When Musharraf came to power, he claimed that the rampant corruption in the government bureaucracy would be cleaned up. Since then, Pakistan has taken long strides in eradicating corruption from the country.

Corruption in Pakistan is a big issue and thus has a very important position in any discussion. There are lot of vested interests that try to fudge corruption figures for Pakistan just to downplay the level of political corrupt periods. Still, some probing and intelligent analyses of independent sources like Transparency International reports and figures reveals a lot.

Cost of politics as well as contesting election in Pakistan is borne by candidates and when in power politician uses their office to do as much corruption and nepotism as possible to recover their election expenses, favour their relatives and political workers, and to become financially sound and stable. Many journalists and bureaucrats help politicians in their corruption as much as possible, getting their own cut from booties. Journalists keep their faces clean and bureaucrats help them do corruption in most clean and unclear ways. Both journalists and bureaucrats take their own cuts. Judiciary, police, and customs also help politicians in corruption, in process filling their own pockets too. Stories of politicians, journalists, and Bureaucrats getting rich from rags are common in Pakistan.

Corruption in Pakistan started in big way when Z A Bhutto nationalized Pakistan’s big industries and financial institutions. Political appointments without any merit became rule and those without any political connections became non entity. Abuse and plunder of financial institutions started, using financial institutions for political loans and favours with intention of getting the loan written off, that happens in almost all cases where politicians or people with political connections are involved, is common abuse in Pakistan.

The ground work for corruption that starting during the tenor of Z A Bhutto increased at good pace with time and became relatively wide spread during the tenor of Zia-ul-Haq. When Zia-ul-Haq died, his successors in power, BaiNazeer Bhutto and Nawaz Shareef took it to the height, Bai Nazeer scoring a shade above Nawaz Shareef in this respect. President Musharraf came to power and curbed a lot of corruption that shows in the perception index of corruption by Transparency International.

Transparency International published two types of corruption perception index. One perception index is tabulated from survey of people within the country and that is much closer to real corruption in the country as sufferer of corruption are mostly local people living in corrupt environment. Second perception index that Transparency International publishes is perception index tabulated from survey of non-nationals living outside the country. Most of the time second perception index is based on reputation of the country and could be far from reality. Obviously, perception of corruption amongst local population is most important as it is they who get most affected and thus are in much better position with better knowledge to evaluate a regime.

Normally, past regimes should score better in corruption perception index as people forget the past and since they get affected from present regimes, they perceive present regime more corrupt. Young people that get a say in perception index may not even know the past level of corruption and would vote against current regimes on hint of corruption. Pakistan corruption perception index surveyed using local population by Transparency International was remarkable and showed that corruption has plummeted in Pakistan under President Musharraf regime.

When asked that who do they (people selected at random by Transparency International from all walks of life) perceive to be most corrupt period of Pakistan amongst all past regimes, result is remarkable. The result of Transparency International survey taken from people belonging to different provinces of Pakistan (taken at Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Quetta, and Peshawar), for each past and present regime, is given on Transparency International site for Pakistan:

http://www.transparency.org.pk/media/NCPS/...tion%20NCPS.JPG

Comparison of corruption in Pakistan during six different Pakistan governments (that is government of Ayub Khan, Bhutto, Zia-ul-Haq, BaiNazeer, Nawaz and Musharraf) provided in the National Corruption Perception Survey 2002 (by Transparency) are given below. We have to realise that since President Musharraf decided to ditch Taliban in his fight against terrorism, huge protest was going on in Pakistan against President Musharraf during survey period, still such result seems a remarkable achievement for his government.

Out of 100 percent surveyed:

48.7 percent of the people considered that Benazir Bhutto period was the most corrupt.
43.03 percent of the people considered that Nawaz Shareef period was the most corrupt.

In contrast to those two above period
Only 3.17 percent of the people considered that Musharraf period is the most corrupt.

2.17 percent of the people considered Ayub period as the most corrupt.
1.53 percent of the people considered Zia-ul-Haq period as the most corrupt.
1.40 percent of the people considered Z A Bhutto period as the most corrupt.

