Mudassir Rizwan

Pakistan’s recent drop in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2024 serves as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted corruption that continues to plague the country. With Pakistan slipping two positions in the global rankings, falling to 135th out of 180 countries, and seeing its score drop from 29 to 27, the country’s governance model is under increasing scrutiny. This decline isn’t just a minor setback — it is indicative of the pervasive corruption that has undermined public trust, weakened institutions, and stunted economic growth.

The worsening CPI score reflects not just the current state of governance, but a systemic issue that has been brewing for years. Despite extensive rhetoric from various administrations about fighting corruption, little progress has been made. Instead, anti-corruption efforts in Pakistan have often been shallow, politically motivated, and selective. This pattern has perpetuated a culture of impunity, where the powerful remain unaccountable, and the general populace bears the brunt of systemic mismanagement.

Over the past decade, Pakistan’s CPI score has experienced a troubling decline. In 2018, the country managed a score of 33, but since then, it has fallen year after year. This deterioration calls into question the effectiveness of Pakistan’s anti-corruption mechanisms, as well as whether its governance framework is resistant to meaningful reform. A failure to address these issues will only lead to continued stagnation and a deepening of the country’s institutional decay.

The CPI ranks countries based on the perceived levels of public sector corruption, drawing from assessments by businesspeople and experts. While corruption exists in varying degrees across the globe, what sets more functional and successful states apart is the strength of their institutions in combating corruption. Pakistan, unfortunately, has failed to build the necessary institutions to maintain transparency, fairness, and accountability.

Instead, anti-corruption efforts in Pakistan have been marred by political bias. Governments have used accountability mechanisms as a political tool to target opponents, while simultaneously shielding their own allies from scrutiny. This selective approach has only deepened public cynicism, eroding trust in both the government and the institutions meant to uphold the rule of law. When institutions are weaponized for political gain, the very foundation of democracy and good governance is compromised.

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Corruption’s damaging impact on Pakistan extends far beyond the erosion of public trust. The economic consequences are equally severe. Widespread corruption discourages both domestic and foreign investment, which is essential for fostering economic growth. Businesses seek environments where the rule of law is respected, where contracts are awarded fairly, and where there is transparency in governance. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s failure to address corruption has created an unstable business environment, leading to capital flight and reduced investment.

As corruption permeates the public sector, it diverts resources meant for essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, depriving citizens of their basic rights. The diversion of public funds to the pockets of corrupt officials leaves the most vulnerable segments of society to bear the brunt of the consequences. The neglect of public services exacerbates social inequalities and stymies the development of the country’s human capital.

The culture of nepotism and cronyism that accompanies corruption further deepens Pakistan’s governance crisis. Public offices, contracts, and government benefits are often distributed based on personal relationships rather than merit, entrenching a system where only the politically connected thrive. This creates a vicious cycle in which citizens grow disillusioned with the system, leading to apathy, which in turn makes it easier for corruption to continue unchecked.

Despite the mounting evidence of corruption’s negative effects, Pakistani authorities have largely dismissed the declining CPI rankings as an external concern. Rather than addressing the issue head-on, officials have often resorted to denials, claiming bias from international organizations or offering empty promises of reforms. However, Transparency International’s findings are based on credible global assessments, and they cannot be easily dismissed. The worsening CPI score is a clear signal that something is fundamentally wrong with the way Pakistan is governed.

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If Pakistan is to reverse this alarming trend, it must initiate genuine reforms that go beyond superficial gestures. One of the first steps should be depoliticizing the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the country’s anti-corruption watchdog. NAB must be empowered to investigate and prosecute corruption impartially, without fear or favor. For too long, NAB has been used as a political weapon, targeting opponents while sparing those in power. A truly independent NAB could play a pivotal role in holding public officials accountable for their actions.

Furthermore, strengthening the judicial system and ensuring its independence is crucial for the successful prosecution of corruption cases. The current legal framework in Pakistan is often slow and inefficient, allowing cases to drag on for years without resolution. This prolonged inaction undermines public faith in the legal system and provides ample opportunity for corrupt individuals to avoid justice. Ensuring that cases are resolved promptly, and that convictions lead to actual consequences, would send a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated.

Transparency in public procurement and decision-making processes is another key area that needs attention. By creating more open and accountable systems for awarding contracts, managing public funds, and making policy decisions, Pakistan could reduce the opportunities for corruption to thrive. Implementing systems that track public spending and allow citizens to hold the government accountable would be a crucial step toward improving governance and rebuilding trust.

Moreover, Pakistan’s political establishment must acknowledge the gravity of the situation and confront the issue of corruption head-on. The country cannot afford to ignore the problem any longer. Corruption is not an abstract issue; it is the single greatest obstacle to progress. It deprives citizens of their rights, stifles economic development, and undermines the integrity of institutions meant to serve the public.

Policymakers in Pakistan must recognize that the cost of inaction is far too high. If the country continues on its current path, the consequences will be dire. The decline in Pakistan’s CPI ranking is not just an embarrassment — it is a warning. It signals the erosion of Pakistan’s governance framework and the potential for further institutional collapse if meaningful reforms are not implemented.

It is essential for Pakistan’s leaders to stop viewing corruption as a political tool to be wielded at will and instead recognize it as a national crisis that demands urgent and comprehensive action. Only through genuine reforms — including the depoliticization of anti-corruption agencies, judicial independence, and greater transparency — can Pakistan hope to improve its standing in the CPI and, more importantly, ensure a brighter future for its citizens.

Pakistan must act now to address its systemic corruption, or risk further decline in its institutions and economy. The time for cosmetic changes has long passed. Only decisive, sustained action can bring about the reform necessary to stem the tide of corruption and create a more just, transparent, and prosperous Pakistan.