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A new nationwide survey has revealed the public’s sharp concerns about corruption across Pakistan, even as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says the findings show growing confidence in the government’s efforts to stabilise the economy and improve transparency. The National Corruption Perception Survey (NCPS) 2025, released by Transparency International Pakistan (TIP), highlights which sectors Pakistanis distrust most and how they view the government’s economic and governance reforms.
The survey, conducted between September 22 and 29, examines public views on corruption levels, accountability, governance, and economic stability. It arrives at a time when the government claims progress on reforms linked to the IMF programme and FATF exit both viewed as key steps in restoring economic order.
KEY FINDINGS FROM THE SURVEY
The briefing prepared for the Senate Standing Committee states that FIA ACC Islamabad registered FIR No. 97/2025 on 08-11-2025 under Sections 109, 161, 386 and 420 of the PPC read with Section 5(2) of the PCA 1947, concerning allegations that several NCCIA Rawalpindi and Islamabad officers were involved in extortion, cheating, corruption, and criminal conspiracy linked to the operation of illegal call centres. The report lists multiple NCCIA officials ranging from Additional Directors to Sub Inspectors who are alleged to have received a total of about Rs. 120 million as bribes from these centres.
The FIA investigation team, led by AD Muhammad Safeer Ahmed with supporting inspectors, is currently probing the matter. According to the NCCIA’s response, the accused officials have gone absent, been removed from their posts, and issued show cause notices, with departmental inquiries already initiated and relevant cases forwarded to the Ministry of Interior for further action.
According to the report,
“These perceptions signal where governance reforms, transparency measures, and accountability mechanisms are most needed.”
The report concludes that although the inquiry is active and ongoing at FIA ACC Islamabad, no accused officer has been arrested yet.
PM SHEHBAZ’S RESPONSE
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed TIP’s findings, saying the survey reflects a notable improvement in public trust.
In his statement, he said:
“This opinion is a recognition of our efforts in the fight against corruption and promoting transparency.”
He noted that a majority of citizens acknowledged the government’s economic recovery measures as successful, calling it a “highly encouraging sign.”
Shehbaz praised the teamwork behind recent reforms, crediting Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Finance Minister Aurangzeb and other officials for sustaining economic stability. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to service delivery, transparency and eliminating corruption.
