Pakistan Economic Sentiment Weakens Amid Declining Investment Confidence

Recent surveys indicate a troubling economic sentiment among Pakistanis, with 60% describing the economy as weak and only 16% feeling confident about making investments in the next six months, according to an Ipsos survey published on February 28, 2026. This lack of confidence is reflected in the declining foreign direct investment, which plummeted over 41% to just $981 million in the first seven months of the fiscal year. The survey also noted that personal financial optimism has dipped to 40%, with 95% of respondents expressing discomfort about making major purchases. Despite a slight improvement in public perception since early 2024, when only 4% believed the economy was strengthening, the overall sentiment remains bleak, with inflation and unemployment cited as primary concerns (Profit by Pakistan Today, February 28, 2026).