Corruption has increased in Pakistan. This is precisely the finding of the latest Corruption Perception Index (CPI) by Transparency International. This also upends the government’s claim of tackling corruption and its inability to provide accountability in longstanding grafts cases.
The latest report is rather worrisome. Pakistan has ranked 140 out of 180 countries, losing 16 spots over the last year. In fact, Pakistan’s score dropped by three points to 28 on the global corruption index. This shows that corruption has increased. The law and order situation and lack of human rights resulting in the inability to hold the powerful accountable have resulted in the low score. Pakistan is also among countries with weakened anti-corruption institutions.
It’s not just Pakistan that is in the crosshairs. This year’s reports reveal that corruption levels are at a standstill worldwide, with 86 percent of countries making little or no progress. Transparency International says countries are facing a decline as governments fail to address corruption, uphold rights and consult citizens. It says countries with well-protected civil liberties generally score higher. Hence, Pakistan needs to deliver accountability and provide justice if it wants to improve its ranking.
It should be a matter of concern that under the PTI government, Pakistan’s ranking has gradually slid. In 2019, it was 120 out of 180 countries, in 2020, it was 124 and in 2021 it worsened further to 140. Last year, several ministers even slammed the head of Transparency International’s local chapter for the report and called him a mouthpiece of the opposition. Days ago, the accountability czar Shahzad Akbar resigned, throwing the entire anti-corruption in disarray.
The prime minister needs to wrap his mind around the rising levels in the country. The complacency in taking action in corruption cases against the elite cannot be allowed. It needs to strengthen state institutions if we are to make any progress. There have been mass movements calling for action against corruption but little has changed. The PTI government came to power on the slogans of accountability. The inability to take action will eventually erode human rights and weaken democracy in the country.
