First Freedom Report Highlights Demographic Shift
Pakistan’s population has crossed 245 million, with 64 percent of citizens under the age of 30, according to the first State of Freedom Report 2026 released by Mishal Pakistan.
The report presents a detailed picture of public rights, citizen experiences and institutional freedoms in the country.
It compares legal protections under Pakistan’s Constitution and laws with the practical realities faced by citizens.
The findings are based on a nationwide survey of 2,000 respondents. The sample included 67 percent graduates, 32 percent postgraduates and one percent doctorate holders.
The report shows that Pakistan has a large young population. This youth majority can become a major economic strength if education, employment and digital access are improved.
However, the report also warns that unemployment, economic inequality and rapid urbanisation remain serious challenges.
Digital Platforms Become Major Source of Information
The report highlights the rapid growth of Pakistan’s digital economy.
Information technology and freelance exports have exceeded 3 billion dollars. The country now has more than 195 million mobile phone connections.
However, women remain 20 percent less likely than men to own a mobile phone.
According to the survey, 24 percent of respondents use Facebook for information. Around 19.9 percent rely on WhatsApp, while 18 percent use websites. Another 15 percent receive information through X.
The report says citizens increasingly depend on digital platforms for access to news and public information.
Many respondents see digital freedom and connectivity as important tools for economic progress.
At the same time, 55 percent expressed concern about access to impartial information online.
The report said digital platforms are also contributing to misinformation, online harassment and social polarisation.
Pakistan’s media landscape remains broad, with more than 120 television channels and hundreds of FM radio stations.
Economy, Justice and Social Challenges Remain Pressing
The report found that 75 percent of respondents were satisfied with opportunities available to women.
Between 110 million and 120 million Pakistanis now use branchless banking wallets.
On professional freedom, 77 percent said they felt free to choose their profession. Around 75 percent expressed positive views about the freedom to conduct business.
However, 58 percent reported concerns about financial security. Only 34 percent believed market competition was relatively fair.
Pakistan’s labour force has crossed 70 million. Female participation in the labour market remains between 20 and 25 percent, showing a major gender gap.
On religious rights, 65 percent of respondents expressed satisfaction with protection of religious freedom.
The report also highlighted pressure on the justice system. More than 59,000 cases are pending before the Supreme Court. Over 450,000 cases are pending in high courts. More than 1.74 million cases remain unresolved in district courts.
Pakistan’s prisons hold more than 102,000 inmates. Punjab and Sindh prisons are operating far beyond capacity.
In education, primary school enrolment stands at 69 percent. Higher education enrolment remains around 13 percent.
The report concluded that climate change, cyber security threats, misinformation, water scarcity, youth unemployment and economic inequality are among Pakistan’s biggest future challenges.
