Islamabad, In a recent survey conducted by Gallup and Gilani Pakistan, an increase in business confidence has been observed in the third quarter of 2023. The study reveals that 15% more businesses now believe that the country is heading in the right direction compared to the previous quarter, indicating a modest upturn in business sentiment. Despite this improvement, the overall trend for the past few quarters remains consistently negative.

According to Gallup Pakistan, the Business Confidence Index showed that the Net Direction of Country score improved by 30% in the third quarter of 2023. This data was collected from a nationally representative sample of businesses across Pakistan. Participants were asked, “What is your opinion on the direction of the country? Are we headed in the right direction or wrong direction?” In response, 26% of businesses expressed that the country is moving in the right direction, while a significant 73% still viewed the direction as wrong.

This latest data provides a nuanced picture of business confidence in Pakistan. While there is a noticeable increase in positive sentiment compared to the previous quarter, the majority of businesses remain skeptical about the country’s trajectory. The increase in the number of businesses optimistic about the country’s direction, albeit from a low base, suggests some emerging positive sentiment in the business community.

The survey’s findings come at a critical time for Pakistan’s economy, which has faced numerous challenges in recent years. This slight shift in business confidence could be an indicator of changing perceptions among business leaders about the economic prospects and policy environment in Pakistan.

Further details and analysis of the survey can be found through Gallup Pakistan, providing insights into the evolving landscape of business sentiment in the country.