Amnesty International’s recent release of the National Corruption Impact Assessment Report in Pakistan uncovered alarming revelations about corruption within various sectors. The police department emerged as the most corrupt, experiencing a notable five percent increase compared to the previous year, with the Sindh Police playing a significant role in this surge, while the Judiciary Department ranked third in corruption.
The report, based on a survey of 2,023 participants, highlighted that the police department was perceived as the most corrupt, with a staggering 30 percent corruption rate. Tendering and contracting followed closely with 16 percent, and the Judiciary Department ranked third with 13 percent.
The study delved into specific police forces, identifying Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police as the most corrupt at 37 percent, while Punjab police stood at 25 percent. Balochistan reported a significant 20 percent corruption rate in the police department, with tendering and contracting at 31 percent being the most corrupt institution in the province.
While a marginal decrease in corruption was noted in the education sector, there was a two percent rise in the health department. The report revealed that a majority (67%) expressed disillusionment with anti-corruption institutions like NAB and FIA, viewing them as tools for political vendettas.
Sector-specific changes in corruption levels were outlined, indicating increases in police, health, and local government corruption. However, there were reductions in corruption within the judiciary, tendering, customs, and excise income tax departments.
The report also addressed the causes of corruption, with 40 percent attributing it to the absence of merit in institutions, and 55 percent advocating for transparent disclosure of public officials’ assets and income sources. A concerning belief held by 47 percent was highlighted: without accountability, stability becomes unattainable, potentially perpetuating a cycle of negative impressions and societal unease.
Perhaps most alarming was the finding that 62 percent of respondents connected corruption to increased environmental risks in Pakistan, emphasizing the wide-ranging implications of this pervasive issue.
