistanis believe that their household expenditure has increased in the month of 

Ramzan. Only 6% say it has remained unchanged and 3% state that it decreased. 


asked the following question: “Has there been any change in your household expenditure during the 

month of Ramzan, has it increased, decreased or remained the same?” Eighty eight percent (88%) 

claimed their household expenses have risen in Ramzan, showing notable change in perceptions on 

the issue from last year (79%). On the other hand only 3% were of the opinion that they have 

declined. 6% said that the costs have remained the same and 3% gave no response. 


demographics.

[ 154 ] 



“Has there been any change in your household expenditure during the month of Ramzan, has it 

increased, decreased or remained the same?” 





Section 1.6.2 Employment 

Employment Opportunities in Pakistan 

[ 155 ] 



According to a survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, there is a great concern over unemployment; 

majority of Pakistanis (83%) say they are not happy with the governments efforts to increase 

employment opportunities and help people find good quality jobs, whereas 16% claim they believe 

the government is doing enough to increase job prospects and 1% of the respondents gave no 

response. 

A nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country were asked “Do 

you—think that the Pakistani government is making enough efforts to increase the number and 

quality of jobs available to the public?” Sixteen percent (16%) said yes while 83% said that in their 

opinion the government is not making enough efforts to increase number and quality of jobs. The 

remaining 1% of the respondents gave no response. 


demographics, except that a slightly higher percentage of urbanites (20%) as compared to ruralites 

(13%) appear to be dissatisfied with the governments’ efforts to increase job opportunities. 

“Do you think that the Pakistani government is making enough efforts to increase the number and 

quality of jobs available to the public?” 


Association (www.gallup‐international.com; http://www.gallup.com.pk/) 


affiliate of Gallup International. The recent survey was carried out among a sample of 2723 men and

[ 156 ] 





Own Business versus a Salaried Job 

According to a survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, a vast majority of all Pakistanis (71%) claim 

they prefer to do their own business as compared to doing a salaried job, while 28% say they prefer 

to work for an employer. The remaining 1% gave no response. 


“Suppose you have two choose between doing your own business or working for an employer, which 

one of these means of earning money would you choose for yourself?” Seventy one percent (71%) 

said they would choose to do their own business whereas 28% would like to do a job in some 

company. The remaining 1% of the respondents gave no response. The findings of the survey reveal 

no significant difference in preference of people from across various demographics. 

“Suppose you have two choose between doing your own business or working for an employer, which 

one of these means of earning money would you choose for yourself?” 





VIEWS ON SIFARISH: 58% Approve Of ‘Sifarish’ To Get A Job While 42% Do Not 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, 58% approve of 

‘Sifarish’ or Reference through a friend or relative to get a job while 48% do not.

[ 157 ] 




following question: “Suppose that you have applied for a job and you know that you will get it 

through a ‘Sifarish’ (Reference). Please tell us frankly whether you will make use of this reference or 

not?” Fifty eight percent (58%) were inclined towards ‘Sifarish’ (Reference) while 42% were against 

making use of it. 

A detailed analysis of data shows that with age the inclination towards ‘Sifarish’ decreases, 50% of 

over 50 years of age and 62% of the under 30 are inclined to use a recommendation if given a 

chance. The survey data also reveals that more males (61%) tend to make use of ‘Sifarish’ than the 

females (54%). The respondents were posed the question in Urdu and the word used was “Sifarish” 

which would be translated as “Nepotism” if the Reference or Recommendation was unfair. The Urdu 

term “Sifarish” is generally used with a negative connotation (although not necessarily) for making a 

recommendation which goes beyond the normal or standard operating procedures. 

“Suppose that you have applied for a job and you know that you will get it through a ‘Sifarish’ 

(Reference). Please tell us frankly whether you will make use of this reference or not?” 





Views On Job Security; Minor Change In Opinions During The Last 10 Years: 

GILANI POLL/GALLUP PAKISTAN 


Pakistanis say that they believe their job to be secure as opposed to 24% who believe that there are 

chances of unemployment. This is not a very significant change from 10 years ago: In 2000, a similar

[ 158 ] 



Gallup and Gilani poll had found that 63% of Pakistanis stated that their jobs are secure while 28% 

believed them to be insecure. 


country were asked the following question: “Do you believe your current job to be secure or are there 

chances of unemployment?” In 2010 60% said their job is secure while 24% considered it to be 

insecure. 16% gave no response. The comparable figures in response to the same question in 2000 

were: 63% thought of their jobs as secure where as 28% said that there were chances of 

unemployment. 9% gave no response. It should be noted that these findings relate to perceptions 

which may or may not be different from factual positions. 

The findings of the recent survey revealed no significant difference in opinion of people from across 


“Do you believe your current job to be secure or are there chances of unemployment?” 





33% Households have Members Searching For A Job, Most (55%) Of Whom Have 

Been Searching For More Than Two Years 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, one third of all 

Pakistani households (33%) have family members who are searching for a job, more than half of 

whom (55%) have been searching for more than two years.

[ 159 ] 




asked the following question: “Is anyone in your household looking for a job but is not able to find 

one?” Thirty three percent (33%) responded in affirmative while 62% stated that there is no such 

person in their family. 5% gave no response. 

The findings of the survey revealed that relatively more ruralites (37%) are currently searching for a 

job as compared to their urban counterparts (25%). 

“Is anyone in your household looking for a job but is not able to find one?” 


country were asked the following question: “If yes, then what is the education of that person?” Forty 

percent (40%) were illiterate, 5% had studied till primary, 4% up to middle, 20% up to matric, 15% up 

to intermediate, 15% graduates and 1% post graduate. 

“If yes, then what is the education of that person?” 


the country were asked the following question: “How long has that person been in search of a job?” 

18% have been searching for the past one year, 25% for one to two years and 55% for more than 

two years. 1% gave no response.

[ 160 ] 



The findings of the data showed that comparatively more ruralites (62%) have been searching for 

more than two years as compared to their urban counterparts (37%). 

“How long has that person been in search of a job?” 





POPULAR DEBATES ON UNEMPLOYMENT: What Causes It? 


Pakistanis (48%) believe lack of Sifarish (recommendation to get a job) to be the basic reason for 

unemployment. Increase in crimes is believed to be the most common (53%) consequence of 

unemployment on the society. Last of all 71% of all Pakistanis are of the opinion that unemployment 

has increased in their area recently. 


asked the following question: “In your opinion what are the basic reasons for unemployment in our 

country?” (Multiple response) Forty eight percent (48%) said that lack of Sifarish (reference to get a 

job) was the cause of their unemployment, 32% said lack of national resources, 22% increasing 

population, and 21% held economic recession responsible for the prevailing unemployment. 1% gave 

no response.

Causes Of Unemployment 

[ 161 ] 



“In your opinion what are the basic reasons for unemployment in our country?” (Multiple response) 


country were asked the following question: “What are the effects of unemployment on our society?” 

(Multiple response) Fifty three percent (53%) stated that unemployment increases crimes, 41% 

believed it increases poverty, 32% said it causes unrest, 11% mentioned that this forces people to 

look for employment abroad and another 11% stated that it causes delay in marriages. 1% gave no 

response. 

Consequences Of Unemployment 

“What are the effects of unemployment on our society?” (Multiple response) 


the country were asked the following question: “In your opinion has the unemployment in your area 

recently increased decreased or remained the same?” 71% were of the opinion that unemployment 

has increased, 14% said it has decreased and 14% said it has remained the same in their area. 1% 

gave no response.

