Transparency International Pakistan has released its National Corruption Perception Survey (NCPS) 2025, revealing a significant decline in the perceived impact of corruption across the country, alongside improved economic sentiment and rising public demand for stricter accountability.
According to Transparency International Pakistan, 66% respondents said they did not pay any bribe for government services in the last 12 months, which the report describes as one of the strongest indicators of perceived progress in service delivery.
The NCPS measures public perception of corruption rather than the verified incidence of corruption. The organisation clarified that the survey does not influence Pakistan’s position on the global Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI).
Public sense of economic stability improves
The survey shows that 60% of respondents believe Pakistan’s economy has become more stable, mainly due to Pakistan’s agreement with the IMF and removal from the FATF grey list. The report states that the economy has moved “from stagnation to stability and from stability to growth.”
Police remain most corruption-prone institution
Despite improvements, the police continue to top the list for perceived corruption, followed by tender and procurement, the judiciary, the power and energy sector and the health sector.
However, the report notes that public perception regarding police behaviour has improved by 6% compared to previous surveys—described as a “meaningful shift.”
Survey expanded to 4,000 participants
NCPS 2025 was conducted from 22 to 29 September 2025 with 4,000 participants, compared to 1,600 in 2023. Demographics included:
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55% men, 43% women and 2% transgender respondents
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59% urban and 41% rural participants
TI Pakistan highlighted that the expanded sample and wider district coverage provides a more representative nationwide picture of public sentiment.
Strong demand for institutional accountability
The report notes a strong public demand for greater transparency in political institutions, reduced discretionary powers, and stricter enforcement of Right to Information laws. Around 78% respondents said accountability institutions such as NAB and FIA must themselves be transparent and answerable.
NCPS findings also reflected a demand for cleaner electoral finance, with over 80% of citizens supporting regulation or a complete ban on business funding of political parties.
Health sector and whistleblower reforms
The survey highlights public demand for stronger health oversight, including regulation of pharma commissions, clearer rules for private medical practice, and better complaint mechanisms.
Meanwhile, 42% respondents said they would report corruption if provided strong whistleblower protections, signalling willingness for public participation in anti-corruption reporting systems.
What the report signals
In summary, the NCPS 2025 points toward:
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improved public service interactions
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greater economic confidence
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rising expectations of institutional reform
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continued concerns in policing, procurement, and justice sectors
Transparency International Pakistan emphasised that these findings reflect public mood—not confirmed corruption rates.
