Islamabad: According to a survey conducted by Gallup and Gilani Pakistan, CDA interactions draw mixed responses from Islamabad businesses: 40% report positive experiences, while 33% cite negative ones.

A nationally representative sample of business owners across Islamabad's commercial areas was asked the following question: 'How would you rate your interactions with the following authorities? - CDA (Capital Development Authority)?'. In response, 40% of business owners rated their dealings with the CDA as 'very positive', while a further 19% rated them as 'somewhat positive'. Meanwhile, 16% of business owners reported a 'neutral' experience, neither clearly favorable nor unfavorable, reflecting variability in engagement outcomes. Conversely, 13% described their dealings as 'somewhat negative', while 20% reported a 'very negative' experience. Additionally, 11% stated that interactions with the CDA were 'not applicable', implying little or no direct interaction with the authority. While more business owners reported positive dealings with CDA, the sizable proportion of negative experiences indicated variability in the authority's engagement across commercial areas.

Meanwhile, according to a survey conducted by Gallup and Gilani Pakistan, high rents and utility costs dominate business challenges in Islamabad; the majority cite cost pressures as their primary concern (51%).

A nationally representative sample of business owners across Islamabad's commercial areas was asked the following question: 'What are the biggest challenges your business currently faces?'. In response, a majority (51%) identified 'high rent and utility costs' as their main challenge. This was followed by 24% who pointed to 'low customer footfall'. Other challenges were mentioned by smaller proportions, including 'inconsistent power or gas supply' (9%), 'security concerns' (8%), 'regulatory burden' (6%), and 'harassment by officials' (5%). Additionally, 4% cited 'difficulty in hiring or retaining staff', while 12% referred to other challenges.

Overall, the findings suggest that while businesses in Islamabad continue to navigate a variety of operational and regulatory hurdles, cost pressures and subdued customer activity remain the most pressing challenges shaping the commercial environment.

Moreover, according to another survey conducted by Gallup and Gilani Pakistan, more business owners rate interactions with FBR positively (45%), though nearly one-third report negative experiences (32%).

A nationally representative sample of business owners across Islamabad's commercial areas was asked the following question: 'How would you rate your interactions with the following authorities? - FBR (Federal Board of Revenue)?'. In response, 24% of business owners described their interactions with FBR as 'very positive,' while a further 21% rated them as 'somewhat positive.' Meanwhile, 14% reported that their experience had been 'neutral.' On the other hand, 13% described their dealings as 'somewhat negative,' while 19% reported a 'very negative' experience. A further 9% reported that interactions with FBR were not applicable, suggesting limited or no direct engagement.

The survey results indicate that although positive perceptions of FBR interactions are more common than negative ones, a considerable share of dissatisfaction persists, highlighting the importance of continued efforts to improve engagement with the business community.

Gilani Research Foundation is a not-for-profit public service project to provide social science research to students, academia, policymakers, and concerned citizens in Pakistan and across the globe.

Gilani Research Foundation is headed by Dr. Ijaz Shafi Gilani who pioneered the field of opinion polling in Pakistan and established Gallup Pakistan in 1980. Currently, Dr. Gilani, who holds a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and has taught at leading universities in Pakistan and abroad, is Chairman of Gallup Pakistan.

Gallup Pakistan is not related to Gallup Inc. headquartered in Washington D.C. USA. We require that our surveys be credited fully as Gallup Pakistan (not Gallup or Gallup Poll). We disclaim any responsibility for surveys pertaining to Pakistani public opinion except those carried out by Gallup Pakistan, the Pakistani affiliate of Gallup International Association.