The latest political opinion poll conducted by the University of Management and Technology (UMT) reveals a revolutionary change in the political landscape of Pakistan. The report, Insights into Political Leadership, Governance, and Economic Stability (February 2025), indicates the eroding popularity of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and a sharp surge of support for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

PTI's Popularity Declines, PML-N Approval Rating Increases

Decline in PTI Popularity

Based on the survey data, the popularity of PTI declined significantly from 51% last year to 43% this year. This indicates the direction of the voter towards the party.

Increase in PML-N Approval Rating

In contrast to the above observation, the PML-N approval rating rose heavily from 13% last year to 24% this year, indicating more affection towards the party from the voters. The rise indicates more acceptability of PML-N by the people.

Changing Political Scenario

The sudden shift in the approval ratings is a reflection of the shifting political breeze. While PTI is experiencing a decline in its popularity, PML-N is picking up valuable momentum in public opinion, which is a reflection of an altered voter preference.

Minor Shifts in Other Political Parties

Although PTI and PML-N are the key drivers, the survey also shows shifts towards other political parties:

• Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP): Saw a moderate rise in popularity, going up by 1.22%.

• Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Saw a dramatic drop, losing close to half of its past support.

• Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) & Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q) Recorded negative ratings, which reflected voter confidence decline.

• Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP): Saw a hike, its popularity going up to 3.12%.

All this indicates that the political scenario of Pakistan is shifting, and certain of the minor parties are not able to retain their base voters while some other parties, such as TLP, are becoming more powerful.

Public Perception of Political Contributions

Highest Ranked Political Parties

The survey placed PML-N as the political party with the best positive contributions in prospect, taking up to 50% of the vote. PTI was second, while others, such as JI, BAP, ANP, PML-Q, TLP, JUI-F, MQM, and IPP, followed in the imagination of the people.

Declining Popularity of PTI

PTI’s decreasing support is primarily attributed to economic hardships during its previous tenure. Many respondents linked Pakistan’s financial decline to PTI’s economic policies, blaming them for inflation and instability, which resulted in reduced public backing.

PML-N’s Rising Popularity Amid Economic Challenges

Greater Support via Economic Stability

In spite of the continued economic struggle, PML-N has managed to make some gains, especially with its economic policy for stabilizing the economy in the present coalition administration. According to the survey, more and more Pakistanis view PML-N as a party capable of addressing economic concerns, thereby registering an upsurge in popularity.

Dependent on Future Policy Implementation

While economic insecurity and inflation persist, how much of the present popularity this will enable PML-N to hold on to and acquire will be based on whether or not the party is able to implement productive policies that will ease the masses.

Youth Voter Turnout Increasing

• One of the worst surprises of the survey is the sharp increase in youth voter turnout.

• Youth interest in voting has increased to 64% from 51% in the previous year.

The growing enthusiasm of young voters could be a determining factor in elections to come, with younger age groups becoming increasingly politically active and vocal in their calls for change.

Future Political Landscape: Uncertainty Ahead

PML-N Gains while PTI Loses Ground

With political equations changing, the fate of Pakistan is balanced. Gaining momentum in Punjab is Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and the decline of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has taken a gigantic turn toward election alternatives.

Political Stability Still Undetermined

In spite of all these reforms, political stability cannot be taken for granted. The next few months would be crucial in deciding the fate of the country, with political parties placing themselves in a dynamic situation.

Most Aspects of Political Triumph

In the race to gain the trust of the voters, parties need to tackle:

Economic Reforms:

Removing inflation, unemployment, and economic hardship.

Governance:

Institutional reforms and good governance.

Youth Mobilization:

Shaping around the youth is the most crucial segment to sway the elections.

Way to the Future Elections

As Pakistan approaches its future elections, these changing trends are able to reshape the political landscape of the nation, determining the destiny of governance and democracy.

Key Facts

• The PTI rating has decreased from 51% to 43%, whereas PML-N has increased from 13% to 24%.

• PPP and other players like TLP have shown reasonable growth, whereas JI, BAP, and PML-Q have lost their base.

• PML-N is supported by the public when it is a question of political donations and governance.

• Economic instability under PTI is used as a key justification for waning support.

• Youth voter turnout has significantly improved to 64%, and there could be a shift in the forthcoming polls.

As Pakistan's political landscape continues to shift, only time will tell how these trends will influence the governance of the country and election results. Please watch for more stories on Pakistan's constantly changing political landscape.

Created By: Daily Pakistan News