Islamabad/Berlin, 11 Feb: /DNA/ – The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), released by Transparency International, provides an insightful look into the global fight against corruption. While global corruption levels remain persistently high, Pakistan’s performance is a notable exception within the region, showcasing positive momentum amidst challenging times.
In the 2024 report, Pakistan’s CPI score stands at 27. When considering the context of the report’s data collection, it is essential to recognize that the survey captures only the first few months (March to August 2024) of the current government’s efforts. As such, it does not fully encompass the significant reforms and strides made by the Shahbaz Sharif administration over the past 12 months, which have aimed at enhancing governance and accountability.
The top performers on the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index are Denmark, with a score of 90, followed by Finland at 88 and Singapore at 84. These countries are recognized for their strong governance, transparency, and effective anti-corruption measures. The report, which aggregates data from multiple international sources, including the World Economic Forum’s Executive Opinion Survey (conducted by Mishal Pakistan in early 2024), paints a broader picture of governance practices. However, the short period of survey data collection does not reflect the full impact of the government’s extensive anti-corruption initiatives and institutional reforms over the preceding year.
The report emphasizes Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption in a challenging environment, where many neighboring countries have experienced setbacks in their rankings. Despite this, Pakistan’s score is indicative of the government’s commitment to fostering transparency and accountability in both the public and private sectors.
Pakistan’s CPI score of 27 in 2024 places it lower than several South Asian neighbors, indicating challenges in addressing corruption, though it fares better than Afghanistan and Bangladesh, which scored 16 and 23, respectively. Most countries in the region, including Sri Lanka (38), also grapple with high levels of corruption. Bhutan stands out with a score of 55, showcasing stronger anti-corruption measures and transparency, while India and the Maldives, with scores of 39 and 43, show mid-range corruption challenges. Although Pakistan’s score has decreased slightly from 29 in 2023, this reflects only the initial months of the current administration’s reforms, which have yet to fully take effect. While Pakistan’s position remains concerning, it is still ahead of its regional peers in some cases, and with continued focus on governance reforms, there is potential for improvement in the years to come.
The data from the 1996-2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) report highlights the trajectory of Pakistan’s anti-corruption efforts over nearly three decades. From 1996 to 2024, Pakistan’s CPI score has fluctuated, reflecting the challenges and reforms in the country’s governance landscape. For instance, under the PPP government in 2011, Pakistan’s score was a low 2.5 out of 10, ranking 134th globally. However, in 2024, Pakistan’s score improved slightly to 27, ranking 135th out of 180 countries. This reflects the ongoing efforts by the government to combat corruption, although the country continues to face significant challenges. Over the years, various administrations, including those of PML-N and PTI, have witnessed shifts in the country’s ranking, underscoring the influence of political reforms and governance changes on Pakistan’s fight against corruption. The long-term data demonstrates both the persistent hurdles and incremental progress in addressing corruption in Pakistan.
The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) reflects data collected during the first half of 2024, which captures only the early months of the current government’s reform efforts. As a result, the report does not fully account for the significant anti-corruption measures and governance reforms implemented over the past year in Pakistan. This limitation suggests that the impact of these efforts may not be fully visible yet, and future CPI assessments could show improved results as the reforms take effect. Furthermore, the CPI draws upon a range of reputable sources, including the World Economic Forum’s Country Partner Institutes and the World Bank, ensuring that the data reflects a comprehensive and multifaceted view of corruption perceptions worldwide.
Transparency International remains committed to supporting and advocating for sustained reforms. The report highlights that while Pakistan’s journey is ongoing, the government’s policies are setting a solid foundation for long-term improvements in public sector governance and anti-corruption measures.
Mishal Pakistan is the Country Partner Institute of the World Economic Forum (WEF) and plays a crucial role in conducting the World Economic Forum’s Executive Opinion Survey (EOS) in Pakistan. The survey, which is a key data source for the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), gathers insights from business executives and experts to assess the perceived levels of corruption within the public sector.
Mishal Pakistan’s rigorous data collection and analysis contribute to providing a comprehensive understanding of governance and corruption dynamics in Pakistan, supporting efforts for better transparency and accountability across the country. Through its collaboration with global organizations like the WEF, Mishal Pakistan works towards fostering a more transparent and corruption-free environment in Pakistan.For more information, please visit www.mishal.com.pk
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