Rising Incidence Of Unemployment 

[ 162 ] 



“In your opinion has the unemployment in your area recently increased decreased or remained the 

same?” 





Section 1.6.3 Inflation 

[ 163 ] 



Majority Says They Have Cut Down Their Expenditures to Counter Inflation 


all Pakistanis (44%) say that they have cut down their expenditures to counter inflation, 27% state 

that they have started purchasing cheaper items, 21% say that they have tried earning additional 

income where as 1% gave no response. 


following question “In your opinion in the last three months has inflation increased, decreased or 

remained the same?” More than two thirds (77%) of the respondents believed that inflation has 

increased, 13% said that it has decreased while 10% were of the opinion that rate of inflation has 

remained unchanged over the past three months. 

“In your opinion in the last three months has inflation increased, decreased or remained the same?”

[ 164 ] 



In a follow up question the respondents were asked “What steps have you taken to counter 

inflation?” Majority (51%) stated that they have cut down their expenditures to counter inflation, 

27% said that they have started purchasing cheaper items, 21% said that they have tried to bring 

additional incomes home while 1% gave no response. “What steps have you taken to counter 

inflation?” 





Inability to buy food in Pakistan 

According to a survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, sadly a significant 31% of the population has 

complained that there have been days in the past one year when they could not afford to buy food 

needed to feed their family or themselves. 

A nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country were asked “During 

the last one year have there been times when you did not have enough money to buy food that you 

or your family needed?” Thirty one percent (31%) said they have seen days when they could not 

afford to buy food, in the past one year, whereas 69% said there has not been any day when they or 

their family had to be hungry.

[ 165 ] 



“During the last one year have there been times when you did not have enough money to buy food 

that you or your family needed?” 





[ 167 ] 


Section 1.7 

Poverty

Section 1.7 POVERTY 

Inability to buy food in Pakistan 

[ 169 ] 


Section 1.7: POVERTY 

According to a survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, sadly a significant 31% of the population has 

complained that there have been days in the past one year when they could not afford to buy food 

needed to feed their family or themselves. 

A nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country were asked “During 

the last one year have there been times when you did not have enough money to buy food that you 

or your family needed?” Thirty one percent (31%) said they have seen days when they could not 

afford to buy food, in the past one year, whereas 69% said there has not been any day when they or 

their family had to be hungry. 

“During the last one year have there been times when you did not have enough money to buy food 

that you or your family needed?” 





[ 170 ] 



Comparison of poverty in Pakistan and its neighboring countries 

According to a survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, more than one third of all Pakistanis (41%) are 

of the opinion that the ratio of poverty in Pakistan is more than in its neighboring countries, a 

significant (30%) believe that the ratio of poverty is the same, whereas 27% say that Pakistan has 

less poverty than these neighboring countries. The remaining 2% gave no response. 


view is the ratio of poverty in Pakistan, as compared to its neighboring countries Afghanistan, India, 

Bangladesh, and Nepal, more, less, or is it the same?” Forty one percent (41%) believe it is more, 

27% think it is less whereas 30% believe that the ratio of poverty in Pakistan is the same as 

compared to some of its neighboring countries. The remaining 2% of the respondents gave no 

response. 

The findings of the survey reveal no significant difference, except that the percentage of residents of 

Punjab, mainly rural Punjab (61%), who believe that the poverty ratio in Pakistan is more than in its 

neighboring countries is higher than the national average. “In your view is the ratio of poverty in 

Pakistan, as compared to its neighboring countries Afghanistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, more, 

less, or is it the same?”

[ 171 ] 







Majority Believes That Officially Zakat Managed Fund Should Be Used To Alleviate 

Poverty 

According to a survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, nearly half of all Pakistanis (44%) say that Zakat 

fund should be aimed towards general alleviation of poverty where as the remaining propose more 

specific purposes such as health (19%), education (18%) and providing shelters (18%), to be equally 

deserving of the Zakat fund. 1% gave no response.

[ 172 ] 




following question “As you know Zakat is used to help the poor, in your opinion for what purpose 

should Zakat fund be used the most?” A significant forty four (44%) believed that Zakat should be 

used to alleviate poverty. Almost an equal number of respondents believed that health (19%), 

education (18%) and providing shelters to the homeless (18%) are specific aspects which require the 

Zakat fund the most. 1% gave no response. 

“As you know Zakat is used to help the poor, in your opinion for what purpose should Zakat fund be 

used the most?” 





31% Believe Beggars In Ramzan Are Genuinely Needy 


all Pakistanis (31%) believe that beggars in Ramzan are genuinely needy as opposed to 62% who 

think they are professional beggars. 


asked the following question: “Mostly in the month of Ramzan the number of beggars increases. Do 

you think they are needy or are just professional beggars?” Thirty one percent (31%) perceive the 

beggars to be genuine while 62% assume that they are professionals who are exploiting the month 

of Ramzan. 7% said they don’t know. The findings of the survey reveal no significant difference in 

opinion of people from across various demographics.

[ 173 ] 



“Mostly in the month of Ramzan the number of beggars increases. Do you think they are needy or are 

just professional beggars?” 





[ 175 ] 


Section 1.8 

Environment

Section 1.8 Environment 

Views about Global Warming 

[ 177 ] 


Section 1.8: ENVIRONMENT 

According to a survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, while more than half of all Pakistanis (57%) 

have shown concern about the rapid environmental changes taking place, by saying that Global 

Warming is a worrisome phenomenon, a significant 34% of the people believe that Global warming 

does not pose any serious threat to the world. The remaining 9% of the people were unsure of their 

opinion on this subject. 


“Recently there have been drastic changes in the overall weather of the world (also known as global 

warming) like rising temperatures, lack/excess of rain, melting of ice etc. To what extent do you 

think this change in the environment is worrisome?” Twenty six percent (26%) believe it is 

worrisome to a great extent, 31% believe to some extent, 24% said this change in the environment is 

not a big issue, whereas 10% believe it is not problematic at all. The remaining 9% of the 

respondents were unsure. 

The findings of the survey reveal no significant difference in the opinion of people from across 


“Recently there have been drastic changes in the overall weather of the world (also known as global 

warming) like rising temperatures, lack/excess of rain, melting of ice etc. To what extent do you 

think this change in the environment is worrisome?”

[ 178 ] 


Section 1.8: ENVIRONMENT 





[ 179 ] 


Section 1.9 

Disasters

Section 1.9 Disasters 

[ 181 ] 


Section 1.9: DISASTER 

More Than One Third of All Pakistanis (37%) Claim to Be Affected By The Recent 

Flood; 14% Severely Affected 


all Pakistanis (37%) claim to be the victims of the flood water, 29% state the affect on them has been 

very mild while only 31% say they were not affected at all. 3% have given no response. The figures 

reflect their perceptions and may or may not correspond with the actual flood situation. 


following question: “The recent spell of rain has caused unnecessary supply of water which has 

created a lot of problems for the citizens. To what extent have you been affected by the flood 

water?” Fourteen percent (14%) said that they have been affected by the flood very seriously, 23% 

claimed to be the victim of the flood water to some extent. 29% said that their loss has been mild 

where as 31% claimed not to be affected at all. 3% gave no response. The findings of the survey 

reveal that larger proportion of residents of the rural areas (17%) claims to be affected by the flood 

severely as compared to the urban areas (8%). A comparison among the provinces shows that the 

residents of Kyber Pakhtoonkhwa (KP) claim to be affected by the flood water the most. 

“The recent spell of rain has caused overflow of water which has created a lot of problems for the 

citizens. To what extent have you been affected by the flood water?” 





