Consumer confidence in Pakistan declined sharply in the third quarter of FY2026 as rising prices, unemployment and growing financial pressure increased economic pessimism among households.
According to the latest Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) survey conducted by Dun & Bradstreet Pakistan and Gallup Pakistan, consumer confidence fell 24.4% to 65.3 from 86.4 in the previous quarter.
The survey covered 1,592 respondents across Pakistan and recorded one of the sharpest single-cycle declines in consumer confidence in recent years.
Both current sentiment and expectations for the coming months weakened during the quarter. The current sentiment index fell to 51.8, while the future outlook declined to 78.7.
Inflation remained the biggest concern among consumers. Around 89.3% of respondents said essential goods had become more expensive during the previous six months.
Unemployment also contributed significantly to the decline in confidence, with around 81% of respondents saying joblessness had worsened over the same period.
Households also expressed concerns about their personal finances. Nearly 40% of respondents expected their financial situation to deteriorate over the next six months.
The Consumer Confidence Index measures sentiment across four key areas: household finances, economic conditions, unemployment and savings. It provides an indication of how consumers assess their current financial position and future economic prospects.
Gallup Pakistan Executive Director Bilal Gilani said the latest reading placed Pakistan in “extremely pessimistic territory,” adding that the current sentiment figure showed households were already experiencing significant economic pressure.
Older consumers recorded the steepest decline in confidence. Sentiment among people aged 50 and above fell 30.4%. Younger consumers below the age of 30 also reported lower confidence, although the decline was comparatively smaller.
Dun & Bradstreet Pakistan Chief Business Officer Zubair Qureshi said consumers were facing significant economic pressure. He added that confidence would require visible improvement in economic conditions before it could recover.
The latest survey highlights continued concerns among Pakistani households over inflation, employment and financial stability, with consumer sentiment remaining under pressure.
