Pakistan drops in corruption perceptions index, ranking 135th in 2024

(Web Desk): Pakistan has dropped two places in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International, now ranking 135th out of 180 countries for 2024. Last year, Pakistan was ranked 133rd. The country’s score also fell from 29 in 2023 to 27 in 2024, reflecting a worsening perception of corruption in the public sector.

Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) clarified that it does not collect data or calculate scores for the CPI. The index is based on assessments by independent sources worldwide who evaluate governance and anti-corruption efforts.

TIP Chairperson Justice (retd) Zia Perwez pointed out that most countries in Pakistan’s region, except Oman, China, Turkey, and Mongolia, also saw a decline in their scores. He added that while Pakistan's score dropped, it is still one of the countries resisting the overall regional trend. However, he did not mention any significant improvements in Pakistan’s governance.

The report highlighted that corruption continues to weaken democratic institutions and hinder efforts to address issues like climate change.

Transparency International's Chairperson, François Valérian, emphasized that corruption causes instability, weakens democracy, and worsens human rights violations worldwide.

Denmark ranked as the least corrupt country, with a CPI score of 90, followed by Finland and Singapore. The lowest-ranked countries included South Sudan, Somalia, and Venezuela.