Pakistan Slips to 135th in Global Corruption Rankings (CPI 2024)
- Pakistan’s ranking on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024 has dropped from 133rd in 2023 to 135th in 2024 out of 180 countries.
- The country’s CPI score has declined from 29 to 27, indicating a worsening perception of corruption.
- More than 6.8 billion people globally live in countries with CPI scores below 50.
- Denmark (90), Finland (88), and Singapore (84) remain the least corrupt countries.
- South Sudan (8), Somalia (9), and Venezuela (10) are ranked as the most corrupt nations.
- Corruption continues to hinder economic growth, governance, and global climate action efforts.
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Understanding the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)
The CPI ranks 180 countries based on their perceived levels of public sector corruption. The scale ranges from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). The rankings are determined by expert assessments and surveys conducted by Transparency International.
Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) has clarified that it plays no role in data collection or scoring, as the CPI is compiled based on independent sources assessing governance and anti-corruption measures worldwide.
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Pakistan’s Corruption Ranking Over the Years
| Year | CPI Score | Global Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 32 | 117th |
| 2018 | 33 | 120th |
| 2019 | 32 | 120th |
| 2020 | 31 | 124th |
| 2021 | 28 | 140th |
| 2022 | 27 | 140th |
| 2023 | 29 | 133rd |
| 2024 | 27 | 135th |
The data shows a consistent decline in Pakistan’s CPI score over the years. The highest score in recent years was 33 in 2018, while the lowest has been 27 in 2022 and 2024.
Pakistan’s CPI Score Trend (2017-2024)
A graph depicting Pakistan’s declining CPI score is shown below.
Pakistan’s CPI Score Trend (2017-2024)
The graph illustrates Pakistan’s downward trend in CPI scores, highlighting an increase in perceived corruption over the years.
How Does Pakistan Compare to Other Countries?
Top 3 Least Corrupt Countries (Highest CPI Scores)
- Denmark – 90
- Finland – 88
- Singapore – 84
Bottom 3 Most Corrupt Countries (Lowest CPI Scores)
- South Sudan – 8
- Somalia – 9
- Venezuela – 10
Pakistan’s Position Compared to Neighboring Countries
- India – 93rd place
- Bangladesh – 149th place
- China – 76th place
- Afghanistan – 162nd place
Pakistan continues to rank among the lowest in South Asia.
Key Reasons for Corruption in Pakistan
- Weak Law Enforcement – Limited action against corrupt officials.
- Political Instability – Frequent government changes weaken anti-corruption policies.
- Lack of Transparency – Misuse of public funds with minimal accountability.
- Judicial Weakness – Corruption cases often remain unresolved for years.
- Bribery in Public Sector – Government employees demanding bribes for basic services.
Impact of Corruption on Pakistan
- Economic Growth – Foreign investors hesitate to invest in corrupt economies, affecting job creation.
- Weak Governance – Public services such as health, education, and infrastructure suffer due to mismanagement.
- Climate Change Impact – Corruption leads to misallocation of climate funds, affecting sustainability efforts.
- Rising Inequality – Corruption benefits the elite while increasing hardships for lower-income groups.
What Needs to be Done?
- Stronger Anti-Corruption Laws – Implement strict punishments for corrupt officials.
- Government Transparency – Ensure public access to spending records.
- Independent Judiciary – Speed up legal action against corruption cases.
- Digital Governance – Reduce human involvement in processes to prevent bribery.
- Public Awareness – Encourage citizens to report corruption and support ethical leadership.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s declining position on the CPI 2024 highlights the urgent need for stronger anti-corruption measures. Without reforms, corruption will continue to hinder the country’s economic growth and governance. It is essential for the government, judiciary, media, and citizens to play their part in ensuring transparency and accountability.
Immediate action is required to reverse this trend and improve Pakistan’s global standing.
