Aima Afzal
The way we talk about corruption in Pakistan is long overdue for a reality check.
Too often, public discourse is drowned in hyperbole, painting corruption as a monolithic plague that devours every institution without exception. Yet the latest National Corruption Perception Survey (NCPS) 2025 forces us to confront a more nuanced, sometimes surprising picture one that challenges popular assumptions and offers a clearer roadmap toward reform. This report, conducted with unprecedented rigor and inclusivity, does not certify corruption levels but captures the collective mood and lived experiences of Pakistanis across the country. And those experiences tell a story that deserves serious attention.
The NCPS 2025 is the most robust exercise of its kind in Pakistan’s recent history. With a sample size expanded to 4,000 respondents spanning 20 districts, it takes into account urban and rural voices, gender diversity, and persons with disabilities groups often sidelined in past surveys. Such inclusivity ensures that the data is no longer a narrow snapshot, but a truly national pulse. Importantly, this survey is a domestic initiative by Transparency International Pakistan and should not be conflated with the global Corruption Perceptions Index, where Pakistan’s rankings remain unchanged. This distinction is critical for policymakers and commentators alike, as it refocuses the debate on ground realities rather than external perceptions.
One of the most striking findings is that a significant majority 66 percent of respondents reported not having faced any bribery demands in the last twelve months when accessing public services. This figure, while not perfect, disrupts the widespread narrative that corruption is omnipresent and unavoidable for the average citizen. It suggests that day-to-day corruption pressure is far from universal, and this insight should encourage targeted reforms rather than broad-brush condemnation. Citizens are keenly aware of the difference between systemic rot and isolated incidents, and their experiences reflect areas where institutions have succeeded or are making progress.
Encouragingly, there is measurable improvement in public perceptions of several key institutions. For instance, perceptions of the police have improved by six percent compared to previous assessments. This positive change is no accident but the product of deliberate institutional reforms aimed at enhancing police behavior and service delivery. Similarly, sectors such as education, land and property management, local government, and taxation have seen perceptible gains in public trust. These incremental improvements highlight that reform efforts can and do yield results when properly implemented. It also suggests that reform must be pursued with persistence and patience rather than despair.
The public’s demands are clear and pointed. Citizens overwhelmingly want better accountability, stronger limitations on discretionary powers, and robust Right to Information laws. These are not vague desires but concrete policy directions that the government can act upon. The call for institutional reform is not just about rhetoric it is a demand backed by data and common sense. Moreover, there is significant support 78 percent for ensuring that anti-corruption bodies such as NAB and FIA are themselves transparent and accountable. Rather than seeking to delegitimize these watchdogs, the public wants them to be strengthened and reformed to perform their role effectively.
The health sector, often regarded as one of the most corrupt areas, also presents a clear blueprint for improvement. Citizens favor stricter controls on pharmaceutical commissions, clearer regulations around doctors’ private practice, and stronger regulatory bodies alongside accessible complaint mechanisms. This points to a readiness among the public for systemic cleanup in vital service areas that directly impact their wellbeing. Such feedback should serve as a powerful guide for policymakers and health administrators aiming to restore public confidence and ensure equitable access.
Political finance reform is another domain where public opinion is emphatic. More than 80 percent of respondents demand that business funding of political parties be banned or strictly regulated. This is a telling reflection of widespread concern over the undue influence of money in politics. In addition, 55 percent want the removal of political figures’ names and images from government advertising, signaling frustration with the personalization of public resources. These demands highlight an urgent need to revamp political financing and foster cleaner, more transparent governance.
The survey also reveals a cautiously optimistic public readiness to participate in anti-corruption efforts, provided they feel protected. Forty-two percent expressed willingness to report corruption if strong whistleblower protection and anonymity are guaranteed. This finding underscores the critical importance of developing secure, trusted channels for reporting malpractice and rewarding integrity. It confirms that public engagement in accountability mechanisms hinges on trust and safety.
In sum, NCPS 2025 offers more than just data; it presents a detailed, citizen-driven agenda for reform. It challenges simplistic narratives of rampant corruption with a more layered reality one where progress is possible and the public is ready to be part of the solution. The government and institutions must heed these insights. The path forward lies in strengthening accountability, institutional transparency, and legal frameworks, while protecting those who expose wrongdoing. Embracing this nuanced understanding can transform Pakistan’s governance landscape and restore citizen faith in public service.
Ignoring these findings or dismissing them as mere opinion polls would be a grave mistake. The NCPS 2025 is a call to action backed by the voices of thousands of Pakistanis who live the realities of governance every day. If policymakers rise to the challenge, Pakistan could well see a future where corruption is not an inevitable obstacle but a problem systematically addressed and reduced. The promise of a cleaner, fairer public sphere is within reach if only the country listens.
—The author is a freelance writer. She can be contacted at [email protected]
