According to a Gilani Research Foundation Survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, 38% of Pakistanis believe that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif did not have any heart problem and that he used his health as a base to divert people’s attention from Panama leaks scandal. However, 59% of Pakistanis were of the view that the prime minister had genuine health problems.

The Gallup poll took a nationally representative sample of 1252 men and women from across the four provinces. The exercise was conducted during 6th to 13th June 2016. The question that was asked in the survey was:

“Some people claim that the Prime Minister’s operation is just an excuse to divert attention from the Panama Leaks scandal. Others believe he is genuinely suffering from ill-health. What is your opinion on this?”

In response to this question, a vast majority of Pakistan (59%) said it was a genuine health issue. While 38% of Pakistanis stated that it was an excuse to divert attention from the Panama Leaks scandal. 3% did not know, or did not wish to answer to the question.

What are Panama papers?

Panama papers are documents obtained from a Panama-based offshore services provider. Couple of months ago, a massive controversy took the world by storm when the 3rd largest audit firm was hacked. As a result, international group of journalists leaked all the data online and it was available for public.

One of the biggest leaks in journalistic history reveals the private offshore companies which are used to hide wealth, avoid taxes and commit fraud by the world’s dictators, business tycoons, politicians and criminals.

The paper had Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s name in the list too. It further exploded controversy in Pakistan and a lot of questions were asked from the prime minister and his advisor. Amidst all the debate, prime minister left for England to get his heart surgery done which proved to be successful later.

About Gallup Pakistan

The survey was carried out by the Gilani Research Foundation, which is a not for profit public service project. It aims to provide social science research to students, academia, policy makers and concerned Pakistani citizens across the globe.

It is headed by Dr. Ijaz Shafi Gilani who is a PhD holder from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He has substantial experience in the field of opinion polling in Pakistan, which led him to establish Gallup Pakistan in 1980. Gilani has taught at leading universities in Pakistan and abroad and he currently serves as the Chairman of Gallup Pakistan.

Were you a part of this survey? If not, then do let us know whether you agree with 38% of Pakistanis or not.

Source: pakistannewsreleases.com