Survey Reveals Gender Divide in Attitudes Toward Polygamy in Pakistan

Islamabad: A recent survey conducted by Gallup and Gilani Pakistan reveals that 40% of married Pakistanis believe a man should marry a second time if financially able, with men showing significantly stronger support than women.

The survey, part of an ongoing series on Marriage and Domestic Harmony in Pakistan, highlights a pronounced gender divide on the issue. While 50% of men agree with the notion of a financially supported second marriage, only 30% of women share this view.

Conducted between September 12 and September 23, 2025, the survey utilized telephonic interviews (CATI) with a nationally representative sample of 579 married men and women. Participants were drawn from both urban and rural areas across all four provinces of Pakistan.

The findings suggest a marked difference in attitudes between genders, reflecting broader societal views on polygamy. While 40% of respondents overall support the idea under favorable financial circumstances, a majority of 60% remain opposed.

The survey’s error margin is estimated to be ± 2-3 percent at a 95% confidence level, according to the Gilani Research Foundation, which facilitated the study as part of Gallup Pakistan’s series. The series aims to explore various aspects of marriage and domestic life in the country.

This release follows a previous report from the series titled “Fairness Among Wives in Polygamous Marriages,” which also examined issues related to polygamy in Pakistan.