Key Points
• 51% of Pakistanis expect 2026 to be a better year; net hope +31
• Economic optimism at 53%, ahead of India (39%) and global average (24%)
• 52% foresee a more peaceful world, double India (26%) and above the global average
• Hope levels among Pakistanis are among the highest since 1994
• Pakistan outperforms the global average on all three indicators and surpasses India on two
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan enters 2026 with remarkable optimism, according to a Gallup global survey, reflecting strong confidence among citizens in economic prosperity, peace, and overall progress.
The survey found that 51 per cent of Pakistanis expect the new year to be better than the previous one, representing a net hope score of +31, among the highest levels recorded in the country since 1994.
Gallup global survey
Economic optimism leads the trend, with 53 per cent of respondents expecting prosperity in 2026. This is notably ahead of India at 39 per cent and well above the global average of 24 per cent. On the question of global peace, 52 per cent of Pakistanis believe the world will be more peaceful, double the share in India and surpassing the global average of 26 per cent.
As Khurram Schehzad noted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Start of Year 2026: Pakistan Records Higher Optimism Than Global Average, Ahead of India on Economy (53% vs 39%) and Peace (52% vs 26%). Pakistan enters 2026 on a strong confidence upswing: 51% expect a better year (net hope +31)… In a world marked by uncertainty, Pakistan stands out for confidence – people expect a better year ahead, with stronger belief in prosperity and peace than global and regional peers.” (x.com/kschehzad)
BEST NEWS ON NEW YEAR 2026
Pakistan Stands Out in Optimism Amongst Global Economies — Gallup Survey (Globa)
Start of Year 2026: Pakistan Records Higher Optimism Than Global Average, Ahead of India on Economy (53% vs 39%) and Peace (52% vs 26%)
Key Findings
– Pakistan enters… pic.twitter.com/GX9UfPbN8W
— Khurram Schehzad (@kschehzad) December 31, 2025
“This is a rare historical strength,” the survey noted, highlighting that such levels of hope have only been exceeded in five years since 1994. Pakistan ranks above the global average across all three indicators measured and leads India on two of the three key metrics.
The results suggest that, even amid global uncertainties, Pakistanis are entering the year with heightened confidence, anticipating stronger economic performance and a more peaceful environment than their regional and global peers.
