Understanding Pakistan’s CPI 2025 Performance
Pakistan has maintained its position in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for the second consecutive year, ranking 136th out of 182 countries in 2025. While the ranking reflects only a marginal numerical shift from previous years, the broader trend signals slow but steady improvement. Since 2021, Pakistan has climbed four positions, moving up from 140th to 136th, indicating incremental progress rather than stagnation.
In terms of scoring, Pakistan improved from 27 to 28 out of 100, a modest yet meaningful gain in an index where movement is often slow and difficult. The country’s aggregate score also increased from 216 to 219 points. In a global environment marked by economic instability, political polarization, and governance challenges, maintaining forward momentum carries significance.
CPI as a Measure of Perception, Not Reality
It is critical to recognize that the CPI measures perceptions of corruption rather than its actual prevalence. The index relies largely on assessments by foreign experts and institutions based in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, and Sweden. Out of 13 global indicators, Pakistan is evaluated on only eight, raising questions about contextual depth and local nuance.
This methodology often amplifies elite and external viewpoints, which may not fully capture ground realities within developing states. As a result, CPI rankings can sometimes lag behind on-the-ground improvements or reforms, especially in countries undergoing gradual institutional change rather than rapid transformation.
Domestic Surveys Paint a More Nuanced Picture
Recent national surveys present a cautiously optimistic counter-narrative. Transparency International Pakistan’s annual report, released in December 2025, surveyed 4,000 respondents across the country. The findings revealed that two out of three Pakistanis had never faced malpractice in government institutions. Notably, public perception of the police improved by 6%, indicating better engagement and accountability at the service-delivery level.
Similarly, a survey conducted by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), based on responses from 6,000 participants, showed that 67% had never experienced malpractice. An overwhelming 95% reported never witnessing illegal enrichment, while 76% said they had not encountered nepotism. These figures suggest that everyday interactions with state institutions may be improving faster than international perception indices reflect.
The Persistent Trust Deficit and the Way Forward
Despite incremental gains, Pakistan continues to face a trust deficit in public institutions. Social media amplification, rising public expectations, and historical governance challenges have deepened skepticism. Perception gaps persist not only because of corruption concerns, but also due to limited institutional outreach and weak communication strategies.
Experts argue that institutions must proactively engage citizens, improve transparency in decision-making, and clearly communicate their roles and reforms. Building trust requires more than policy shifts; it demands visible accountability, accessible grievance mechanisms, and consistent public engagement.
In a period of global social and economic turbulence, Pakistan’s ability to hold and slightly improve its CPI position reflects resilience rather than complacency. While progress remains gradual, the direction is important. Sustained reforms, combined with improved institutional communication, could help translate perception gains into long-term credibility and public trust.
Pakistan’s CPI 2025 Ranking Signals Slow but Steady Reform
Understanding Pakistan’s CPI 2025 Performance
Pakistan has maintained its position in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for the second consecutive year, ranking 136th out of 182 countries in 2025. While the ranking reflects only a marginal numerical shift from previous years, the broader trend signals slow but steady improvement. Since 2021, Pakistan has climbed four positions, moving up from 140th to 136th, indicating incremental progress rather than stagnation.
In terms of scoring, Pakistan improved from 27 to 28 out of 100, a modest yet meaningful gain in an index where movement is often slow and difficult. The country’s aggregate score also increased from 216 to 219 points. In a global environment marked by economic instability, political polarization, and governance challenges, maintaining forward momentum carries significance.
CPI as a Measure of Perception, Not Reality
It is critical to recognize that the CPI measures perceptions of corruption rather than its actual prevalence. The index relies largely on assessments by foreign experts and institutions based in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, and Sweden. Out of 13 global indicators, Pakistan is evaluated on only eight, raising questions about contextual depth and local nuance.
This methodology often amplifies elite and external viewpoints, which may not fully capture ground realities within developing states. As a result, CPI rankings can sometimes lag behind on-the-ground improvements or reforms, especially in countries undergoing gradual institutional change rather than rapid transformation.
Domestic Surveys Paint a More Nuanced Picture
Recent national surveys present a cautiously optimistic counter-narrative. Transparency International Pakistan’s annual report, released in December 2025, surveyed 4,000 respondents across the country. The findings revealed that two out of three Pakistanis had never faced malpractice in government institutions. Notably, public perception of the police improved by 6%, indicating better engagement and accountability at the service-delivery level.
Similarly, a survey conducted by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), based on responses from 6,000 participants, showed that 67% had never experienced malpractice. An overwhelming 95% reported never witnessing illegal enrichment, while 76% said they had not encountered nepotism. These figures suggest that everyday interactions with state institutions may be improving faster than international perception indices reflect.
The Persistent Trust Deficit and the Way Forward
Despite incremental gains, Pakistan continues to face a trust deficit in public institutions. Social media amplification, rising public expectations, and historical governance challenges have deepened skepticism. Perception gaps persist not only because of corruption concerns, but also due to limited institutional outreach and weak communication strategies.
Experts argue that institutions must proactively engage citizens, improve transparency in decision-making, and clearly communicate their roles and reforms. Building trust requires more than policy shifts; it demands visible accountability, accessible grievance mechanisms, and consistent public engagement.
In a period of global social and economic turbulence, Pakistan’s ability to hold and slightly improve its CPI position reflects resilience rather than complacency. While progress remains gradual, the direction is important. Sustained reforms, combined with improved institutional communication, could help translate perception gains into long-term credibility and public trust.
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