Survey: Imran Khan most popular leader of Pakistan

Islamabad: Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan is the most popular Pakistani leader with 70% popularity, says a survey from PEW Research Center.

Pakistan Muslims League- Nawaz chief, Nawaz Sharif, is not very far from Khan according to the poll, and has 62% votes in his favour. However, in 2009 survey, Sharif’s popularity was 79%.

Only 14% view Zardari favourably, little changed from last year, but down significantly from 64% in 2008.

Recently disqualified prime minister, Yousuf Raza Gilani, proves to be somewhat better at 36% popularity.

About 87% are dissatisfied with the country’s direction, barely changed from last year’s 92%.

Similarly, 89% describe the national economic situation as bad; 85% held this view in 2011. Overwhelming majorities rate unemployment, crime, terrorism, and corruption as very big problems.

More than 50% rate Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry favourably. Ratings for both the army chief and the chief justice have slipped slightly since 2010.

Former military ruler Pervez Musharraf receives relatively poor ratings of 39% favourable.

Meanwhile, the military continues to receive overwhelmingly positive marks from the Pakistani public, with 77% say the institution is having a good influence on the country, while the court system has 58% popularity.