A striking majority of Pakistanis, over six in ten, strongly believe one should avoid looking into a mirror during a lunar eclipse, according to a new national survey that highlights the deep-seated influence of traditional beliefs surrounding celestial events.

The study, conducted and released by Gallup and Gilani Pakistan, informed today that a combined 62% of the population subscribes to this notion. The poll asked a nationally representative sample of adults for their opinion on the statement, “One should avoid looking into a mirror” during a lunar eclipse. In response, 42% of participants labeled the idea as “very true”, while an additional 20% considered it “somewhat true”.

Conversely, nearly a quarter of those surveyed (24%) rejected the superstition, calling it “not true at all or just beliefs”. A segment of the population remained undecided, with 11% stating they did not know and 3% providing no response to the question.

The research indicates that the conviction is more pronounced among specific demographic groups. The belief is held more firmly by women, older adults, and Pakistanis with less formal education, pointing to the enduring power of folklore and tradition.

The poll”s organizers noted that these results underscore the need for focused awareness initiatives and scientific outreach. Such efforts could help foster evidence-based perspectives and challenge long-held superstitions across all segments of the populace.

The telephonic survey was carried out from September 12, 2025, to September 23, 2025, engaging a sample of 753 men and women in both urban and rural areas across all four of the country”s provinces. The study, released by the Gilani Research Foundation, has an estimated error margin of approximately ± 2-3 percent at the 95% confidence level.