Pakistan's majority rejects govt's claim of lower inflation: survey

A recent survey revealed that the majority of Pakistani population expressed skepticism reagrding the government's claim that inflation has fallen to 4.1%, with 64% of respondents expressing doubt. 

A Gallup Pakistan survey highlighted that only 22% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the government's narrative on inflation reduction.

The survey further underscored that scepticism is particularly found among the women, with a substantial 69% of women surveyed rejecting the government claims, compared to 60% of men. 

The survey further revealed that skepticism is particularly noticeable among women, with 69% rejecting the government's claims, compared to 60% of men.

Read more: Pakistan's inflation drops to 7.2% in October, lowest in four years

It is pertinent to mention here that the country's recorded inflation rate in December 2024 was 4.1%, down from 4.9% in November 2024. However, the public believed that prices had not decreased, only the rate of increase had slowed.

However, Governor State Bank Jameel Ahmad stated at a press conference that the inflation rate would ease further in January, while noting that core inflation remained elevated. 

 He predicted that full-year inflation, while expected to decline, would average between 5.5% and 7.5% by June.
Check too: Inflation rate sinks to its lowest level at 4.9% in 6.5 years

"The real policy rate needs to remain adequately positive on a forward-looking basis to stabilise inflation in the target range of 5 – 7%," it added.

During a press conference on Monday, the governor announced a 100 basis point cut in the interest rate, bringing it down to 12%, and expressed expectations for further easing of inflation.