Pakistan’s corruption landscape remains under intense public scrutiny in 2025. The latest national survey by Transparency International Pakistan highlights serious governance concerns. Moreover, the findings expose shifting public attitudes, regional disparities, and growing demands for stronger accountability. Consequently, this report delivers a clear view of corruption trends across key public sectors.
Police Ranked as Most Corrupt Government Sector
Public perception continues to label the police as the most corrupt institution in Pakistan. This year, 24% of surveyed citizens identified police corruption as the top issue. Furthermore, Punjab recorded the highest perception at 34%. Meanwhile, Balochistan reported 22%, Sindh showed 21%, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stood at 20%.
However, public sentiment reflects a notable improvement when compared to 2023. Nevertheless, the police department still dominates negative rankings. Therefore, trust restoration remains a critical national priority.
Tender and Procurement Sector Under Growing Scrutiny
The tender and procurement sector placed second among highly perceived corrupt sectors. Around 16% of respondents expressed concern over corruption in this area. In addition, Balochistan topped the list with 23%. Likewise, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded 18%, Sindh marked 14%, and Punjab reported 9%.
As a result, demands for transparent bidding systems continue to rise. Moreover, citizens increasingly favor digital procurement processes. Consequently, the sector faces rising pressure for reform.
Judiciary Perceived as Third Most Corrupt Institution
The judiciary ranked third, with 14% of respondents considering it a corrupt institution. Notably, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded the highest concern at 18%. Although the judiciary maintains a significant role in governance, public trust remains fragile. Therefore, justice system reforms remain a consistent public demand.
Bribery Encounters Show Mixed Public Experience
The survey revealed that 66% of citizens did not feel compelled to pay bribes in 2025. Despite this, dissatisfaction remains high regarding government anti-corruption efforts. Around 77% of respondents expressed low satisfaction levels.
Sindh recorded the highest bribery pressure, with 46% of respondents feeling forced to offer bribes. Similarly, Punjab reported 39%, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stood at 20%. Consequently, anti-bribery enforcement remains inconsistent across provinces.
Provincial Governments Viewed as More Corrupt Than Local Bodies
A majority of respondents, about 59%, believed provincial governments were more corrupt than local administrations. In Punjab, this perception rose sharply to 70%. Meanwhile, Balochistan showed 58%, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded 55%, and Sindh reflected 54%.
As a result, decentralization appears to gain public support. Furthermore, citizens increasingly demand localized transparency mechanisms. Therefore, governance reforms must address provincial accountability first.
Lack of Accountability Identified as Core Corruption Driver
Respondents highlighted the lack of accountability as the primary driver of corruption in Pakistan. Moreover, delays in corruption case resolutions aggravate public frustration. Limited transparency and restricted access to information further weaken institutional credibility.
Notably, 78% of respondents advocated strict accountability for anti-corruption bodies, including NAB and FIA. Additionally, public concern focused on opaque investigations. Moreover, 35% cited transparency gaps, while 33% criticized weak independent oversight. Furthermore, 32% accused political misuse of powers.
Public Proposals to Reduce Corruption Nationwide
The survey captured three primary public-backed solutions. First, 26% supported stronger accountability frameworks. Second, 23% demanded reduced discretionary authority. Third, 20% favored strengthening right-to-information laws.
Additionally, respondents criticized provincial Anti-Corruption Establishments. Around 33% labeled these bodies as ineffective. Meanwhile, 34% described them as less effective. Therefore, institutional restructuring appears unavoidable.
Whistleblower Protection and Reporting Challenges
Reporting corruption remains a sensitive issue. Nearly 42% of respondents said they would feel safe only under strong whistleblower protection laws. Surprisingly, 70% lacked awareness of existing reporting mechanisms.
Among the 30% familiar with reporting channels, only 43% had reported corruption. Furthermore, Balochistan showed the highest unawareness at 76%. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa followed with 73%, Sindh with 68%, and Punjab with 64%.
Citizens strongly favored anonymous reporting systems. Additionally, reward-based incentives gained 37% approval. As a result, authorities face increasing public pressure to modernize reporting platforms.
Health Sector Corruption Creates Severe Public Impact
Healthcare corruption emerged as a major public concern. About 67% of respondents believed unethical practices severely impact daily life. Sindh recorded 69%, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reached 68%. Similarly, Balochistan marked 67%, and Punjab reported 63%.
Hospitals, doctors, and pharmaceutical companies were identified as primary corruption sites. Citizens strongly supported stricter regulations against commission-based practices. Moreover, calls for a ban on private practice intensified. Therefore, healthcare governance reforms remain urgent.
Transparency Demands for Tax-Exempted Institutions
Public concern extended to tax-exempted organizations. More than 51% of respondents insisted that NGOs, trusts, and medical institutions should offer free public services. Additionally, 53% demanded public disclosure of donors and donation amounts.
This growing demand reflects rising expectations for institutional integrity. Consequently, public trust increasingly depends on transparent financial disclosure standards.
Conclusion: Rising Demand for Transparency and Institutional Reforms
The 2025 survey results reflect a strong public desire for meaningful institutional reform. Moreover, citizens expressed clear expectations for transparency, accountability, and improved access to information. While some improvement appears in bribery experiences, sectoral corruption perceptions remain widespread.
Therefore, long-term governance stability in Pakistan now depends on strict accountability, digital transparency, and stronger public engagement. Ultimately, the public voice has set a clear priority: corruption control must become a national governing standard.
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