Transparency International’s recently released 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) highlights a troubling trend for Pakistan, where corruption continues to permeate various sectors of governance and public life. The report, which ranks countries based on perceived levels of public sector corruption, has ranked Pakistan 135th out of 180 countries, marking a decline from its position at 133 in 2023. The country’s CPI score also dropped from 29 to 27, indicating a worsening perception of corruption.
This decline in Pakistan’s standing is part of a worrying trend over recent years. In 2019, the nation held the 120th position with a score of 32. By 2021, it had slipped to 124th, and in 2022, further down to 140th. A slight improvement in 2023 was short-lived as the current drop underscores a persistent failure to address corruption effectively. Over the years, multiple governments have promised reforms to curb corruption but have failed to deliver substantial results.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, initially vowed to prioritize anti-corruption measures. However, during its tenure, numerous corruption scandals emerged, particularly in sectors such as sugar and wheat, casting doubts on the administration’s reformist claims. The subsequent coalition government has faced its share of allegations, with accusations of nepotism and misuse of public funds further eroding public trust.
Comparatively, countries like Denmark, Finland, and New Zealand continue to rank at the top of the CPI, with scores above 85, largely due to their transparent governance, independent judiciary, and robust accountability mechanisms. Denmark’s commitment to open government and transparent practices has made it a global model for anti-corruption efforts.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, nations such as Somalia, Syria, and South Sudan rank at the bottom due to their weak institutions, ongoing conflicts, and widespread impunity for corrupt practices. While Pakistan does not belong to this extreme category, its current position closer to the bottom than the top is alarming and demands urgent attention.
The CPI report identifies several contributing factors to corruption in Pakistan. A major issue is the lack of institutional accountability. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB), which was established to combat corruption, has often been accused of being politicized and targeting opposition figures rather than conducting impartial investigations. This undermines public confidence in the institution’s ability to serve justice.
The complex and opaque regulatory environment in Pakistan also creates fertile ground for corruption. Bureaucratic red tape frequently forces businesses and individuals to pay bribes to expedite processes. According to a Transparency International Pakistan survey, nearly 60% of respondents reported paying bribes to public officials in the past year.
Money laundering is another significant concern. Although Pakistan was removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in 2022 after making some improvements, vulnerabilities in the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks remain. This continued issue hampers the country’s economic growth and global financial reputation.
Political patronage and nepotism further exacerbate the corruption problem. Public sector appointments often prioritize loyalty over merit, leading to inefficiency and mismanagement. The lack of comprehensive whistleblower protection discourages individuals from reporting corrupt practices, allowing the cycle to continue.
The economic impact of corruption in Pakistan is staggering. The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) estimates that corruption costs the country approximately Rs. 5 trillion annually. These losses divert essential resources away from critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. In 2012, Transparency International calculated that Pakistan had lost over Rs. 8.5 trillion (approximately USD 94 billion) in corruption, tax evasion, and poor governance during the PPP-led coalition government from 2008 to 2013.
Transparency International’s 2024 report presents a grim picture, revealing that scores related to public resource mismanagement dropped from 20 to 18. The bribery experience for businesses fell from 35 to 32, while corruption in the political system increased from 32 to 33. State resource capture by influential groups also rose from 35 to 39. Despite these concerning trends, the legal prosecution index for abuse of power remained stagnant at 21, indicating a lack of progress in holding corrupt officials accountable.
Socially, corruption undermines public trust in institutions and erodes the rule of law. Citizens lose faith in the government’s ability to deliver justice and services, leading to widespread disillusionment and apathy. This environment creates a vicious cycle where corruption becomes normalized, further weakening governance structures.
To curb corruption, Pakistan requires a multi-faceted approach. Strengthening institutions and ensuring their independence are crucial steps. The judiciary, anti-corruption bodies, and law enforcement agencies must operate without political interference. This would build public confidence in the accountability mechanisms and encourage more whistleblowers to come forward.
Transparency and open governance are also vital. Digitalizing government processes can reduce opportunities for bribery and improve service delivery. For example, the Punjab government’s Land Record Management Information System has successfully reduced corruption in land transactions by making records accessible online.
Political will is perhaps the most critical factor in combating corruption. Leaders must lead by example, demonstrating a genuine commitment to transparency and integrity. Creating a robust legal framework that includes comprehensive whistleblower protection and stricter penalties for corrupt practices is essential to deter malpractices.
Public awareness and engagement are equally important. Civil society organizations and the media play a crucial role in exposing corruption and holding those in power accountable. Citizens must be empowered to demand transparency and integrity from their leaders, fostering a culture where corruption is not tolerated.
As the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index reveals, Pakistan’s slide down the rankings is a stark reminder of the challenges the country faces in combating corruption. However, learning from nations that have successfully addressed this issue can provide valuable insights. Denmark’s model of open governance and accountability offers one such example.
The path to reform may be challenging, but it is not impossible. Implementing comprehensive anti-corruption measures, ensuring institutional independence, and fostering a culture of transparency can pave the way for a more accountable Pakistan. Whether the country’s leadership has the resolve to take these necessary steps or continues to slide further down the corruption rankings remains a crucial question.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
