Despite 32 years of military rule since its formation, people have faith only in Pak Army, Election Commission is at the lowest rank.

General elections are to be held in Pakistan on 8 February. But the powerful Pakistan Army has emerged as the ‘most trusted institution’ with a 74 per cent approval rating in a poll ahead of the elections. According to media reports, the Election Commission is the least trustworthy among the eight institutions. Ipsos Pakistan conducted a survey titled ‘Political Participation Scenario of Pakistani Youth’ for Voice of America (VOA) in January 2024. The sample size of the survey was 2,050 people. The people targeted were people in the 18-34 age group from across the country. After the Pakistani Army, the second most trusted institution of the country is the Supreme Court, with an approval rating of 58 percent, while the media has proved to be the third most trusted institution.

The powerful Pakistani Army, which has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its 75 years of existence, has so far wielded considerable power in matters of security and foreign policy. The newspaper said that according to the respondents, the approval rating of political parties is 50 percent. Incidentally, there was disagreement over whether the media covers issues that really matter, with a significant 2 in 5 thinking that it does not. When survey participants were asked if they believed any organization could rig the general elections, 2 out of 3 young Pakistanis responded that they believe in the fairness of the upcoming 2024 elections.

Survey participants were asked whether they believed that any foreign or international influence could have a positive or negative impact on the performance of the Pakistani government. The report said that one in three participants believe that there is ‘international influence’ on Pakistan. Additionally, 75 percent of respondents (3 out of 4) believe next week’s elections will take the country in the right direction and 2 out of 3 respondents expect the elections to be free and fair. Additionally, 88 percent believe their vote is important.

Only 54 percent of youth answered that they stay informed about politics, candidates and their manifestos in their constituency, while only 29 percent say that they support certain politicians and political parties and attend their rallies and processions. Intend to participate. Respondents were asked whether they would cast their vote in the upcoming general election on 8 February. Nearly 70 percent claimed they would vote. The survey shows that from 2018 to 2024, 1 in 5 have changed their preferred party, with 78 per cent claiming they will vote for the same party, while 22 per cent intend to change preferred party.