[ 182 ] 



Popular Views On Recent Airplane Tragedy In Islamabad: Bad Luck (36%) 

Followed By Bad Weather (26%), Most Common Reasons Perceived For The 

Tragic Incident 


third of Pakistanis (36%) hold the bad weather responsible for this dreadful plane crash incident, 

26% say it was because of the bad weather, 19% blame the control room while 14% state it was 

pilot’s fault or technical error. 5% say they don’t know. The figures reflect their perceptions and may 

or may not correspond with the actual reason. 


following question: “Recently the tragic incident of Air Blue plane crash took place. In your opinion 

what is the reason behind this dreadful episode?” Thirty six percent (36%) believed this crash to be 

the fate, 26% assumed bad weather to be the cause of the crash, 19% held the directions from the 

control room responsible and 14% considered it to be the pilot’s or technical fault. 5% said they 

don’t know. 


demographics. 

“Recently the tragic incident of Air Blue plane crash took place. In your opinion what is the reason 

behind this dreadful episode?” 



women in rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country, during August 2010.Error 


[ 183 ] 



55% Claim To Have Helped The Flood Victims Of Whom 57% Have Helped 

Financially 


all Pakistanis (55%) claim to have helped the flood victims as opposed to 44% who have not. Among 

those who have helped, 57% aided financially, 32% helped through relief items while 11% did 

volunteer work. The survey did not probe the financial or other value of their help, so the value of 

the aid could be from very modest to quite substantial. 


following question “A lot of people have helped the flood victims in their own way. Have you taken 

any steps to help these flood victims?” More than half of all Pakistanis (55%) claim to have helped 

the flood affected people of the country where as 44% mentioned that they have not made any such 

efforts. 1% gave no response. 

A detailed analysis of data shows that a higher proportion of ruralites (57%) claim to have helped the 

flood victims as compared to their urban counterparts (49%). The survey data also reveals that 

proportionately a higher percentage of males (60%) claim to have made efforts for the affected 

“A lot of people have helped the flood victims in their own way. Have you taken any steps to help 

these flood victims?” 

In a follow up question the respondents were asked “If yes, in what way have you helped the flood 

victims?” Majority (57%) stated that they helped the victims financially, 32% mention that their aid 

was through relief goods and 11% did volunteer work for their relief.

[ 184 ] 



“If yes, in what way have you helped the flood victims?” 





Majority (83%) Believes That 2010 Floods Are More Devastating Than 2005 

Earthquake 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, 83% are of the 

opinion that the recent floods are more devastating than the earthquake that hit the country in 2005 

where as 12% find that earthquake to be worse than the latest floods. 


asked the following question: “Some people believe that 2005 earthquake caused more destruction 

than 2010 floods where as others are of the view that 2010 floods are worse than the earthquake in 

2005. What is your opinion?” A vast majority of 83% considered the recent floods to be more 

destructive than the earthquake in 2005 as opposed to 12% who believed it to be the other way 

round. 5% said they don’t know. 

A comparison among provinces shows that proportionately a greater percentage of respondents 

from Sindh (90%) and Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa (KP) (91%) province believe that the recent floods have 

caused more damage than the earthquake in 2005.

[ 185 ] 



“Some people believe that 2005 earthquake caused more destruction than 2010 floods where as 

others are of the view that 2010 floods are worse than the earthquake in 2005. What is your 

opinion?” 





26% Hold Government Responsible For The Devastation Caused By The Flood; 

73% Say It Was Unavoidable Natural Calamity 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, more than quarter 

of all Pakistanis (26%) hold government responsible for the devastation caused by the flood as 

opposed to 73% who consider it to be a natural calamity. 


asked the following question: “In your opinion who is responsible for the devastation caused by the 

flood?” Seventy three percent (73%) blamed nobody and considered it to be a natural disaster, 

however 26% believed that the massive loss was due to government’s negligence. 1% gave no 

response. 

A detailed analysis of the recent data shows that proportionately a greater percentage of urbanites 

(35%) hold the government responsible for the destruction caused by the flood as compared to their 

rural counterparts (22%). A comparison among provinces shows that comparatively more 

respondents in Sindh (34%) are dissatisfied with the government’s efforts to handle the disastrous 

situation as compared to other provinces.

[ 186 ] 



“In your opinion who is responsible for the devastation caused by the flood?” 





Eid Mubarak To A Resilient Pakistan: EightyTwo Percent (82%) Of Pakistani Men 

And Women Believe Their Country Will Not Sink But Swim Out Stronger From The 

Tragedy Of Floods 


all Pakistanis believe their country will not sink but swim out stronger from the tragedy of floods 

while only 9% have a pessimistic approach. 9% did not give any response. 


asked the following question: “In your view, how will Pakistan face up to the damages caused by 

recent flood: Very Nicely, Nicely, Poorly or Very Poorly?” Thirty percent (30%) seemed to be very 

hopeful about the country dealing with the disastrous situation and 52% are quite optimistic. 

However 7% did not appear to have high hopes and 2% were very pessimistic. 9% gave no response. 

The self image to face up nicely to the tragedy was higher in the rural areas (where most devastation 

took place): 88% of rural and 80% of urban Pakistanis held this view.

[ 187 ] 



“In your view, how will Pakistan face up to the damages caused by recent flood: 

Very Nicely, Nicely, Poorly or Very Poorly?” 


affiliate of Gallup International. The recent survey was carried out among a scientific sample of more 

than 2700 men and women across the rural and urban areas of all the four provinces, conducted 

during August 29 – September 4, 2010. Error margin is estimated to be approximately + 2‐3 per cent 

at 95% confidence level.

[ 188 ] 



57% Believe The Construction Of Kalabagh Dam Could Have Mitigated The 

Devastation Caused By The Flood 


all Pakistanis (57%) believe that the impact of the recent flood could have been mitigated by 

Kalabagh Dam’s construction. On the contrary 30% are of the opinion that in spite of Kalabagh Dam’s 

existence, destruction would have taken place. 


asked the following question: “Some people believe that the recent flood would not have been so 

disastrous had the Kalabagh Dam been constructed while others say that devastation still would 

have taken place. Do you think the construction of the Dam would have mitigated the destruction or 

not?” Fifty seven percent (57%) are of the opinion that had the Kalabagh been constructed, the loss 

caused by the flood could have toned down as opposed to 30% who assume that still devastation 

would have taken place. 13% said they don’t know. 

A detailed analysis of the recent data shows that proportionately a greater percentage of urbanites 

(66%) believe that the construction of Kalabagh Dam would have been beneficial in such a disastrous 

situation as compared to their rural counterparts (53%). Furthermore there are important regional 

differences. The view that Kalabagh Dam would have mitigated the damages of floods is stronger in 

Punjab and Urban Sindh than in the rest of the country. 

“Some people believe that the recent flood would not have been so disastrous had the Kalabagh Dam 

been constructed while others say that devastation still would have taken place. Do you think the 

construction of the Dam would have mitigated the destruction or not?”

[ 189 ] 







[ 191 ] 


Section 1.10 

Sports

Section 1.10.1 Cricket 

[ 193 ] 


Section 1.10: SPORTS 

Majority Have Faith in Pakistan’s Cricket Team’s Ability to Win the T20 World 

Cup Trophy 

According survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, two weeks before last night's nerve wracking 

matches where not only Pakistani cricket team had to beat South Africans but England also had to 

beat New Zealand for the nation to breath a sigh of relief and look forward to seeing Pakistan play in 

the super 8, 56% of all Pakistanis already had high hopes and cited that there are a lot or at least 

some what chances for Pakistan to win the T‐20 cricket world cup, 26% have very little hope 

whereas only 11% believe Pakistan can not win this world cup series and 7% were unsure. When 

asked about the chances of winning for all teams playing in the world cup, interestingly 45% cited 

Pakistan to have a greater chance of holding the trophy, followed by Australia (20%), India (7%), 

South Africa (5%), Sri Lanka (5%), the other teams (10%), and 8% were unsure.

