ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – The PML-N has demonstrated the “best performance in managing the economy over the past three decades” in comparison to its political counterparts, reported Bloomberg Economics.
The report, released just a day ago, highlighted that the PML-N outperformed the PTI and the PPP when evaluating a combination of unemployment and inflation data known as the misery index.
Utilising the average index values during the respective periods when each party held power, the report indicated that a higher value represented greater economic hardship for citizens.
While acknowledging the PTI chairman’s legal challenges and his party’s predicament without its election symbol, the report suggested that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif was poised to reclaim power following the Feb 8 polls.
However, it noted that the PTI chief remained the most popular politician, boasting a 57% approval rating according to a recent Gallup opinion poll, while Nawaz’s ratings have risen from 36% to 52% in the past six months.
Ankur Shukla of Bloomberg Economics commented on the situation, stating, “The public may be giving Sharif the benefit of the doubt.” He emphasised that the road ahead would be challenging for any winning party, given persistently high inflation and elevated unemployment levels.
The report highlighted the country’s annual inflation rate at 29.7%, based on the latest data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, and noted the ongoing reliance on a $700 million International Monetary Fund (IMF) tranche release, coupled with the Fund’s stringent conditions.
It further pointed out that the new government would likely face the unpopular task of implementing policies such as withdrawing subsidies and raising taxes.