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ISLAMABAD:Inflation has once again ascended to the pinnacle of publicconcerns in Pakistan, according to a recent survey conducted by therenowned French international research institute Ipsos. The findings painta somber picture of the nation’s economic landscape, where only a meager 18percent of the population perceives the economy as robust. This resurgenceof inflationary pressures underscores the persistent challenges faced byordinary citizens, who grapple with escalating costs of living that erodepurchasing power and exacerbate financial vulnerabilities across varioussocietal strata.
The survey delves deeper into the multifaceted economic woes afflicting thecountry, identifying unemployment as the second most pressing issue. In anenvironment marked by job market instability, merely 22 percent ofrespondents expressed satisfaction with their job security, reflectingwidespread anxiety about employment prospects. Furthermore, confidence infuture investments remains alarmingly low, with just 16 percent ofparticipants indicating optimism in this regard. These statistics highlightthe structural impediments within Pakistan’s labor market, including skillmismatches, inadequate vocational training, and the lingering impacts ofglobal economic disruptions that have hindered job creation and economicrecovery efforts.
Amid this backdrop of pessimism, the report offers a glimmer of hopethrough the lens of the younger demographic. Young Pakistanis exhibit anotably positive outlook, which Ipsos describes as a new ray of hope forthe economy. This optimism is particularly evident in expectationsregarding personal financial situations, which have reached historicalhighs. Such positivity among the youth could potentially driveentrepreneurial initiatives, innovation, and consumer spending, providedthat policymakers harness this energy through targeted reforms. Investmentsin education, digital infrastructure, and youth empowerment programs mightamplify this potential, fostering a more resilient economic framework inthe long term.
The broader implications of these findings extend to Pakistan’smacroeconomic policies. With inflation reemerging as the dominant concern,there is an urgent need for the government to implement stringent monetarycontrols, enhance supply chain efficiencies, and subsidize essentialcommodities to mitigate the burden on low-income households. The lowconfidence in the economy also signals the importance of transparent fiscalmanagement and international collaborations to attract foreign directinvestment. Historical precedents suggest that unchecked inflation can leadto social unrest, making it imperative for authorities to address rootcauses such as energy shortages, agricultural inefficiencies, and currencyfluctuations.
Critics argue that the current administration’s strategies have fallenshort in curbing these issues, pointing to inconsistent policyimplementation and external factors like geopolitical tensions thatinfluence commodity prices. However, proponents of recent economic measureshighlight gradual improvements in export sectors and remittances, whichcould bolster foreign reserves and stabilize the rupee. The Ipsos surveyserves as a critical barometer, urging stakeholders to prioritize inclusivegrowth that benefits all segments of society.
In conclusion, while the survey underscores entrenched economic challenges,the buoyant spirit among the youth presents an opportunity for renewal.Sustained efforts to combat inflation and unemployment will be pivotal inrestoring public faith in the economy and paving the way for sustainabledevelopment in Pakistan.
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Source: https://www.ipsos.com/en,
https://www.dawn.com/news
Tags: Pakistan, Ipsos, Inflation, Unemployment
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