What parliamentary opposition had already underlined during the budget debate has now been corroborated by the Pew Research Center findings. Most Pakistanis, we are told, are highly dissatisfied with the prevailing conditions. In fact, the dissatisfaction is so widespread that it hardly needs research to be substantiated. The government’s failure to stem the tide of terrorism, control the endemic corruption, bring down inflation, and remedy power and gas shortages has led to large scale suffering. The slippage in the popularity of the major government figures was therefore not entirely unexpected. It would surprise few if Zardari’s approval rating declined from 20 percent last year to 11 per cent in the current year or if Gilani’s support fell from 59 percent to 37 percent. The incumbency factor in Punjab also played a role in the downgrading of Mian Nawaz Sharif from 71 percent to 63 percent. The only politician whose rating has gone up from 52 percent to 68 percent is Imran Khan. While many appreciate his honesty and earnestness, he is yet to pass through the trial by ordeal which comes when one assumes power.
What stands between Imran Khan and political power is the parliamentary system where, unlike the presidential set up, the party machine matters more than personal reputation. A party capable of winning many seats enables even those with lower personal ratings to assume the highest offices. The PPP and PML(N) are therefore likely to have an edge till Tehreek-e-Insaf is in a position to get elected not only Imran Khan but also a sizeable number of party leaders.
The report is yet another wake up call for the government. The lack of performance on its part could lead to a much lower voter turn out in the general elections. The perception that those elected enjoy the support only of a fraction of population could lead people to question their legitimacy. Anything that rubs the shine off the system would help forces opposed to democracy. International polling agencies have in the past got rough treatment from the government. At times their personnel have been expelled. This amounts to shooting the messenger which should not happen as it does not change the situation on ground.
