ISLAMABAD: Transparency International Pakistan released the National Corruption Perception Survey 2025, which highlights deep public concerns about corruption nationwide. The survey shows that police, tender and procurement systems, and the judiciary remain the most corrupt sectors in Pakistan. It also reveals that provincial governments face greater distrust than local governments.
Public Dissatisfaction with Anti-Corruption Measures
The survey shows that 77% of respondents remain dissatisfied with the government’s efforts to curb corruption. Province-wise dissatisfaction stands highest in Balochistan at 80%. Punjab leads with 78%, while Sindh and KP each show 75% dissatisfaction. Despite this, 66% respondents said they did not face any situation compelling them to pay a bribe. Economically, 57% citizens reported declining purchasing power in the past year. Meanwhile, 43% said they experienced improvement. Yet, 58% agreed that the government stabilised the economy through the IMF programme and the country’s FATF exit.
Political Finance Reform and Governance Concerns
A strong public consensus emerged for political finance reform. Forty-two per cent Pakistanis want a complete ban on business funding for political parties. Another 41% want strict regulation of such funding. This forms an 83% combined demand. Moreover, 55% support banning political names and photos in government advertisements. The survey also shows that 59% respondents believe provincial governments are more corrupt than local governments. Punjab records the highest distrust at 70%.
Institutional Accountability and Perception of Corruption
The survey shows that 78% citizens want stronger accountability of NAB and FIA. Respondents cited lack of transparency, weak oversight and political victimisation as major concerns. Nationally, 24% respondents ranked police as the most corrupt sector. Tender and procurement systems followed with 16%, and the judiciary with 14%. Punjab reported the worst police perception at 34%. Balochistan showed the highest concern in procurement at 23%. Judicial corruption perception was highest in KP at 18%.
Bribery Exposure and Causes of Corruption
Despite negative perceptions, 66% respondents said they did not personally pay bribes for public services. Sindh, however, reported the highest bribery exposure at 46%. Pakistanis identified lack of accountability, lack of transparency and delayed case disposal as leading causes of corruption. Provincial Anti-Corruption Establishments received poor ratings, with many respondents calling them ineffective.
Corruption in the Health Sector
A high 67% respondents said corruption in healthcare affects their lives. Corruption appeared most rampant in hospitals, followed by doctors and pharmaceuticals. Sindh reported the highest hospital-related corruption at 49%. Citizens demanded strict regulation of pharmaceutical commissions and stronger monitoring of private practice.
Reporting Awareness and Charity Oversight
Seventy per cent respondents said they were unaware of any corruption reporting mechanism. Among those aware, only 43% reported an incident. Many said anonymity and rewards would encourage reporting. Additionally, 51% respondents said tax-exempt charities should not charge fees. Meanwhile, 53% demanded public disclosure of donations.
