-
-
Transparency International (TI) Pakistan has released a new governance report recommending major reforms to improve transparency, accountability, and rule of law in Pakistan, which it says are vital for sustainable economic growth.
The Civil Society Governance Diagnostic Assessment outlines 53 key reform benchmarks targeting fiscal governance, financial regulation, and institutional integrity.
It warns that weak governance, corruption, and poor policy enforcement are major causes behind Pakistan’s economic instability.
The report is linked to the ongoing IMF-supported $7 billion reform program, urging that economic reform efforts must be matched by governance improvements.
TI Pakistan calls for Parliament to have a stronger role in budget approvals and for the removal of unfair tax exemptions—especially in agriculture, real estate, and imports.
The report emphasizes digitization of tax systems, revenue tracking, public procurement, and audit procedures. It also proposes stronger roles for Public Accounts Committees to ensure the responsible use of public funds.
It recommends that Pakistan formalize the undocumented economy by digitizing business registrations and promoting electronic payments. The State Bank has been advised to expand incentives for digital transactions.
On anti-corruption, TI Pakistan calls for preventive measures over punitive action, supporting whistleblower protection, improved Right to Information laws, and non-partisan oversight of accountability bodies.
The report urges constitutional reforms to strengthen local governments, suggesting a dedicated chapter defining their powers and functions. It also highlights Pakistan’s climate vulnerability, estimating a $4 billion annual loss, and calls for 1% of GDP to be dedicated to climate resilience.
Experts like Kashif Ali, Justice (R) Zia Perwez, and Dr. Kaiser Bengali stressed the urgent need for reforms grounded in empirical data, political awareness, and institutional strength. They warned that without transparent governance, Pakistan risks losing investor confidence and service delivery.
