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Business Recorder
17-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Public opinion surveys: A crucial tool for evidence-based policymaking
In an era where governance and policymaking are increasingly scrutinized, it is imperative that decisions are rooted in empirical evidence rather than assumptions or political expediency. Public opinion surveys serve as a critical tool in this regard, providing policymakers with real-time insights into public needs, concerns, and expectations. By leveraging scientifically conducted surveys, governments and institutions can align their policies with public sentiment, ensuring greater effectiveness and accountability. The power of polling in policy decisions Public opinion surveys are more than just snapshots of popular sentiment—they are powerful instruments that guide governance, assess policy effectiveness, and enhance public trust in decision-making processes. By systematically collecting and analyzing data, surveys can highlight pressing societal issues, identify policy gaps, and propose strategic interventions that resonate with the people. For instance, surveys conducted by the Institute for Public Opinion Research (IPOR) have repeatedly pointed out governance inefficiencies, yet meaningful reforms remain elusive. If Pakistan is to move towards effective governance, data-driven decision-making must become the cornerstone of public policy. The tobacco industry is a prime example of how weak enforcement of data-backed policies can lead to massive revenue losses. According to the latest research by IPOR, compliance with the Track and Trace System (TTS) remains alarmingly low. Out of 413 cigarette brands available in the market, only 19fully adhere to the system, leaving 54% of brands non-compliant. A significant portion of the non-compliant tobacco market consists of local duty-evaded brands, accounting for 55%, while smuggled brands make up the remaining 45%, further deepening the issue of tax evasion. Additionally, 13 brands are being sold both with and without TTS, highlighting serious lapses in regulatory oversight. Similarly, our study on the shifting dynamics between social media and traditional media consumption provided invaluable insights into how Pakistanis engage with news and political discourse. The findings demonstrated that younger demographics increasingly rely on digital platforms for information, whereas older generations still place their trust in television and print media. The study also revealed that while 41% of Pakistanis rely on social media for news, a significant 38% still depend on traditional media, highlighting the need for a balanced communication approach. Policies on misinformation, media regulation, and public engagement should stem from such empirical findings rather than outdated assumptions about media consumption. Most recently, IPOR's opinion poll on the one-year performance of Chief Minister of Punjab assessed governance efficiency and service delivery across all four provinces. The survey provided key insights into public sentiment, showing that public trust improves when governance delivers visible progress, with education (73%) and health (68%)receiving high approval ratings. However, it also identified employment (63%) as a major area of concern, emphasizing the urgent need for job creation policies. These findings underscore how data-driven policymaking enables leaders to address real public concerns, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and reforms are tailored to actual needs. From opinion to action Public opinion surveys must not be seen as mere academic exercises or political tools; rather, they should be an integral component of the policymaking process. Evidence-based decision-making leads to more robust governance structures, greater public satisfaction, and long-term stability. Governments at all levels should institutionalize survey research as a standard practice for evaluating policies, measuring impact, and responding to public needs dynamically. Policymakers must embrace a culture where decisions are backed by data, not dictated by anecdotal evidence or political considerations. If governance is to be truly representative and effective, it must start with listening to the people and there is no better way to do that than through rigorous, scientific public opinion surveys. The way forward As Pakistan navigates complex economic and social challenges, adopting an evidence-based approach to governance is not just an option – it is a necessity. Public opinion surveys provide a direct channel for citizens to voice their concerns and expectations. By integrating these insights into the policy process, governments can craft responsive, effective, and sustainable policies that truly serve the public interest. In the end, good governance is about making informed decisions and informed decisions require data. The future of policymaking lies in embracing the power of public opinion research and ensuring that every policy is backed by credible evidence. It's time we recognize that the best policies are not those crafted in isolation but those shaped by the voices of the people they are meant to serve. The article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Business Recorder or its owners
Express Tribune
01-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Over Rs300b lost annually to illicit cigarette trade
Listen to article In a recent episode of The Express Tribune Podcast, in collaboration with #BehtareenPakistan, experts warned that Pakistan loses more than Rs300 billion annually due to the unchecked trade of illicit cigarettes. The conversation highlighted how tax evasion, weak enforcement of the Track and Trace system, and regulatory loopholes are crippling both public revenue and health safeguards. Speaking on the podcast, CEO of the Institute for Public Opinion Research (IPOR), Junaid Iqbal, said, 'This is not just a health issue—it's an economic crisis. When more than 40% of the cigarette market goes untaxed, the state loses the ability to fund vital services. Smugglers are filling the gap while legitimate businesses suffer.' Panelists revealed that illegal cigarette manufacturers are exploiting the system by avoiding the Federal Excise Duty and producing below the legal price threshold. These untaxed products are then sold cheaply, undercutting lawful manufacturers and contributing to a shadow economy that thrives on regulatory inaction. The podcast also explored the broader impacts of the illicit trade. Experts emphasised that this is not simply a revenue issue—it also has dire implications for public health. Consumers of illegal cigarettes are often exposed to unregulated, potentially more harmful products. In response to these challenges, the panel advocated for the urgent implementation of a fully functional track-and-trace system to digitally monitor cigarette production and distribution. They also called for tougher penalties for violators and more transparent oversight by tax authorities. Iqbal stressed, 'There needs to be a serious political will to act. The solution is not just about enforcement—it's about protecting Pakistan's economy from systemic exploitation.' The podcast concluded with a consensus that only a coordinated approach—combining technology, regulation, and awareness—can dismantle the illegal trade and reclaim lost revenue for the nation.
Express Tribune
22-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Over 400 cigarette brands in violation of rules: study
Listen to article A new study conducted by the Institute for Public Opinion Research (IPOR) has uncovered a concerning lack of compliance with tobacco control regulations in Pakistan. The report was launched by Tariq Junaid, Executive Director of IPOR, on Friday. The study, which surveyed 1,520 retail outlets across 19 districts, identified over 413 cigarette brands available in Pakistan. Among these, only 19 brands were fully compliant with the Track and Trace System (TTS), 13 were partially compliant, 95 featured the Graphical Health Warning (GHW), and 286 lacked both the tax stamp and the GHW. Although the mandatory implementation of GHWs was introduced in 2009, even after 16 years, cigarette packs without the required larger warnings continue to be sold without any government enforcement. The study also revealed that compliance with the TTS, introduced in 2021 as a key measure to curb illicit cigarette trade, remains highly inadequate. Over 54% of cigarette brands available at points of sale were found to be non-compliant. Among these non-compliant brands, 45% were smuggled brands, while 55% were locally manufactured duty-not-paid brands. Additionally, the study found that 332 brands were being sold below the legal minimum price of Rs162.25, with some available for as little as Rs40. This rampant violation of minimum price results in significant revenue losses for the government. "The high prevalence of non-compliant and smuggled cigarettes deprives the government of much-needed revenue," said Junaid. "The situation needs immediate redressal to curb this revenue loss through strict point-of-sale enforcement," he added. The study found that non-compliance was more prevalent in rural areas (58%) compared to urban areas (49%). This underscores the need for targeted enforcement efforts in rural markets, where illicit products are more prevalent. While 77% of retailers surveyed were aware of the TTS system, 60% reported facing no issues in selling non-compliant brands to consumers. This indicates a lack of effective point-of-sale enforcement, which is crucial for deterring the sale of illicit tobacco products. IPOR called on the government to strengthen enforcement efforts and impose existing penalties. The organisation also urged tobacco manufacturers and retailers to play their part in ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.