[Note: One can tell only a little about past regimes from the survey, as their periods are far in the past, and most in survey might not have been personally exposed to corruption of those periods but must have given their vote on pure assumptions]

In 2006 there was another survey by transparency International on the subject given at transparency International site:

http://www.transparency.org.pk/documents/N...rvey%202006.pdf

Page 30:
Question: In Pakistan, which government was/is most corrupt? (This is for comparative corruption perception of NS and BB government both periods)

This question does not compare corruption of Nawaz and BaiNazeer government with President Musharraf government as it was done in 2002 when different government periods were compared with respect to each other. This question is asked to compare four periods of NS and BB government, with respect to each other. Separately, this same question was used to compare two period of President Musharraf government (pre election 2002 period and after election 2002 period).

Out of 100 percent, the result came out was:

Nawaz Shareef 96-99: 34 percent (3.4 times more corrupt than his first period of 90-93)
Bai-Nazeer 93-96: 48 percent (6 times more corrupt than her first period of 88 -90)
Nawaz Shareef 90-93 (first period): 10 percent
Bai-Nazeer 88 -90 (first period): 8 percent

Result shows that in their second period, both NS and BB government became more corrupt.

Regarding period under Musharraf government, result was that 67.31 percent perceived that Musharraf government is more corrupt today (2002-2006 or after election) than President Musharraf first period (1999-2002 or before election).

Question: What about the present government? (This is regarding President Musharraf first and second period)

President Musharraf 1999 – 2002: 32.69 percent
President Musharraf 2002 – 2006: 67.31 percent (twice more corrupt than his first period 99-02)

The result is remarkable. Because even when assemblies were working, corruption that became negligible after President Musharraf came to power, did not rise that much. When only 3 percent of the population perceived that Pakistan was more corrupt under President Musharraf (1999-2002) with respect to 91.73 percent that perceived that Pakistan under either BB or NS government were most corrupt, this low level of perception of corruption under President Musharraf government (3 percent) did not increased that much even when assemblies came into existence, considered to be full of past corrupt politicians. It shows that there is good check by President over politicians that would like to do corruption.

As for Transparency International worldwide (international) corruption perception, even though Pakistan position became much better than period during NS and BB government, still situation is that Pakistan comes very high in corruption index even now. The reason is obvious. This corruption perception comes from non-residents whose perception of corruption in a country is more to do with what they assume rather what could be reality on the ground, as they do not get effected by corruption in country they do not live as much as those that are living in the country (local residence). Thus, once bad perception is created amongst foreign residence, it can take long time to get that perception changed even when there is big change on the ground.

Pakistan position in International corruption perception ranking (very different from national corruption perception) for different years as most corrupt in rank or placed least corrupt out of; is as under:

1995: Pakistan was 3rd most corrupt country (placed 52 out of 54 countries)
1996: Pakistan was 2nd most corrupt country (placed 53 out of 54 countries)
1997: Pakistan was 5th most corrupt country (placed 48 out of 52 countries)
1998: Pakistan was 14th most corrupt country (placed 72 out of 85 countries)
1999: Pakistan was 12th most corrupt country (placed 88 out of 99 countries)
2000 Pakistan name was not there in TI corruption ranking
2001: Pakistan was 13th most corrupt country (placed 79 out of 91 countries)
2002: Pakistan was 26th most corrupt country (77 out of 102 countries)
2003: Pakistan was 42nd most corrupt country (92 out of 133 countries)
2004: Pakistan was 15th most corrupt country (placed 131 out of 145 countries)
2005: Pakistan was 16th most corrupt country (placed 144 out of 159 countries)
2006: Pakistan was 22nd most corrupt country (placed 142 out of 163 countries)

Reference for last 5 years figures (2002-2006):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corruption_Perception_Index

These figures mean nothing. We all know that corruption is a huge problem in Pakistan and the developing world in general. It can't be solved over night. Corruption is entrenched since the early history of Pakistan. Musharraf isn't a saint. Besides, he's stuck with the same corrupt folks that were ruling during BB and NS era. Mushy hasn't got a team of honest and patriotic people. A lot of sacrifices will have to be made. A lot of blood will have to be spilt in order to get rid of this plague. A bloody revolution is the only way I’m afraid. The bureaucracy, politicians and warlords are at the heart of this pandemic. This evil bunch won’t just give up their corrupt practices. Even the beggars have become corrupt in these countries for goodness sake…

The problem in pakistan is that there is corruption at the very highest levels (top politicians govt. officials) or at the lowest level (policemen). The buttom can change through better pay incentives and throught education while the top can also be change through a strong judiciary and eduction.

