ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): A new survey has revealed that most Pakistanis believe 2026 will bring economic prosperity and global peace as compared to their neighbours in India, putting Pakistan among the most optimistic nations worldwide.
The ‘End of Year Survey’ by the Gallup International Association found that 53 per cent of Pakistanis see 2026 as a prosperous economic year, compared to just 39 per cent in India. Meanwhile, 52 percent believe global peace will improve during the year.
This confidence is particularly notable against the global backdrop, with the world average for economic optimism sitting at only 24%.
India shows higher general hope for the new year, while Pakistan outperforms on key measures of economic confidence and expectations for a more peaceful world.
The survey also examined the ‘net score’ by subtracting pessimists from optimists.
In Pakistan, the hopeful outnumber the fearful by 26 percentage points, while in India, the lead is much smaller, with optimists exceeding pessimists by just 13 points.
“Economic sentiment in Pakistan is notably stronger than both the global average and India, despite widespread global economic pessimism,” the report stated.
Pakistan’s optimism extends beyond the economy to global stability. The survey found that 52 per cent of Pakistanis expect the world to become more peaceful in 2026, a stark contrast to just 26 per cent of Indian respondents.
While Pakistan remains firmly in positive territory (+31%), India slips into the negative, with pessimists outnumbering optimists by 9 points.
