Mishal Pakistan Releases First State of Freedom Report 2026

Mishal Pakistan, a country partner institute of the World Economic Forum, has released Pakistan’s first-ever State of Freedom Report 2026. This is the first report of its kind in the country, offering a detailed look at freedoms in Pakistan by comparing constitutional rights with the real experiences of citizens.

The report is based on a nationwide survey of 2,000 respondents. Among them, 67% were graduates, 32% held master’s degrees, and 1% had PhDs.

Key Population and Digital Trends

According to the report, Pakistan’s population has crossed 245 million. Around 64% of the population is under the age of 30, showing a large youth demographic.

The country now has more than 195 million mobile connections. However, women are 20% less likely than men to own a mobile phone.

Pakistan also has 145 million broadband users and more than 230,000 kilometers of fiber network.

The report states that IT and freelance exports have crossed $3 billion. The country also has more than 120 TV channels and hundreds of FM radio stations.

Shift Toward Digital Information

The survey highlights a clear shift toward digital platforms for information access. People now rely heavily on online sources, with:

• 24% using Facebook
• 19.9% using WhatsApp
• 18% using websites
• 15% using X (Twitter)

However, 55% of respondents expressed concerns about access to unbiased information. The report also warns that digital platforms are contributing to misinformation, social division, and harassment.

Despite challenges, digital access is increasingly seen as an important tool for economic growth and awareness.

Financial Inclusion and Employment

The report shows strong growth in digital finance, with branchless wallet users reaching 110 to 120 million.

About 77% of Pakistanis feel free in choosing their profession, while 75% support business freedom. The same percentage expressed satisfaction with opportunities for women’s advancement.

Pakistan’s labor force now exceeds 70 million people.

Religious and Social Indicators

Around 65% of respondents are satisfied with religious freedom and protection of religious rights.

The country has approximately 600,000 mosques, 36,000 madrassas, 2,000 churches, and several temples and gurdwaras.

The report also notes that Pakistan has 128.5 million registered voters, with 92,353 polling stations and around 1.4 million election staff deployed during the 2024 elections.

Women, Representation, and Justice System

Women hold 60 reserved seats in the National Assembly. Their representation in the federal cabinet stands at around 9% to 10%. Female participation in the labor force is between 20% and 25%.

The report highlights major challenges in the justice system:

• Over 59,000 cases pending in the Supreme Court
• More than 450,000 cases in High Courts
• Around 1.74 million cases pending in lower courts

Pakistan’s prisons are also overcrowded, with more than 102,000 prisoners. In Punjab, prisons are operating at 166% capacity, while Sindh prisons are at 161%.

Public Concerns and Challenges

In 2024, around 344 blasphemy-related allegations were reported, with 62% in Punjab and 30% in Sindh. Of these, 243 cases involved Muslims and 101 involved non-Muslims.

The report shows that 58% of citizens are concerned about financial security. Primary school enrollment stands at 69%, while higher education enrollment is around 13%.

About 62% of citizens feel they have limited influence on government decisions. Only 35% are optimistic about the country’s direction.

However, 45% believe progress is being made in equality, and 34% see fair competition in markets.

Major Future Challenges

The report identifies key future challenges for Pakistan, including climate change, cybersecurity threats, misinformation, water shortages, rapid urbanization, youth unemployment, and economic inequality.

Despite challenges, citizens show relatively higher trust in institutions linked to national stability, security, and continuity.

Conclusion

The State of Freedom Report 2026 presents a mixed picture of Pakistan, showing progress in digital growth and economic participation, while also highlighting serious challenges in justice, equality, and governance.