Pakistan Shows Improvement in 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index

Pakistan’s fight against corruption showed signs of steady progress as the country’s score improved in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), released today by Transparency International (TI). Pakistan’s CPI score increased to 28 (up from 27 in 2024), while its global ranking moved to 136 out of 182 countries.

Sustaining Upward Momentum through Reform

While the one-point improvement reflects ongoing governance and institutional reform efforts, Justice Zia Perwez, Chair of Transparency International Pakistan, emphasized that this momentum must be institutionalized.

“Pakistan is undertaking commendable efforts, but to sustain this upward trajectory, it is imperative that the recommendations of the IMF Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment are implemented effectively,” stated Justice Perwez. “Strengthening justice systems and ensuring independent oversight remain the cornerstones of lasting transparency.”

A Global Crisis: Corruption Worsening Worldwide

The 2025 report paints a grim picture of the global landscape, noting that even established democracies are experiencing a decline in integrity.

• Shrinking Excellence: The number of countries scoring above 80 has plummeted from 12 a decade ago to just five this year.
• Global Stagnation: Since 2012, 50 countries have seen their scores decline, while 100 have remained stagnant.
• Democratic Backsliding: The report highlights worrying trends in nations like the United States (64), the United Kingdom (70), and France (66).

Francois Valerian, Chair of Transparency International, noted: “Corruption is not inevitable. There is a clear blueprint for holding power to account—from independent oversight to a free and open civil society.”

The Link Between Civic Space and Integrity

A key finding in the 2025 Index is the direct correlation between civic space and corruption control. Transparency International found that 36 of the 50 countries with significant CPI declines also experienced a reduction in freedoms of expression and assembly.

The report specifically identifies the dangers faced by journalists. In non-conflict zones, 150 journalists have been murdered while covering corruption stories since 2012. Over 90% of these killings occurred in countries with scores below 50, including Brazil, India, Mexico, Pakistan, and Iraq.

Recommendations for a Transparent Future

To combat deep-rooted state corruption, Transparency International calls on global leaders to:

• Protect Justice Systems: Shield judicial appointments from political or economic interference.
• Regulate Political Finance: Ensure public scrutiny of lobbying and election campaign funding to prevent “state capture” by wealthy interest groups.
• Guarantee Media Freedom: Protect whistleblowers and journalists investigating financial crimes.
• Strengthen International Enforcement: Block cross-border money laundering and seize stolen assets hidden abroad.

Denmark continues to lead the index for the eighth consecutive year with a score of 89, while conflict-affected nations like Somalia and South Sudan remain at the bottom with scores of 9.

About the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)

The CPI is the leading global indicator of public sector corruption, scoring 182 countries and territories based on expert assessments and business surveys.

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