Pakistan sees slight improvement in global Corruption Perceptions Index

Pakistan has recorded a marginal improvement in its position on the global Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025, with its score increasing to 28 out of a possible 100.

In its report, Transparency International placed Pakistan at 136th position among 182 countries and territories. In  the index for 2024, Pakistan was ranked 135th out of 180 countries.

The CPI measures perceived levels of public sector corruption across the globe, using a scale ranging from 0, which reflects a highly corrupt system, to 100, indicating a very clean public sector.

Reacting to the findings, Transparency International Pakistan Chair Justice (retd) Zia Perwez noted the slight progress but cautioned that sustained effort was required. He said:
“While Pakistan is undertaking commendable efforts through governance and institutional reforms, it is imperative that the recommendations of the IMF Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment are implemented effectively."

He added that following these recommendations was essential to maintain and improve the country’s performance in the years ahead.

Transparency International, in its broader assessment, said the 2025 index shows corruption continues to pose a serious challenge worldwide, despite limited signs of improvement in some regions.

According to the index, only 31 countries have managed to significantly reduce corruption since 2012. Most others have either seen no change or a worsening situation over the same period. The global average score has dropped to a record low of 42, with more than two-thirds of countries scoring below 50.

Transparency International warned that the cost of corruption is borne by ordinary people, leading to underfunded healthcare systems, lack of flood protection, and lost opportunities for younger generations.