Corruption Plagues Public Sector in Pakistan: Survey Reveals Alarming Trends
A recent survey conducted by CIET/NRB across 10 districts, covering 76,704 people, has exposed the pervasive nature of corruption in Pakistan’s public sector. The study, which polled 10,472 households, paints a grim picture of a system riddled with graft and abuse.
Widespread Corruption Across Government Departments
The survey reveals that corruption is rampant in various government departments, including:
- Political institutions
- Development projects
- Procurement
- Bank loans write-offs
Respondents perceive that petty and middling corruption is widespread, affecting almost every arm of government, except for the Motorway Police.
Common Forms of Corruption
The study found that bribes are commonly paid or other forms of influence are used to obtain services, including:
- Traffic fines
- Connections
- Tax reductions
- Medical care
- Exam results
Alarming Findings
The findings are alarming, with:
- 65% of respondents reporting that they had to pay bribes to get electricity connections
- 44% facing corruption in the billing process
- 96% of respondents who paid taxes reporting facing corruption, mostly from court officials or judges
Concerns Across Sectors
The survey highlighted concerns about corruption in various sectors, including:
- Water
- Land revenue
- Irrigation
- Forestry
- Zakat
- Sources of credit
Lower-income rural groups are bearing the brunt of these issues.
Public Perception and Government Response
Despite high levels of acceptance and tolerance for corruption, Pakistanis are extremely concerned about the issue. A recent citizens’ survey on governance found that two-thirds of respondents were dissatisfied with the political system, while a sample of bureaucrats rated corruption as their top concern in 1998.
The government’s anti-corruption drive has shown some progress, with stakeholders noting a decline in mega corruption since 1999. However, petty and middling corruption remains prevalent, and concerns persist about the lack of effective measures to address the issue.
Recommendations
The survey underscores the need for sustained efforts to combat corruption, which is eroding public trust and undermining governance. As Pakistan continues to grapple with this crisis, it is essential that policymakers prioritize reforms aimed at promoting:
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Integrity in public institutions
Only through such reforms can Pakistan hope to overcome the scourge of corruption and build a more just and equitable society.