The population under study is representative of the adult population of Pakistan (see demographics below).

A multi-stage probability sample was used.   In the first stage, the sample was stratified into four provinces.  In the second stage, the sample was further stratified into districts within each province by rural and urban categories.  In the third stage, each district was further stratified by Union Councils.

Kish method was used to select respondents 18 years and older within the randomly selected household.  The left hand method was used to select every third household in localities selected through area probability sample.

The sample was distributed at the provincial level, rural and urban, in all four provinces of Pakistan (except for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Chitral).  The sample was then post-weighted to make it proportionate to national representation by province.

Face-to-face interviews were conducted.  The interview teams were comprised of both of males and females; the female respondents were interviewed by female interviewers and male respondents by male interviewers.

Sample size: 4,100

Eligibility criteria: age 18 and older

The margin of error is +/- 1.53 percent. 

The response rate was slightly more than 92 percent.

The nationwide poll included all provinces of Pakistan.

The field work was conducted January 28–February 18, 2011.