Police, procurement seen as most corrupt in Pakistan: Transparency Survey

(New Desk) – An annual survey by Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) has found that the police are perceived as the most corrupt sector in Pakistan, followed by the tender and procurement system and the judiciary.

According to TIP’s National Corruption Perception Survey 2025, 24 percent of the 4,000 respondents from all four provinces ranked the police as the most corrupt institution. The perception was highest in Punjab at 34 percent, followed by Balochistan, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Despite this, the survey noted a slight improvement in public perception of the police compared to previous years.

The tender and procurement sector was ranked second, with 16 percent of respondents calling it corrupt. Balochistan recorded the highest perception in this category, while Punjab reported the lowest. The judiciary ranked third, with 14 percent of respondents considering it corrupt, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The survey also revealed that 66 percent of citizens said they did not have to pay a bribe to access public services in 2025. However, dissatisfaction with government efforts to curb corruption remains high, as 77 percent of respondents expressed low confidence in anti-corruption measures.

Sindh recorded the highest number of bribery encounters, followed by Punjab, while most respondents believed provincial governments were more corrupt than local governments.

Transparency International pointed out that lack of accountability, transparency, weak access to information, and delays in deciding corruption cases are major reasons behind corruption. A large majority of respondents demanded accountability of institutions such as NAB and FIA, citing misuse of power and lack of independent oversight.

The survey also highlighted corruption in the health sector, where people believe unethical practices have a serious impact on daily life. Hospitals, doctors and pharmaceutical companies were identified as major problem areas, with respondents calling for stricter regulations, limits on private practice, and stronger oversight.

In addition, many respondents supported greater transparency for charities and tax-exempt institutions, including public disclosure of donors and donation amounts.

Overall, the survey shows that while some improvement is visible, Pakistanis remain largely dissatisfied with anti-corruption efforts and demand stronger accountability, transparency and protection for whistleblowers.