Pakistan recorded a marginal improvement in Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), with its score rising to 28 out of 100, up from 27 in 2024, reflecting a slow but steady upward trend over the past four years.
Despite the improvement, Pakistan ranked 136th among 182 countries, indicating that corruption remains a major governance challenge.
According to the report, modest progress was observed in reducing administrative corruption and improving accountability within legislative and judicial institutions. However, systemic weaknesses and enforcement gaps continue to affect overall transparency.
Public Perception Inside Pakistan
The National Corruption Perception Survey (NCPS) 2025, released shortly before the global index, provided a deeper look into citizens’ views:
Most Corrupt Sectors
Police (24%), Tender & Procurement (16%), Judiciary (14%)
Highest police corruption perception in Punjab (34%); highest bribery rates in public services in Sindh (46%)
67% of respondents said unethical practices in hospitals and pharmaceuticals significantly affect their lives
Economic Confidence
About 60% of respondents believed government measures under the IMF program and Pakistan’s exit from the FATF grey list contributed to economic stability.
Recommendations for Reform
Transparency International Pakistan urged authorities to sustain progress by implementing the IMF Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment, strengthening Right to Information (RTI) laws, and introducing whistleblower protection legislation at the provincial level, beyond the single province where such protections currently exist.
Experts say the incremental improvement signals movement in the right direction, but meaningful change will depend on consistent reforms, stronger institutions, and enforcement across all sectors.
