Malik Waqar
Pakistan has slipped two places in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International, ranking 135th out of 180 countries in 2024, down from 133rd the previous year.
According to the Berlin-based watchdog’s report, Pakistan’s score also declined from 29 in 2023 to 27 in 2024, indicating a worsening perception of corruption in the country’s public sector.
Pakistan’s Corruption Index in 2024. Credits: Transparency.Org
Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) clarified that it plays no role in data collection or score calculation as the CPI is compiled based on independent sources assessing governance and anti-corruption measures globally.
TIP Chairperson Justice (retd) Zia Perwez noted that most countries in the region, except Oman, China, Turkey, and Mongolia, saw a decline in their scores, with Pakistan being no exception.
“The downslide for the region shows that Pakistan is one of the countries holding up against the overall trend,” Perwez stated, without elaborating on any significant improvements in the country’s governance structure.
Transparency.Org
Globally, corruption remains a major challenge, with more than two-thirds of countries scoring below 50 on the 100-point scale. The report warned that persistent corruption is hampering democratic institutions and undermining efforts to tackle crises such as climate change.
Transparency International Chairperson François Valérian stressed that corruption fuels instability, weakens democracy, and exacerbates human rights violations worldwide.
Pakistan’s Corruption Index in 2023. Credits: Transparency.Org
“The international community must prioritise anti-corruption efforts to counter authoritarianism and ensure a stable and just future,” Valérian said.
Denmark retained its position as the least corrupt country with a CPI score of 90, followed by Finland (88) and Singapore (84). At the bottom of the index were conflict-ridden nations, including South Sudan (8), Somalia (9), and Venezuela (10).
