Pakistan’s First State of Freedom Report 2026 Released
Mishal Pakistan has unveiled the country’s first State of Freedom Report 2026, providing an in-depth analysis of citizens’ perceptions regarding rights, economy, governance, digital access, and major challenges facing the nation.
The report is based on a nationwide survey of 2,000 respondents, including 67 percent graduates, 32 percent master’s degree holders, and one percent PhD holders. Pakistan’s population has surpassed 245 million, with 64 percent under the age of 30. The country boasts over 195 million mobile connections, although women are 20 percent less likely than men to own a phone.
Broadband users have reached 145 million, while Pakistan has more than 230,000 kilometres of fibre optic network. IT and freelance exports exceed three billion dollars, with branchless banking wallets reaching between 110 and 120 million users.
Seventy-seven percent of Pakistanis feel free to choose their profession, 75 percent hold a positive view about the freedom to do business, and an equal percentage expressed satisfaction with opportunities available to women. The labour force consists of more than 70 million people, while 65 percent of respondents are satisfied with religious freedom and protection.
Pakistan has 128.5 million registered voters, with women’s participation in the labour force ranging between 20 and 25 percent. Over 59,000 cases are pending before the Supreme Court, over 450,000 in high courts, and more than 1.74 million in district courts. Pakistan’s prisons house more than 102,000 inmates, with Sindh’s prisons operating at 161 percent above capacity.
In 2024, around 344 blasphemy-related allegations were reported, with 62 percent recorded in Punjab and 30 percent in Sindh. Of these cases, 243 involved Muslims and 101 involved non-Muslims. The report highlights that 58 percent of Pakistanis have concerns about financial security, while primary school enrolment stands at 69 percent and higher education enrolment is approximately 13 percent.
The survey found that 62 percent of citizens believe they have limited influence over government decisions, while 35 percent are optimistic about the country’s direction. The report also states that 34 percent of respondents consider market competition to be relatively fair.
Citizens associate personal freedom with economic opportunities, justice, security, effective governance, and digital inclusion. Key future challenges identified include climate change, cyber security, misinformation, water scarcity, rapid urbanisation, youth unemployment, and economic inequality.