The National Corruption Perception Survey 2025 offers a deep look into how Pakistanis view public institutions, services and governance systems. Corruption surveys often spark polarised debates. A careful reading of this year’s report, however, provides a number of insights that affirm progress, highlight institutional shifts and point to a clear roadmap for future reforms. The report helps explain how people feel and what they experience in their daily interactions with various state institutions.

One of the most important aspects of the NCPS 2025 is its changed methodology. For the first time, the sample size has been expanded to 4,000 respondents across 20 districts, with balanced representation from urban and rural populations and genders and inclusion of persons with disabilities. This has made the exercise more inclusive and reflective of social diversity. The broader reach means that public institutions now have access to a stronger, more nationally representative snapshot of public mood. It also strengthens the credibility of the survey, making it a valuable tool for policymakers and researchers seeking to understand the lived experiences of citizens across the country.

A critical clarification offered by the report is that the NCPS measures perceptions of corruption, not actual extent or prevalence of corrupt practices. There is no investigation of cases, validation of complaints or certification of institutional wrongdoing. Instead, it captures how people feel when they navigate public systems. This distinction matters because public sentiment, especially in times of economic stress and political turbulence, may be influenced by extraneous factors. Understanding that the NCPS reflects mood rather than verified wrongdoing helps avoid misinterpretations and unnecessary alarm. It positions the survey as a diagnostic tool rather than a legal determination.

A recurring misconception addressed by the report is the belief that the NCPS affects Pakistan’s ranking on the global Corruption Perceptions Index. It does not. The NCPS is produced domestically by Transparency International-Pakistan and. While the organisation is affiliated with Transparency International-Germany, the global CPI relies on international data sources, not national surveys. Therefore, the findings of the NCPS do not influence Pakistan’s CPI standing. This clarification is essential for media discussions and policy debate.

An encouraging insight from the NCPS 2025 is that a majority of respondents—66 percent—reported that they had not encountered a situation in the past 12 months in which they felt compelled to pay a bribe to access public services. This shows that contrary to popular belief, day-to-day corruption pressure is not universal. While certain sectors still face challenges, the finding suggests improvements in service delivery, procedural transparency and digitalisation efforts that have limited opportunities for petty corruption in several areas of public interaction.

The survey found that a significant portion of the population acknowledges the government’s economic stabilisation efforts. About six out of ten respondents agreed, fully or partially, that the authorities had managed to stabilise the economy through adherence to the IMF programme and by successfully exiting the FATF Grey List. This recognition indicates an understanding of the difficult policy choices required to restore macroeconomic discipline. It also signals increasing public acceptance of reforms aimed at improving international confidence and ensuring long-term fiscal stability.

Institutional perceptions also show meaningful improvement. The police, for instance, have registered a six percent positive shift in public perception—a notable development given the historical challenges associated with policing in Pakistan. This improvement reflects the impact of reforms focusing on better behaviour, enhanced service delivery and modernised processes. Similar positive trends are seen in Education Departments, land records and property offices, local government bodies and taxation authorities. These improvements suggest that reforms, technology-driven solutions and administrative restructuring are being felt by citizens.

The survey also delivers a strong message about the kind of governance model people want. The respondents expressed a desire for reduced discretionary powers, better accountability controls and stronger right to information laws. These preferences outline a public-driven blueprint for institutional reform. Instead of general dissatisfaction, the survey showcases a population actively articulating how state institutions should evolve. When people specify their expectations, it helps policymakers plan more targeted and publicly supported reforms.

A particularly noteworthy finding is the overwhelming demand for transparent and accountable oversight institutions. Seventy-eight percent of respondents want anti-corruption bodies such as the NAB and the FIA to be subject to clear accountability standards. Rather than calling for these institutions to be weakened, most citizens support efforts to reform and strengthen them. This shows a sophisticated public understanding that watchdog institutions must be impartial, transparent and effective if they are to play their role credibly and fairly.

The NCPS 2025 also highlighted actionable directions for improving governance in the health sector. Many respondents favoured stricter regulation of pharmaceutical commissions, clearer rules governing doctors’ private practices, stronger regulatory authorities and more accessible complaint systems. These preferences amount to a policy roadmap for health administrators seeking to minimise corruption risks and improve service delivery.

The survey revealed an unmistakable desire for cleaner politics. More than 80 percent of the respondents wanted business funding of political parties to be banned or tightly regulated to limit undue influence. 55 percent believed that political party/ leader names, images and symbols should not be used in government-funded advertisements. This demonstrates strong public support for depoliticizing state resources and fostering a transparent, level playing field in political competition. These sentiments align with global best practices in electoral integrity and public financial management.

One of the most significant findings related to public willingness to participate in accountability efforts. Forty-two percent of the respondents said they would feel safe reporting corruption if strong whistleblower protections were in place. This shows that citizens are not indifferent; they are ready to act when they feel secure. What they need are reliable, anonymous channels, legal protection and reward mechanisms. The implication is clear: strengthening whistleblower laws could dramatically increase citizen-led accountability.

The NCPS 2025 presents a nuanced and forward-looking picture of Pakistan’s governance environment. The survey highlights areas of progress, growing public awareness and clearer expectations for reform. The findings show increased trust in certain institutions, recognition of economic stabilisation measures and a strong appetite for transparent and accountable governance. Most importantly, the NCPS 2025 provides policymakers, civil society and public institutions with pointers to what citizens want—better oversight, cleaner politics, stronger protections and more responsive services.

The author works for The News. He can be contacted at [email protected].