Report Reveals Escalating Corruption in Pakistan
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Synopsis
A recent Transparency International report highlights Pakistan's significant corruption issues, ranking it 135 out of 180 nations on the Corruption Perception Index for 2024. The report criticizes the government and outlines the economic crisis contributing to the situation.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan is ranked 135 out of 180 in the CPI.
- The country scored only 27 on the CPI scale.
- Corruption is widespread across government and society.
- Current government faces severe criticism for corruption.
- Economic crisis exacerbates the corruption problem.
Islamabad, Feb 13 (NationPress) A recent report by Transparency International has identified Pakistan as one of the most corrupt nations globally, with the issue rampant throughout various sectors including government, judiciary, and society.
The report, published earlier this week, places Pakistan at 135 out of 180 countries on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for 2024.
The CPI evaluates 180 countries and territories based on their perceived levels of public sector corruption, rated on a scale from zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). In the latest CPI, Pakistan achieved a score of merely 27, highlighting the increasing corruption within the nation.
Several analysts in Pakistan have criticized the current government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, referencing the report's findings.
In 2022, the Election Commission of Pakistan disqualified former Prime Minister Imran Khan from Parliament and initiated legal actions due to involvement in corrupt activities.
Now, two years later, Sharif's government is facing similar corruption accusations.
Recently, a court in Pakistan acquitted Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shehbaz of corruption charges stemming from an eight-year-old case, after the complainant withdrew from it.
The country is grappling with a severe economic crisis, which is considered a significant factor exacerbating the current situation. With rising inflation, citizens are struggling to meet basic needs, including healthcare. The economy continues to rely heavily on loans from international organizations and allied nations.
In 2023, Pakistan narrowly avoided defaulting on International Monetary Fund (IMF) loans. In 2024, the IMF sanctioned $7 billion to Pakistan through a 37-month loan program, with $1 billion allocated for immediate release.
Last week, an IMF team visited Pakistan to assess the country's judicial and regulatory framework, as part of the ongoing $7 billion Extended Fund Facility aimed at addressing governance and corruption weaknesses.
