ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has recorded an improvement in the Corruption Perception Index 2025, according to the latest report of the Transparency International, released today.
Pakistan posted a marginal improvement in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025, as the country’s score rose by one point from 27 in 2024 to 28 in 2025. Pakistan’s ranking shifted from 135 out of 180 countries last year to 136 out of 182 countries in the latest report released on Tuesday.
The CPI ranks countries based on perceived public-sector corruption, using assessments from experts and business leaders. Although Pakistan gained a point, the expanded list of countries affected its overall position.
TI Pakistan urges stronger reforms, IMF recommendations
Transparency International Pakistan Chair Justice Zia Perwez said Pakistan must implement the IMF Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment recommendations effectively to sustain progress in future CPI rankings. He noted that the country has launched governance and institutional reforms, but authorities must deliver measurable outcomes to build credibility and public trust.
Meanwhile, Transparency International stressed that corruption continues to worsen worldwide, including in several established democracies. The report showed that only five countries scored above 80 this year, compared to 12 countries a decade ago.
Denmark leads again as civic space shrinks in many countries
Denmark topped the CPI for the eighth consecutive year with a score of 89. The report also highlighted that over two-thirds of countries scored below 50, signalling widespread corruption challenges globally.
TI warned that shrinking civic space has directly contributed to weaker anti-corruption performance. Since 2012, 36 of the 50 countries with major CPI declines also faced reduced freedoms of expression, association, and assembly.
TI Chair Francois Velerian urged governments to strengthen justice systems, ensure independent oversight, protect media freedom, and enforce transparency in political financing. TI CEO Maira Martini added that global crises have increased the need for accountable leadership, yet many states continue to fall short.