[ 194 ] 




opinion what are the chances that Pakistan will win the T‐20 cricket world‐cup series?” 

Twenty five percent (25%) believe that there is a lot of chance for Pakistan to win the world cup, 

31% have some faith in the Pakistani team’s victory, 26% have very little hope, whereas only 11% 

believe that there is no chance for Pakistan to win the 2010 T‐20 world cup. The remaining 7% of the 

respondents were unsure. 

“In your opinion what are the chances that Pakistan will win the T‐20 cricket world‐cup series?” 

In a follow up question the respondents were asked “In your view which of the following cricket 

teams has greater chances of winning the T‐20 cricket world‐cup?” Forty Five percent (45%) believe 

Pakistani team will be the champions of the T‐20 series, 20% believe Australia will hold the trophy, 

7% think Indian cricket team has a greater chance of winning, 5% cited South Africa, another 5% 

cited Sri Lanka whereas others believe that New Zealand will win (3%), England would win (3%), 3% 

believe West Indies would win and 1% believe Bangladesh has a greater chance of winning the T‐20 

cricket world cup trophy. The remaining 8% were unsure.

[ 195 ] 



“In your view which of the following cricket teams has greater chances of winning the T‐20 cricket 

world‐cup?” 





Afridi’s Resignation from Test Cricket: 35% Think It Is Right While 39% Believe It 

To Be Wrong 

Cricket is the most widely popular sport is Pakistan. Tournaments are watched with much fan fare. 

Like all teams, some day’s Pakistani team manages to delight the country, while other days are filled 

with disappointment. Controversies spark occasionally over all sorts of issues. Recently, Shahid Afridi 

announced retirement from test cricket. This was met with mixed reactions from the public. 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, Pakistani views are 

split regarding Shahid Afridi’s retirement from test cricket. 35% believe it to be the right decision 

while 39% consider it wrong. 26% say they don’t know. 


following question: “Recently Captain of Pakistan Cricket Team Shahid Afridi announced retirement 

from Test Cricket. Do you think he made the right decision or not?” Thirty nine percent (39%) were 

against this decision where as 35% supported it. A considerable 26% were confused and they said 

they don’t know.

[ 196 ] 



The findings of the data reveal that comparatively more males (42%) supported Afridi’s decision to 

retire from test series as compared to the females (28%). A large number of women (35%) did not 

give a view on the subject. 

“Recently Captain of Pakistan Cricket Team Shahid Afridi announced retirement from Test Cricket. Do 

you think he made the right decision or not?” 





Half Of All Pakistanis (50%) Believe The Match Fixing Allegations To Be False 

While 32% Think Those To Be True. Nevertheless 87% Are Grieved Over The 

Scandal: GILANI POLL/GALLUP PAKISTAN 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, half of all Pakistanis 

(50%) consider the match fixing accusations to be untrue while 32% think those to be true. 

Nevertheless 87% are depressed over the controversy. 


asked the following question: “Do you believe the match fixing allegations against the Pakistani 

cricketers to be true or is it a conspiracy?” Fifty percent (50%) said that the accusations are incorrect 

and the whole scandal is just a conspiracy as opposed to 32% who believed the charges to be true. 


The findings of the survey revealed that relatively more urbanites (38%) believed this spot fixing 

scandal to be true as compared to their rural counterparts (28%).

[ 197 ] 



“Do you believe the match fixing allegations against the Pakistani 

cricketers to be true or is it a conspiracy?” 


country were asked the following question: “To what extent are you sad over the match fixing 

scandal?” 59% are upset to a great extent over this controversy, 28% sad to some extent, 6% were 

grieved a little where as 7% were not affected at all. 

“To what extent are you sad over the match fixing scandal?” 





[ 198 ] 



36% Support While 22% Oppose Misbah Ul Haq As The Captain Of Test Cricket 

Team 


third of Pakistanis (36%) support Misbah ul Haq as the test cricket team captain while 22% oppose it. 

Among those who are against this decision believe Mohammed Yousaf (27%), Younas Khan (26%), 

Shahid Afridi (19%) to be better choices. 


asked the following question: “Recently Pakistan Cricket Board has appointed Misbah ul Haq as the 

captain for Pakistan Test Series. Do you believe that Pakistan Cricket Board has made the right 

decision or not?” Thirty six percent (36%) favored this decision as opposed to 20% who were against 

it. 44% were unsure and said they don’t know. 

“Recently Pakistan Cricket Board has appointed Misbah ul Haq as the captain for test series. Do 

you believe that Pakistan Cricket Board has made the right decision or not?” 


country were asked the following question: “If you think that Misbah ul Haq is the wrong choice then 

who do you think should be the captain of Pakistan Test Team?” Among those who believed it to be 

a bad decision, 27% said that Mohammed Yousaf would have been a better choice, followed by 

Younas Khan (26%) and Shahid Afridi (19%). 19% gave other responses and 9% said they don’t know.

[ 199 ] 



“If you think that Misbah ul Haq is the wrong choice, then who do you think 

should be the captain of Pakistan Test Team ?” 





Section 1.10.2 Football 

[ 201 ] 



30% Of All Pakistanis Claim Watching FIFA World Cup Football (Soccer) Matches 


all Pakistanis (30%) claim that they have watched the football world cup matches while 70% say they 

have not. The survey clearly indicates that Pakistan is still not a 'Soccer or Football' land; the sport 

that arouses interest and passion here is ‘Cricket’. Thus even those who said they had watched some 

matches of the ongoing World Cup, only a minority was able to name a favorite team. More than 

70% of them were unaware about the best teams as they said they did not know who would be the 

world cup winner. 


following question: “2010 FIFA World Cup is currently being played in which 32 countries have 

participated. Have you had a chance of watching any of these matches?” 30% of the respondents 

stated that they have watched at least one match of the football world cup while the remaining 70% 

said that they have not watched any of the matches. 

The survey showed that more men (43%) watched football world cup matches as compared to 

women (15%). As far as viewership according to age is concerned, viewership is interestingly higher 

among the over 30, than under 30 years old. 

“2010 FIFA World Cup is currently being played in which 32 countries have participated. Have you 

had a chance of watching any of these matches?” 

In a follow up question the respondents were asked “In your opinion among the 32 countries, which 

team has the most chances of winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup?” 75% don’t have any favorite 

teams as they said that they don’t know. Among the remaining the most popular teams were: Brazil 

(7%), Argentina, France, Germany (all at 3% each), Italy (2%) followed by Holland, Korea, Japan and 

England (all at 1% each).

[ 202 ] 





women in rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country, during June 2010. Error margin is 

estimated to be approximately + 2‐3 per cent at 95% confidence level.

[ 203 ] 


Section 1.11 

Marriage

Section 1.11 Marriage 

[ 205 ] 


Section 1.11: MARRIAGE 

Criteria for Choice of Life Partners; Good Nature beats Good Looks 

According to a survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, when choosing a life partner there are many 

aspects that people take into consideration; it is seen that more than two thirds of all Pakistanis 

(75%) are of the opinion that a prospective life partner should have a good nature, whereas 24% say 

they prefer good looks over good nature. The remaining 1% gave no response. 


