Corruption and Human Rights in Pakistan: A Transparency Crisis
In Pakistan, corruption isn't just about money changing hands in backdoor deals — it’s a force that weakens justice, steals opportunity, and denies basic human rights to millions. While the country has seen various anti-corruption campaigns over the years, systemic corruption continues to obstruct progress on everything from education and health care to free speech and rule of law.
This blog explores how corruption and human rights are deeply intertwined in Pakistan — and why tackling one without the other is a recipe for failure.
The Hidden Cost of Corruption
When we think of corruption, we often picture bribes or embezzled funds. But in Pakistan, the impact runs deeper. Corruption erodes institutions that are meant to protect people's rights — like the police, courts, and public service agencies.
Take the judiciary, for instance. Countless reports describe how political pressure and bribery influence verdicts, delaying or denying justice, especially for the poor. If you can’t afford to pay, or don’t have connections, you’re often stuck in a system that works against you.
Law Enforcement: Power Without Accountability
Police corruption is another serious issue. Victims of crime often report that they must pay bribes just to file an FIR (First Information Report). Worse, allegations of extrajudicial killings and torture in custody continue — with very little accountability.
This undermines one of the most fundamental rights: the right to life and security.
Public Services: Rights Denied by Greed
Pakistan’s public sectors — especially health and education — are rife with corruption. Ghost schools that exist only on paper, fake medical supply contracts, and politically rigged hiring have long been part of the problem.
The result? Millions are denied their right to education and healthcare, especially in rural or underserved areas.
Silencing the Watchdogs
What happens when journalists try to expose these abuses? Many face threats, censorship, or worse. Pakistan has consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous countries for journalists. Whistleblowers also lack meaningful legal protection, making it incredibly risky to speak up.
Without freedom of expression and access to information, citizens are left in the dark — and corruption thrives in the shadows.
A System in Need of Reform
Pakistan has made some efforts on paper:
- It signed the UN Convention Against Corruption.
- It passed the Right to Information Act (2017).
- It created oversight bodies like the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
But critics argue that enforcement is weak, and in some cases, these institutions are used to target political opponents rather than promote real accountability.
The Way Forward
To protect human rights and end systemic corruption, Pakistan needs bold, structural reform. Here are five key steps:
1. Reform accountability institutions to be politically neutral and transparent.
2. Protect journalists and whistleblowers through enforceable legislation.
3. Invest in digital governance to cut down on petty bribery and increase transparency.
4. Strengthen independent human rights bodies with real oversight powers.
5. Educate citizens about their rights — and how to demand them.
Conclusion: Rights Can't Thrive Without Integrity
Corruption and human rights abuses feed each other. When institutions are corrupted, the powerful exploit the weak. When human rights are ignored, corruption goes unchallenged.
Transparency.org https://www.transparency.org Corruption Perceptions Index 2024
Appendices
Data from Transparency International CPI 2024: Pakistan scored 29/100, ranking 133/180.
Human Rights Watch Annual Report Excerpts
National and provincial legal instruments
For Pakistan to move forward, it must treat corruption not just as a political issue — but as a moral one that cuts to the heart of justice, dignity, and equality for all.
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