Pakistan has recorded a modest improvement in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025, with its score rising to 28, reflecting slight progress in the perception of public-sector corruption. Despite the score increase, Pakistan’s global ranking slipped marginally due to the expansion of the index to more countries.
CPI 2025 Results
According to Transparency International’s report released on Tuesday, Pakistan ranked 136th out of 182 countries in 2025, compared to 135th out of 180 countries in 2024. While the ranking edged down by one position, the CPI score improved from 27 to 28, indicating gradual progress in governance and accountability.
Chair of Transparency International Pakistan, Justice Zia Perwez, said Pakistan’s reform efforts are encouraging but stressed that sustained improvement depends on fully implementing the IMF Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment recommendations.
Global Corruption Trends
Transparency International noted that corruption is worsening worldwide, including in established democracies. The number of countries scoring above 80 has dropped sharply over the past decade, falling from 12 to just five in 2025. More than 68 percent of countries scored below 50, highlighting widespread corruption challenges.
TI Chair Francois Velerian said corruption is not inevitable and emphasized the need for democratic accountability, independent oversight, and strong civil society to curb abuse of power.
The report highlights a clear link between corruption control and democratic strength. Full democracies averaged a CPI score of 71, while flawed democracies scored 47, and authoritarian regimes just 32. Countries that protect freedom of expression, assembly, and media independence consistently perform better in controlling corruption.
TI also warned that shrinking civic space and attacks on journalists significantly weaken anti-corruption efforts, noting that most journalists killed for investigating corruption were in countries scoring below 50 on the CPI.
Transparency International urged governments to strengthen justice systems, ensure transparency in political financing, protect whistle-blowers, and safeguard media freedom. TI warned that failure to address corruption could lead to public unrest, while decisive action could help build fairer and more resilient societies.
Is Pakistan’s CPI score more influenced by perception or real anti-corruption outcomes?
