ISLAMABAD: A recent survey conducted by the Institute for Public Opinion Research (IPOR) reveals widespread public unease over the recent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
The survey, which collected responses from over 1,000 residents of the twin cities between November 26 and 29, 2024, sheds light on prevailing sentiments regarding the political demonstration and its impact.
Key Findings:
- Public Apprehension:
- Nearly 70% of respondents expressed concerns about the protest and indicated they would not support it under any circumstances.
- Conversely, 24% supported the PTI protest, regardless of its consequences, while 8% abstained from offering an opinion.
- Government Response:
- Opinions were divided on whether the government’s actions, including lockdown measures, were appropriate.
- 48% found the government’s response ineffective.
- 42% considered it justified.
- 10% provided no response.
- Opinions were divided on whether the government’s actions, including lockdown measures, were appropriate.
- Impact on Daily Life:
- 82% of respondents reported significant disruptions to their daily lives due to the protests and lockdown.
- 17% said their routines remained unaffected, while 1% chose not to answer.
- Economic Consequences:
- 74% stated that their trade and income were adversely affected by the lockdown and protests.
- 24% reported no impact on their business, and 2% refrained from commenting.
- Political Instability:
- 66% agreed that political protests and rallies are major contributors to political instability in the country.
- 26% disagreed, while 8% provided no opinion.
- Attributing Economic Impact:
- 53% blamed the government for the economic downturn caused by the political crisis.
- 18% held PTI responsible, 12% pointed to other factors, and 17% offered no opinion.
- Support for Peaceful Protests:
- 73% supported the right to peaceful protests by any political party.
- 24% opposed peaceful protests altogether, while 0.3% did not express an opinion.
The findings highlight significant discontent among citizens over the disruptions caused by political protests, with a majority expressing dissatisfaction with both the PTI protest and the government’s handling of the situation.
I am an experienced writer, analyst, and author. My exposure in English journalism spans more than 28 years. In the past, I have been working with daily The Muslim (Lahore Bureau), daily Business Recorder (Lahore/Islamabad Bureaus), Daily Times, Islamabad, daily The Nation (Lahore and Karachi). With daily The Nation, I have served as Resident Editor, Karachi. Since 2009, I have been working as a Freelance Writer/Editor for American organizations.
