Pakistan has dropped two places in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International, ranking 135th out of 180 countries in 2024, compared to 133rd in 2023. The country's score also declined to 27 out of 100 from 29 in the previous year. This decline comes as Pakistan faces a significant need for $348 billion in climate financing by 2030, hindered by delays in implementing the Climate Change Act of 2017.

In a broader context, most countries experienced a decrease in their scores, with exceptions including Oman, China, Turkey, and Mongolia. Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) emphasized the importance of prioritizing anti-corruption efforts to combat authoritarianism and promote a peaceful, sustainable world. TIP chairman, Justice (retd) Zia Perwez, noted that Pakistan is one of the few countries resisting the regional trend.

Globally, corruption remains a pressing issue, with Denmark, Finland, and Singapore leading the rankings. However, a record 47 countries received their lowest-ever CPI scores, including nations such as Austria, Bangladesh, Brazil, and the United States. In contrast, countries like Côte d'Ivoire, the Dominican Republic, and Moldova have shown improvement over the past five years.

South Sudan, Somalia, and Venezuela are the most corrupt countries, according to the CPI. Countries grappling with severe climate crises, such as Somalia, also tend to have low CPI scores, with poor climate conditions exacerbating conflicts and agricultural challenges. Additionally, countries like South Africa, Vietnam, and Indonesia struggle with corruption due to weak oversight in the energy sector.

The ongoing challenges underscore the need for robust anti-corruption measures and effective governance to ensure transparency and accountability worldwide.
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