“Suppose you have to choose a life partner, would you prefer good looks or good nature of that 

person?” Twenty four percent (24%) said they would prefer good looks, whereas 75% claimed they 

would prefer good nature over anything else. The remaining 1% of the respondents gave no 

response. 

The findings of the survey reveal that interestingly a proportionately higher percentage of men 

(29%) as compared to women (19%) prefer good looks when choosing their life partners. Yet when 

presented with a choice between good nature and good looks, a wide majority in both genders 

prefers good nature over good looks. 

“Suppose you have to choose a life partner, would you prefer good looks or good nature of that 

person?” 





Views on Divorce Rate in Pakistan 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, while nearly half of 

all Pakistanis (48%) believe that the rate of divorce has increased, a significant 32% believe that 

there has been no notable change in divorce rate in the last ten years, whereas 19% claim it has 

decreased. Amongst various factors causing an increase in divorce rate, lack of patience tops the list 

as cited by 48%, followed by disconnect with religion (33%), influence of western culture (27%), 

women giving priority to their careers (12%), and men’s lack of interest in their marriage.

[ 206 ] 




people believe that divorce rate has increase in the past 10 years whereas others believe there has 

been no change. What is your view point?” Forty eight percent (48%) believe the divorce rate in 

Pakistan has increased, 19% believe it has decreased, whereas 32% claimed that there has been no 

significant difference in divorce rate in the past 10 years. The remaining 1% gave no response. 

It is seen that a proportionately higher percentage of urbanites (55%) as compared to their rural 

counterparts (44%) are of the opinion that over the past few years the rate of divorce has increased. 

“Some people believe that divorce rate has increase in the past 10 years whereas others believe 

there has been no change. What is your view point?” 

In a follow up question people who believe that the rate of divorce has increased were asked “In 

your view what are some of the reasons for the increase in divorce?” Forty eight percent (48%) 

believe that it is because of lack of patience, 33% believe that it is due to being away from the 

religion, 27% claimed that the increase in divorce rate in Pakistan has been caused by the impact of 

western culture, 12% blame women for giving preference to their career, and 9% said that one of 

the reasons for divorce is when men stop taking interest in the marital relationship. The data reveals 

no significant difference except that a higher percentage of urbanites (21%) than ruralites (6%) 

blame women for taking more interest in their careers which causes marriages to break. 

“In your view what are some of the reasons for the increase in divorce?” 





[ 207 ] 



What Is More Enjoyable: Married Or Single Life? Majority Of The Married (76%) 

Claim Happiness In Married Life While Majority Of Singles (70%) Claim Happiness 

In Single Life 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, majority of the 

Pakistanis claim to be Mr. and Ms. Cheerful. 76% of the married respondents prefer married life and 

on the other hand 70% of the unmarried respondents find single life better. However the data also 

suggests 24% of the married long for their single past and 29% of the singles are anxiously waiting to 

enter married life. 


following question: “Some people believe that married life is more pleasant than life before marriage 

while others feel that it is the other way round. Which one do you find better?” Sixty seven percent 

(67%) were of the opinion that married life is better than the single life while 32% believed that life 

before marriage is more pleasant. Only 1% gave no response. 

The findings show that proportionately a higher percentage of ruralites (72%) prefer married phase 

of life over the unmarried phase as compared to their urban counterparts (58%). The survey data 

also reveals that more males (37%) claim to enjoy single life as compared to the females (27%). It is 

also seen from the data that preference for married life increases with age. 

“Some people believe that married life is more pleasant than life before marriage while others feel 

that it is the other way round. Which one do you find better?” 





[ 208 ] 



Almost Two Third Of All Pakistanis (64%) Favor Parents’ Signatures On The 

Nikkahnama To Wed 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, almost two third of 

all Pakistanis (64%) favour parents’ signatures of the bride and the groom on the Nikkahnama 

(marriage contract) where as more than one third (35%) are against such a requirement. 1% have 

given no response. 


following question: “Recently Punjab Assembly had proposed to add a few amendments in the 

Nikkahnama (marriage contract), do you support or oppose the requirement of the parents’ 

signatures of the bride and the groom to get married?” Sixty four percent (64%) supported the 

addition of the new amendment while 35% believed that the parents’ signatures should not be 

required on a Nikkahnama. 1% gave no response. 

A detailed analysis of data shows that proportionately a higher percentage of urbanites (71%) favour 

this proposed amendment as compared to their rural counterparts (61%). It can also be seen that 

the support for this amendment increases with age; it is the highest at above 51 years. It is 

interesting that the survey reveals no significant difference in opinion of men and women on this 

particular issue. 

“Recently Punjab Assembly had proposed to add a few amendments in the Nikkahnama (marriage 

contract), do you support or oppose the requirement of the parents’ signatures of the bride and 

the groom to get married?” 




estimated to be approximately + 2‐3 per cent at 95% confidence level.

[ 209 ] 



40% Consider Compromise And Tolerance To Be The Most Important Factor For A 

Successful Married Life Followed By Economic Prosperity (30%) And Good 

Understanding (29%): GILANI POLL/GALLUP PAKISTAN 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, 40% consider 

compromise and tolerance to be the most important factor for a successful married life followed by 

economic prosperity (30%) and good understanding (29%). 


asked the following question: “In your opinion what is the most important factor for a successful 

married life?” Forty percent (40%) stated that compromise and tolerance were the most important 

factor for a successful married life, 30% said economic prosperity while 29% opted for good 

understanding.. 1% gave no response. 

The findings of the survey revealed that relatively more ruralites (42%) believed tolerance and 

compromise to be the most important factor in a successful married life as compared to the 

urbanites (36%). The factor of financial stability was more popular among the males (33%) than the 

females (28%) while on the other hand more females (32%) considered good understanding to be 

essential than the males (27%). 

“In your opinion what is the most important factor for a successful married life?” 





[ 210 ] 



Almost Half Of All Pakistanis Believe That Ideal Age Of Marriage Of A Boy Is 

Between 21 To 25 Years And Of A Girl Is Between 19 To 22 Years: GILANI 


According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, 45%f of all 

Pakistanis believe that ideal age of marriage of a boy is between 21 to 25 years and 46% are of the 

opinion that the most suitable age for a girl to get married is between 19 to 22 years. 


asked the following question: “In your opinion what is the ideal age for a girl to get married?” 

Twenty percent (20%) believed that up to 18 years is the ideal age of a girl to get married, 46% 

assumed 19 to 22 years, 31% 23 to 26 years while only 3% said that a girl should get married 

between the age of 27 to 30 years. 

“In your opinion what is the ideal age for a girl to get married?” 


asked the following question: “In your opinion what is the ideal age for a boy to get married?” 

Nineteen percent (19%) believed that up to 20 years is the best age of a boy to get married, 45% 

thought 21 to 25 years, 32% 26 to 30 years while only 3% said that a boy should get married after 30 

years. 1% gave no response.

[ 211 ] 



“In your opinion what is the ideal age for a boy to get married?” 





55% Believe That Divorce Rate Has Increased Recently, 62% Hold Men And 

Women Equally Responsible: GILANI POLL/GALLUP PAKISTAN 


all Pakistanis (55%) believe that divorce rate has increased recently, 62% hold men and women 

equally responsible for divorces. 


asked the following question: “In your opinion has the divorce rate recently increased, decreased or 

remained the same?” Fifty five percent (55%) believed that the rate of divorce has increased 

recently, 33% said it has remained unchanged while 11% stated that it has decreased. 1% gave no 

response. 

“In your opinion has the divorce rate recently increased, decreased or remained the same?”

