ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has released a nationwide survey on transparency and accountability, revealing that a majority of respondents reported no personal experience or direct observation of corruption in Pakistan.
The survey, conducted in collaboration with research firm IPSOS, aims to establish a Transparency and Accountability Index for the country. Findings show a clear gap between public perception and personal experience of corruption.
According to the report, 68% of respondents believe bribery is common in government institutions; however, only 27% said they had personally faced a situation where a bribe was demanded. Similarly, 56% perceive nepotism to be widespread, while just 24% reported personal experience of merit being violated due to favoritism.
On illicit wealth accumulation, 59% of respondents felt that such practices exist among public officials, yet only 5% said they had personally witnessed a government employee amassing wealth illegally. Overall, the survey found that 67% of respondents had not experienced any form of corruption, 73% had never paid a bribe, and 76% had no encounter with nepotism.
The nationwide survey was conducted with 6,018 respondents. Results showed that Islamabad ranked highest on the transparency index, with Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also performing notably well. Among anti-corruption bodies, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was perceived as the most effective.
The report noted improved public awareness of accountability mechanisms, including familiarity with the FIA, federal and provincial ombudsmen, and the NCCIA. Citizens reported the most interaction with the police, followed by government hospitals, WAPDA, and educational institutions.
Merit-based recruitment in public institutions was identified as the most positive reform. In terms of transparent public service delivery, government hospitals ranked highest, followed by NADRA, educational institutions, and traffic police. NADRA also received the top rating for service quality.
Regarding government anti-corruption efforts, 31% of respondents expressed satisfaction, 37% remained neutral, and 32% were dissatisfied. Awareness levels, however, remain limited, with only 11% aware of the Right to Information (RTI) law, 34% knowing how to report corruption, and 15% familiar with whistleblower protection laws. Only 8% reported any interaction with an anti-corruption agency.
Perception-wise, traffic police, hospitals, FBR, and educational institutions were viewed more positively. The survey also found that younger respondents had more positive experiences than older ones, while women and urban residents showed relatively higher trust in the system. Urban perceptions of corruption were more favorable than those in rural areas.
Commenting on the findings, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the government had taken robust measures to curb corruption, adding that negative propaganda for political gain undermines national confidence and harms the country’s image.