Amnesty International Pakistan on Friday released its National Corruption Impact Assessment Report, which included some shocking findings on the widespread corruption in the nation's many sectors.
According to the report, the police department emerged as the most corrupt, experiencing a five percent increase compared to the previous year. Notably, the Sindh Police played a pivotal role in this rise, with the Judiciary Department ranking third in corruption.
Amnesty International Pakistan conducted a survey in which 2,023 participants expressed their views on corruption within various departments. The results indicate that the police department is perceived as the most corrupt, with a 30 percent corruption rate. Tendering and contracting follows with 16 percent, and the Judiciary Department ranks third with 13 percent.
The report highlighted the alarming corruption levels within specific police forces. Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police were deemed the most corrupt at 37 percent, while Punjab police stood at 25 percent. Meanwhile, Balochistan, although not leading in police corruption, reported a significant 20 percent corruption rate, with tendering and contracting at 31 percent ranking as the most corrupt institution in the province.
While a marginal decrease in corruption was noted in the education sector, there was a two percent rise in the health department. Disappointingly, a majority (67%) expressed disillusionment with anti-corruption institutions like NAB and FIA, perceiving them as tools for political vendettas.
The report's findings outlined sector-specific changes in corruption levels, indicating increases in police, health, and local government corruption. However, there were reductions in corruption within the judiciary, tendering, customs, and excise income tax departments.
Regarding the causes of corruption, 40 percent attributed it to the absence of merit in institutions, while 55 percent advocated for transparent disclosure of public officials’ assets and income sources. Furthermore, the report highlighted a concerning belief held by 47 percent: without accountability, stability becomes unattainable, potentially perpetuating a cycle of negative impressions and societal unease.
Alarmingly, 62 percent of respondents connected corruption to increased environmental risks in Pakistan, underscoring the far-reaching implications of this pervasive issue.