[ 212 ] 



In a follow up question a nationally representative sample of men and women from across the 

country were asked the following question: “In your opinion mostly who is to be blamed for the 

divorce?” Fifteen percent (15%) blame men, 22% blame women and 62% hold both genders equally 

responsible. 1% gave no response. 

“In your opinion mostly who is to be blamed for the divorce?” 





[ 213 ] 


Section 1.12 

Festivals

Section 1.12 Festivals 

[ 215 ] 


Section 1.12: FESTIVALS 

Majority (69%) Believes That Independence Day This Year Could Not Be 

Celebrated With Traditional Fervour 


third (69%) of all Pakistanis are of the opinion that 14th August could not celebrated with traditional 

zeal this year following the floods and other tragedies. On the contrary 11% believe that the 

Independence Day was celebrated to the fullest. 14% state that there has been no change in the 

spirit as compared to the previous years. 


asked the following question: “Some people believe that this year Independence Day was celebrated 

with less enthusiasm than usual as compared to the last couple of years where as others are of the 

opinion that more zeal and fervour was shown this year. What is your view?” A vast majority of 69% 

believed that 14th August this year was celebrated with less zest than usual as opposed to 11% who 

assumed that the celebrations this year were more. 14% were of the opinion that there has been no 

change in the celebrations and 6% said they don’t know. 

A comparison among provinces shows that proportionately a greater percentage of respondents 

from Sindh (86%) believe that the Independence Day this year was not celebrated with traditional 

zeal and enthusiasm. 

“Some people believe that this year Independence Day was celebrated with less enthusiasm than 

usual as compared to the last couple of years where as others are of the opinion that more zeal and 

fervour was shown this year. What is your view?” 





[ 217 ] 


Section 1.13 

Politics

Section 1.13 Politics 

[ 219 ] 


Section 1.13: POLITICS 

Views about Leaving Pakistan Due to the Social and Political Unrest prevalent in 

the Country 

According to a survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, even though nowadays Pakistan is suffering 

from social and political unrest and is also facing serious security issues, more than two thirds of all 

Pakistanis (72%) claim to never migrate to another country even if given a chance, however a 

significant 27% say they will leave the country if they get a chance. The remaining 1% gave no 

response. 


people believe that due to the deteriorating law and order and security situation they would leave 

the country when given a chance, while others say that no matter what the condition might be they 

will not leave Pakistan. What will you do in this situation?” Twenty seven percent (27%) said they will 

leave the country if they are given the chance whereas 72% claimed that they will never leave 

Pakistan no matter what the situation might be in the country. The remaining 1% of the respondents 



demographics, except that a proportionately higher percentage of urbanites (37%) as compared to 

their rural counterparts (23%) claim they will leave Pakistan if they find an opportunity. 

“Some people believe that due to the deteriorating law and order and security situation they would 

leave the country when given a chance, while others say that no matter what the condition might be 

they will not leave Pakistan. What will you do in this situation?”

[ 220 ] 







What Causes Corruption: Corrupt People Or Corrupt System? Pakistani Views Are 

Split; 51% Blame The System While 48% Blame The Person 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, views are split as to 

whether an ordinary man, if given power and authority, would engage in corruption or not. 51% 

believe it to be true while 48% disagree. 1% gave no response. 


following question: “Some people believe that if any common man is given power and authority then 

he will be as involved in corruption as any politician or bureaucrat, where as others are of the opinion 

that it is not so, do agree or disagree” Fifty one percent (51%) thought that authority and power 

does induce corruption and any common man would exploit the given opportunities as opposed to 

48% who stated this concept to be untrue. Only 1% gave no response. 


demographics. 

“Some people believe that if any common man is given power and authority then he will be as 

involved in corruption as any politician or bureaucrat, where as others are of the opinion that it is not 

so, do agree or disagree ?”

[ 221 ] 







Politics Turns Out To Be Not A Very Popular Choice As Profession 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, politics as a 

profession is not very popular among the average Pakistani men and women. Only 22% have ever 

wished to join politics and even if they were offered an opportunity, only 9% say they will have a 

strong inclination to take up the profession, another 19% express some inclination. But the vast 

majority of both men and women show complete disinclination to join politics as a professional 

career. 

Only 22% have ever wished to join politics 


following question “Have you ever wished to join politics?” More than three quarters (77%) of the 

respondents had no such desire of joining politics where as 22% were interested in taking part in 

politics. 1% gave no response. 

“Have you ever wished to join politics?” 

Only 9% are keen on adopting politics as a professional career 

In a follow up question the respondents were asked “Suppose you get a chance of joining politics, 

what are the chances that you will adopt it as a profession? Only 9% showed great enthusiasm and 

said that they are a lot of chances that they will take up politics as a profession, 19% 

mentioned there are some chances of this, 22% stated there are very little chances while half of the 

respondents (50%) stated that there is no likelihood at all of them entering the field of politics. 

“Suppose you get a chance of joining politics, what are the chances that you will 

adopt it as a profession?”

Gender difference is small 

[ 222 ] 



It is interesting to note that the gender difference on politics as a professional career is smaller than 

one would expect. Thus 7% of women (as opposed to 10% of men) are highly inclined towards 

politics as a career. 

Only 3% of with Post Graduate Education are keen on adopting politics as a 

professional career 

On the other hand interest in Politics as a professional career takes a sharp dip among Pakistanis 

with post graduate education, as only 3% of them said they were keen on politics as a professional 

career. 

Commentary by Dr. Ijaz Shafi Gilani, Chairman Gallup Pakistan; BEYOND THE FORGED DEGREES 

DEBATE: 

The findings of the survey are a sad commentary on the prospects of building a civilian political 

leadership for a democratic Pakistan. A successful democracy requires talented people from all 

sections of the society to be attracted to politics as an engaging commitment and profession. 

Pakistan needs to deliberate why politics appeals to and attracts people with low levels of education; 

after all so many of those elected to the parliament had to forge basic college degrees to qualify 

according to the law at the time. Pakistan also needs to deliberate why voters prefer the lowly 

educated politicians to those with higher qualifications and why political parties are unable to recruit 

the better educated into their ranks. While the current blame game on forged degrees of 

parliamentarians may even be counter‐productive, it does provide a serious occasion for deliberating 

on how Pakistan can build an educated political class and what would induce a larger section of the 

society to aspire for politics as a career. 





Rulers Out Of Sync With Popular Dreams; 70% Dissatisfied With Government’s 

Ability To Improve Their Life 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, there is general 

dissatisfaction about the current efforts by the government to improve standards of living of the 

ordinary citizen. 5% are satisfied by the government’s attempts while 26% are totally opposed. The 

rest are in‐between, 24% are contented to some extent and 44% to very little extent. 


following question: “Every Pakistani dreams of a better standard of living. In your view, what are the 

chances that the current programs of the government will help in raising the living standards of an 

ordinary citizen?” Only five percent (5%) were satisfied to a great extent and 25% were contended to 

some extent. 44% were very little satisfied with the government’s current efforts and 26% were 

totally dissatisfied.

[ 223 ] 



The findings of the data reveal that males are more optimistic than females as proportionately a 

higher number of males (33%) are satisfied with the government’s efforts as compared to the 

females (25%). 

“Every Pakistani dreams of a better standard of living. In your view, what are the chances that the 

current programs of the government will help in raising the living standards of an ordinary citizen?” 





