In light of Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2025, there has been a little change in Pakistan’s ranking. Currently, Pakistan ranks at number 136 out of 182 countries. It has an index score of 28 as compared to an index score of 27 last year. The index has a scale that runs from 0 to 100, with a lower index value representing a higher level of corruption.
Last Year Position
In 2024, Pakistan’s rank was 135th. This year, its rank stands at 136th technically. It means technically Pakistan has dropped one rank. The reason for this drop is technical, as the number of countries considered is now 182. Despite this drop in rank, its score has improved slightly, indicating many people’s perceptions of government and transparency are positive.
Understanding the Score
A CPI score of 28 indicates that though corruption is still highly perceived in the country, reforms and initiatives toward transparency have now begun to yield some results. It measures corruption perceptions in public sectors, keeping in view the rule of law and anti-corruption policies.
Global Comparison
The overall world average score for CPI stands at 43 by the year 2025, which places Pakistan well below the average. Nations like New Zealand and Denmark scored the highest, while Somalia and Syria were recorded as the lowest. Such a ranking implies a slight improvement for Pakistan with a small fall in its overall ranking position.
Observations by Transparency International
Transparency International noted that the incidence of corruption is increasing across the world; hence, sufficient reforms are the need of the hour. For Pakistan, the recommendations include the strengthening of anti-corruption instruments leading to greater transparency in the public sector. Although an improvement has been noted in terms of scores, reforms are the necessity of the hour.
Conclusion
The ranking and CPI score indicate that Pakistan is still in the high risk band regarding perceptions of corruption. Although the score has improved slightly, it is still essential to understand that in terms of global rankings, Pakistan needs to undertake much more in terms of improving governance and corruption. The CPI report on 2025 is another reminder that much needs to be done in order to improve transparency in governance and perceptions.
Source: Corruption Perceptions Index
