Recent on-ground assessments regarding the popularity of political leaders and parties in Pakistan indicate that former Prime Minister Imran Khan and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) remain the most popular nationwide, according to media reports.
Sources suggest that the significant popularity gap between the PTI and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the Punjab province is narrowing in favor of the latter. The difference, which was around 15 percent in favor of the PTI a few months ago, has now reduced to approximately 5 percent.
Nationwide, the PTI continues to maintain a considerable lead over the PML-N in terms of popularity. However, in Punjab, the PML-N has made progress and is poised to provide tough competition to the PTI in the upcoming general elections in the province.
According to the latest survey, the PTI's current nationwide popularity is higher than it was in 2018, during the last general elections. Conversely, the PML-N's popularity is reportedly lower than its standing in 2018.
It is suggested that the PML-N's popularity in Punjab, its traditional stronghold, has improved in the months following April 2022, especially after the return of party leader Nawaz Sharif from self-imposed exile.
The next five weeks leading up to the February 8 general elections are considered crucial for both political parties and voters. As the election campaign intensifies, the dynamics of voter preferences are expected to evolve.
A survey conducted by Gallup in June-July of the previous year indicated that 38 percent of respondents strongly favored the PTI, 16 percent the PML-N, 10 percent the PPP, 15 percent the TLP, 9 percent the JI, and 6 percent the MQMP. Among politicians, Imran Khan had the highest positive approval rating at 60 percent, followed by Saad Rizvi and Pervaiz Elahi with 38 percent each, Shah Mehmood Qureshi at 37 percent, Nawaz Sharif at 36 percent, Shehbaz Sharif at 35 percent, Maryam Nawaz at 30 percent, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi at 28 percent, and others, as reported by The News.
(With Agency Inputs)
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