86% Are Aware Of The Sentence Given To Dr. Aafia, Majority (79%) Of Whom 

Believes She Is Innocent: GILANI POLL/GALLUP PAKISTAN 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, majority (86%) has 

read/heard about the sentence given to Dr. Aafia by the American court, most (79%) of whom 

believe she has been falsely accused. 


asked the following question: “Recently American court have sentenced Dr. Aafia Siddiqui to 86 years 

imprisonment. Have you read/heard about it?” Eighty six percent (86%) were aware about the 

sentence where as 13% were not. 1% gave no response. 

The findings of the survey revealed that relatively more urbanites (90%) were aware of Dr. Aafia’s 

sentence as compared to their rural counterparts (84%).

[ 224 ] 



“Recently American court have sentenced Dr. Aafia Siddiqui to 86 years 

imprisonment. Have you read/heard about it?” 


country were asked the following question: “If yes, do you think she is guilty or has she been falsely 

accused?” Seventy nine percent (79%) stated that she is innocent while only 8% believed she is 

guilty. A considerable 13% gave no response. 

The findings of the survey showed that comparatively more ruralites (81%) believed Dr. Aafia to be 

innocent than their urban counterparts (75%). 

“If yes, do you think she is guilty or has she been falsely accused?” 

The study was released by Gilani foundation and carried out by Gallup Pakistan, the 

Pakistani affiliate of Gallup International. The recent survey was carried out among a sample of 2710 

men and women in rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country, during September 

2010. Error margin is estimated to be approximately + 2‐3 per cent at 95% confidence level.

[ 225 ] 



Shelved Benazir Bhutto Monument Project: In A Recent Poll Majority (83%) Had 

Opposed The Construction Of The Ninety Crore Rupees Worth Memorial 


all Pakistanis were against the construction of the memorial for Late Benazir Bhutto, worth ninety 

core rupees (almost one billion Pak Rupees or over 10 million US Dollars), which has recently been 

put on hold. However 17% supported it. 


asked the following question: ““Recently the government has decided to build a memorial in the 

memory of late Benazir Bhutto which costs around ninety crore rupees. Some people believe that 

considering the current situation of the country, it is a waste of money where as others think that she 

was a great leader and it is essential to pay tribute. What is your opinion?” Eighty three percent 

(83%) considered it a waste of money in the current situation of the country where as 17% believed 

that the construction of the monument is essential to honour the great leader. The project has been 

deferred recently. 

The findings revealed that relatively more ruralites (19%) supported the construction of this 

memorial as compared to their urban counter parts (13%). A province wise analysis showed that the 

support from Sindh was comparatively higher (37%) as compared to other provinces, especially from 

rural Sindh (52%). Language wise distribution also showed that majority of Sindhi speaking 

population was in favour of this memorial (57%). The support for the monument was also noted to 

be higher among the PPP supporters (57%) than the supporters of other parties. 

“Recently the government has decided to build a memorial in the memory of late 

Benazir Bhutto which costs around ninety crore rupees. Some people 

believe that considering the current situation of the country, 

it is a waste of money where as others think 

that she was a great leader and it is 

essential to pay tribute. What 

is your opinion ?”

[ 226 ] 







Support For Mid Term Elections Creeps Up During the Last Two Years; 38% Now 

In Favor, 42% Oppose: GILANI POLL/GALLUP PAKISTAN 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, support for 

midterm elections has crept up during the last two years. 38% now support the midterm elections, 

42% oppose. 


country were asked the following question: “Some people believe that midterm elections should take 

place in the current circumstances while others think they should not. Do you support mid term 

elections or not?” In 2010 September 38% supported the midterm elections as opposed to 42% who 

were against them. 20% gave no response. The comparable figures in response to the same question 

in February 2009 were: 30% favored the mid term elections while 38% did not. A considerable 32% 

gave no response.

[ 227 ] 



“Some people believe that midterm elections should take place in the current circumstances while 

others think they should not. Do you support midterm elections or not?” 

The table below shows that support for new elections has risen quite sharply among PPP voters. 

Only 33% of them support a mid term election but the figure is twice as high as 18 months ago, 

when it stood at 17%. 





[ 229 ] 


Section 1.14 

International

Section 1.14 International 

Reasons for Tension between Muslims and Western World 

[ 231 ] 


Section 1.14: INTERNATIONAL 

According to a survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, views about the factors causing tension 

between Muslims and the West, are split between those who believe that this tension is mainly 

because of the differences of religion (39%), and those who say dispute over political interests is the 

main reason (38%), whereas 21% believe the clash is due to cultural differences amongst them. The 

remaining 2% gave no response. 


“Thinking about the tensions between Muslim and Western in the world, do you think they arise 

from differences of religion, or differences of cultures, or from conflicts about political interests?” 

Thirty nine percent (39%) said it is because of difference of religion, 38% believe it is because of the 

conflicts about political interests, whereas 21% think it is the cultural difference which creates 

clashes amongst them. The remaining 2% of the respondents gave no response. 

The findings of the survey reveal that a significantly higher percentage of Pakistanis above the age of 

50 (52%) blames the religious difference for the current tension prevailing in the world amongst 

Muslims and the West. 

“Thinking about the tensions between Muslim and Western in the world, do you think they arise 

from differences of religion, or differences of cultures, or from conflicts about political interests?”

[ 232 ] 



Note: The study was released by Gilani foundation and carried out by Gallup Pakistan, the Pakistani 




ECONOMIC PROSPECTS IN 2011: OPTIMISM IN ASIA AND PESSIMISM IN EUROPE: 

Findings from the World’s leading Global Barometer conducted 

Rising Powers of Asia and Latin America are Hopeful scoring 35 % on Net Hope; the G7 are Gloomy, 

scoring minus (‐) 19 % on Net Hope. Global Survey confirms the shift from G7 to New Members of 

G20. 

Islamabad, 22 December 2010 — as the new century enters its second decade both economic data 

and perception data suggest that while wealth is still concentrated in Europe and North America, 

there is a shift of Power and Prosperity from the West of the 20th Century to the East. These findings 

have emerged from one of the largest global surveys covering 53 countries from across all 

continents including all the G7 countries, the four countries of emerging BRIC and another 45 

countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Australasia. Together a sample of over 64000 

scientifically selected men and women were interviewed by leading pollsters associated with Gallup 

International. This is the second global survey which the Group has conducted and released during 

this month. The other survey pertained to Perceptions of Corruption which the Group conducted on 

behalf of Transparency International. 

A key question in the global survey asked: Would you say that 2011 will be a year of Economic 

Prosperity, Economic Difficulty or remain the same. At a global level 30% of the world expects that 

2011 will be a year of Prosperity and 28% expect it to be a year of Economic Difficulty, while 42% 

think the economic situation will remain unchanged. * The hopefuls outscore the pessimists by 2%. 

That is the net Global Hope Score. But like many other good things in life Hope is also not uniformly 

spread across the globe. The data show that global hope is highly concentrated among the rising 

economic powers, the so called BRIC—Brazil, Russia, India and China. The Hope Score for this Group 

is 35%. In sharp contrast the Hope Score for the Rich countries of the world, known as the G7 (USA, 

Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, and Japan) is in the negative: ‐19%. Among them, the Pessimists 

(36%) outscore the Hopefuls (17%) by 19% points. 

The Global Barometer of Hope and Despair: 2010, an Annual tradition initiated under the 

Chairmanship of Dr. George Gallup in 1977 and conducted every year since then shows that of the 

53 countries polled this year 19 can be classified as Hopeful while 34 would be seen as Pessimists. 

