Tania Wafa
Pakistan is gradually witnessing improvements in governance, with citizens reporting a decline in corruption and increased transparency in public services. The National Corruption Perception Survey (NCPS) 2025, released by Transparency International Pakistan, highlights growing public recognition of government reforms and accountability measures.
The survey, conducted from 22 to 29 September, included 4,000 respondents, more than double the number in 2023. Sixty-six percent reported not paying any bribe for government services over the past year, signaling tangible progress in service delivery. Respondents were diverse, with 55 percent men, 43 percent women, and 2 percent transgender individuals, and 59 percent from urban areas and 41 percent from rural regions, reflecting a wide spectrum of public opinion.
Citizens are also showing increasing confidence in economic management. Sixty percent believe the government has stabilized the economy, citing the IMF agreement and Pakistan’s removal from the FATF grey list as key achievements. Despite this optimism, 57 percent feel their purchasing power has declined, while 43 percent experienced improvements, highlighting ongoing challenges even amid signs of stability. Reduced corruption and improved governance are seen as crucial drivers for sustaining long-term economic growth.
Institutional reforms are making a visible impact. The police remain the most corruption-prone sector, followed by tenders and procurement, the judiciary, electricity and energy, and the health sector. However, the police recorded a 6 percent improvement in public perception, and other sectors such as education, taxation, land and property administration, and local government also showed gains. These improvements demonstrate that consistent reforms can gradually strengthen transparency and accountability.
Certain areas, however, require focused attention. For instance, political integrity remains a major concern, with citizens highlighting risks associated with business funding of political parties and limited awareness of corruption-reporting mechanisms. Eighty-three percent support strict regulation or a ban on business funding to political parties, and 42 percent advocate for stronger whistleblower protection laws, underscoring that political processes need stronger oversight and reform. Similarly, the health sector continues to face challenges, with citizens demanding stricter regulation of pharmaceutical commissions, clearer rules for doctors’ private practices, and more effective complaint systems. Fifty-one percent believe tax-exempt NGOs, hospitals, laboratories, and educational institutions should not charge fees, while 53 percent insist on public disclosure of donor information, reflecting ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability.
Calls for accountability also extend to oversight institutions. Seventy-eight percent of respondents want bodies such as NAB and FIA to be more transparent and answerable, signaling public demand for stronger, more effective anti-corruption agencies.
While the NCPS 2025 shows that Pakistan is making positive strides in certain areas, there is still a long way to go. The survey emphasizes the need for continued, consistent efforts to tackle persistent challenges, particularly in political integrity, the health sector, and other key areas highlighted by citizens. The findings also offer hope: they reflect a population that is increasingly aware, engaged, and eager to see reforms succeed. With sustained commitment to transparency, integrity, and accountability, Pakistan can build on these gains and move toward cleaner, more effective governance that benefits all citizens.
—The writer is a freelance columnist [email protected]
