PML-N popularity soars by 12%, PTI witnesses 8% decline in Punjab: survey

A recent survey, conducted by IRIS, revealed intriguing statistics on the popularity of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in Punjab ahead of the general elections, slated for February 8.

The survey showed a significant shift in voter preferences, with PTI experiencing an 8 percent drop in support, while PML-N saw a 12 percent increase.

The survey findings indicated shifts in the approval ratings of political parties during the period from February/March 2023 to January 2024.

“PTI's approval rating has decreased from 43% to 35%, suggesting a decline in voting intention. PML-N has experienced an increase in approval ratings, rising from 31% to 43%,” as reported by the IRIS survey.

Inflation topped the list of concerns for a vast majority (76%) of Pakistanis surveyed, highlighting the dominance of economic hardships related to rising prices.

The survey also found that PML-N's popularity in Central Punjab increased. 

The IRIS survey also assessed participants' awareness of independent candidates backed by PTI, specifically whether they could identify the candidates' designated electoral symbols.

In response, 56% of participants confirmed they could identify the electoral symbols of the PTI-backed candidates.

Over half (54%) of respondents see a stable government as the key to tackling current geopolitical and socio-economic challenges.