But it is somewhat shocking to know that most of the wealthy nations of the world fall in the Red 

Group, High on Per Capita Income and Low on Hope for 2011, while the Green Group of Hopefuls is

[ 233 ] 



mostly comprised by low per capita income countries. The Greens are, in comparison to the Reds, 

Low on Per Capita Income but High on Hope. There is also a third group of countries which are 

unfortunately low on both Per Capita Income and Hope for 2011. The survey analysis has termed 

them as the Yellow Group. On the whole, of the 53 polled countries, 15 are in the Green Box, 14 in 

the Red Box and 20 in the Yellow Box. Fortunately there are a small number of countries that qualify 

to be classified as the Purple Group. They are high on both Hope Score and per capita income. These 

are 4 altogether including 3 Scandinavian nations (Sweden, Finland, and Denmark) and Switzerland. 

(SEE MATRIX) 

PROSPECTS FOR EMPLOYMENT: 45% fear Unemployment. 

The survey also asked a question on Fear of unemployment. 45% of global respondents fear that 

unemployment might rise in their country in 2011. As opposed to this 27% believe it might fall while 

23% expect the employment conditions to remain the same as in the current year. The remaining 5% 

did not give an answer. 

OVERALL HOPE & DESPAIR: Globally 42% take an Optimistic outlook; 19% are 

Gloomy 

Finally in response to an overall question: Would you say 2011 will be better, worse or the same as 

2010, a good proportion of the world takes an Optimistic outlook with 42% saying they expect it to 

be better, while 19% think it will be worse, and 32% believe the situation will remain unchanged. The 

remaining 5% did not give an answer 

The error margin for national samples is generally +3‐5% at 95% confidence level. Field Work was 

carried out in October‐December, 2010. Details on Field Work modes are provided in Methods 

Report. A separate detailed Statistical Report including the procedure to calculate Net Hope and 

Despair is available upon request.

[ 234 ] 



More than Half Of All Pakistanis (53%) Claim To Be Aware Of The Wikileaks 

Episode, More Than Half Of Whom (52%) Believe That the Documents Have Been 

Deliberately Published By America: GILANI POLL/GALLUP PAKISTAN 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, 53% claim to be 

aware of the Wikileaks episode, more than half of whom (52%) believe that the documents have 

been deliberately published by America. 63% of all Pakistanis are of the opinion that Pakistan has 

been adversely or otherwise affected by the exposure of such documents. 


asked the following question: “Recently a website called Wikileaks has published online some 

confidential documents sent by American ambassadors. Have you heard or read about it?” Fifty 

three percent (53%) replied in affirmative while 47% said they haven’t read or heard about it. 

“Recently a website called Wikileaks has published online some confidential documents sent by 

American ambassadors. Have you heard or read about it?” 

In a follow up question a nationally representative sample of men and women from across the 

country were asked the following question: “Some people believe that these documents have been 

published by America to create unrest and conflict among the Muslim countries, especially Pakistan, 

while others believe its not so. What is your opinion?” Fifty two percent (52%) believed that 

America herself has published the documents on purpose to create unrest, where as 24% believe it 

is not so. A considerable 24% gave no response.

[ 235 ] 



“Some people believe that these documents have been published by America to create unrest and 

conflict among the Muslim countries, especially Pakistan, while others believe it is not so. What is 

your opinion?” 

In another follow up question a nationally representative sample of men and women from across 

the country were asked the following question: “In your opinion to what extent has Pakistan been 

affected by the documents published by Wikileaks?” Sixty three percent (63%) stated that Pakistan 

has been affected (a lot or some extent) by the publishing of such documents, 13% said there was 

little affect while 11% claim that there was no affect at all. 1% gave no response. Analysts at Gallup 

Pakistan believe that widespread and cross national knowledge about Wikileaks presents an 

interesting case of growing reach and thus power of “media” in Pakistan. The poll also shows a deep 

seated continued “distrust” that exists between Pakistan and USA. 

“In your opinion to what extent has Pakistan been affected by the documents published by 

Wikileaks?” 



women in rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country, during December 2010. Error 


[ 237 ] 


Section 1.15 

Entertainment

Section 1.15 Entertainment 

[ 239 ] 


Section 1.15: ENTERTAINMENT 

68% Pakistanis Listen to Music on Cassettes; 55% Listen to Music on CDs 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, while majority of 

Pakistanis (68%) claimed to listen to music on cassettes a significant 55% of the respondents also 

claimed to listen to music on CDs. 49% claimed to buy cassettes of Pakistani songs, 41% buy 

cassettes of Indian music, 5% said they buy cassettes of English songs or some other kind of music. 

39% claimed to buy Indian music CDs, 24% buy CDs of Pakistani music, 11% buys English songs CDs 

and 7% buy CDs of some other kind of music. 

A nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country were asked “Do you 

buy cassettes of Pakistani songs or Indian songs?” Sixty eight percent (68%) claimed to purchase 

music cassettes with the majority (49%) preferring Pakistani music, closely followed by Indian music 

(41%). 

Five percent (5%) of the respondents said they buy cassettes of English songs or some other kind of 

music. Twenty three percent (23%) gave no response where as 9% do not buy any cassettes. The 

findings show that a proportionately higher percentage of ruralites (54%) than urbanites (42%) 

claimed to buy Pakistani music cassettes. 

When the respondents were asked about their CD buying habits, the results show that 55% 

respondents buy CDs to listen to music. Among these 39% claimed to buy Indian music CDs where as 

24% buy CDs of Pakistani music. Eleven percent (11%) buy English songs CDs and 7% buy CDs of 

some other kind of music. Nine percent (9%) do not buy any CDs. Thirty six percent (36%) gave no 

response. A proportionately higher percentage of urbanites tend to buy CDs of Indian music. 

“Do you buy CDs and/or cassettes of Pakistani songs or Indian songs (Ask separately for both 

cassettes and CDs)?”

[ 240 ] 


Section 1.15: ENTERTAINMENT 


affiliate of Gallup International. The survey was carried out among a sample of 2562 men and 



Practice Apart, More Than Half (52%) Of All Pakistanis Disapprove Of the 

Availability Of Foreign Music And Movies and its Affect On The Culture 

According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, there is a notable 

gap between preferences and practices regarding access to foreign music and movies in Pakistan. 

Audience research data show that foreign entertainment on TV draws huge audience, similarly 

foreign, notably Indian Music has vast audience. Yet when a normative question on preferences is 

asked, more than half of all Pakistanis (52%) are against the availability of foreign films and music in 

Pakistan and believe them to be detrimental to the culture as opposed to 31% who support the 

availability of these international entertainment items. 17% say they don’t know. 


following question: “Nowadays all kinds of foreign films and music are available in our country. To 

what extent do you think the availability of these sources of entertainment have a good or a bad 

impact on the culture?” Only four percent (4%) perceived the accessibility of foreign films and music 

to be good and healthy for the culture, 27% believed it to be good to some extent. 25% assumed the 

availability bad to some extent and 27% were totally against these sources of entertainment and 

considered them to be harmful for the society and culture. 17% said they don’t know. 


demographics. 

“Nowadays all kinds of foreign films and music are available in our country. To what extent do you 

think the availability of these sources of entertainment have a good or a bad impact on the culture?” 





Methodology Note 

[ 241 ] 


The study was released by Gilani foundation and carried 

out by Gallup Pakistan, the Pakistani affiliate of Gallup 

International. The recent survey was carried out among a 

sample of 2745 men and women in rural and urban areas 

of all four provinces of the country, during January 2011. 

Error margin is estimated to be approximately + 2-3 per 

cent at 95% confidence level 

Further details available upon request 

Contact details: 

Cyberletter Editorial Team, 

Email: cyberletter@gallup.com.pk

Introduction - Gallup Pakistan

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