Once again the only cure for corruption and for the problem facing pakistan at large is Education.

Transparency and check and balance is what's needed. Educaton can solve a lot of problems and maybe some elements of corruption, but not entirely I think. Good or proper education in a country like Pakistan is only for the fortunate elites. The whole educational system needs to be reviewed also.

One thing is for sure and that is, economically Pakistan would never develop if there would be corruption in the country. I would appreciate if government brings capital punishment law for those involved in corruption and get caught with concrete proofs.

To me, a country can live with all sorts of moral corruption and religious disbeliefs but nepotism and financial corruptions like bribery, commissions on government contracts, and misusing national wealth by those in positions destroys a country and causes miseries to many, especially poor and vulnerable in the country.

Corruption spreads poverty in the country for most. Poverty is such an evil curse for average humans that many would not even hesitate to do shirk due to poverty. In Islam, if someone reaches a situation of starvation than to save life even haram foods becomes halal. So, those who are guilty of corruption and thus spreading poverty should have no right to live. If anyone thinks that government jobs are ill paid and thus it becomes necessary to do corruption to survive then I think these people should leave the job and find some other jobs for survival, but they should not be spared if they do corruption.

If a political person gets involved in corruption while in power then that person does not deserve to stay in power and does not deserve another chance to come into power. To me, a political person in power loses their mandate if they get involved in corruption and deserve kick by anyone who can kick them, be that anyone be from military, police, intelligence, or judiciary.

Some explanation of corruption figures surveyed and tabulated by Transparency International and spreading of misinformation by fudging these figures and quoting it out of context by misinformed and corrupts using different media:

Corruption is such hot topic in Pakistan that spreading misinformation regarding figures is done openly, even by some reputable journalists and eminent newspaper editorials, either due to lack of knowledge of statistical figures, corruption within newspapers, or pressures from corrupt parties.

Once reality is understood, many people would be surprised how some well known eminent journalists (and well known eminent Newspapers) have spread misinformation: For example, I have included an editorial from Daily Times, that is also guilty of spreading misinformation.

Though this is not unusual with any particular newspaper, as most in Pakistan are guilty of that, here is typical example of ‘Daily Times’ editorial.

http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=...25-9-2006_pg3_1

Now, this newspaper editorial is spreading misinformation of figures collected by Transparency International. Just see the explanation I am clearing and then read the editorial and it would be obvious. For instance a survey was made about corruption during different regimes in Pakistan. 3000 votes were taken. Result was that out of 3000 votes, the figures were:

1461 (or 48.70 percent) voted that Bai-Nazeer Bhutto period was the most corrupt.

1291 (or 43.03 percent) voted that Nawaz Shareef period was the most corrupt.

95 (or 3.17 percent) voted that Musharraf period is the most corrupt

65 (or 2.17 percent) voted that Nawaz Shareef period was the most corrupt.

46 (or 1.53 percent) voted that Nawaz Shareef period was the most corrupt.

42 (or 1.40 percent) voted that Nawaz Shareef period was the most corrupt.

Total = 1461 + 1291 + 95 + 65 + 46 + 42 = 3000 votes

Thus it was established that there was little difference between Bai-Nazeer Bhutto period and Nawaz Shareef period and altogether they secured 2752 out of 3000 votes, or 91.73 percent of the vote. On the other hand, Musharraf period was perceived to be most corrupt by only 95 out of 3000, or 3.17 percent.

Since three rulers governed the country during two periods each, Transparency did survey on corruption differences between their periods. Total population for the survey was 4000. As Bai-Nazeer and Nawaz Shareef periods were of similar nature (mega corrupt periods), Transparency did survey of 4 periods, that of NS and BB, as one. Whereas, since Musharraf periods were of negligible corrupt, they did survey using similar population size (3995 people), separately.

The perception votes were as under:

BB first period (1988-1990) was perceived most corrupt in relation to other periods in the group was by 320 out of 4000 people or 8 percent.

NS first period (1990-1993) was perceived most corrupt in relation to other periods in the group was by 400 out of 4000 people or 10 percent.

BB first period (1993-1996) was perceived most corrupt in relation to other periods in the group was by 1920 out of 4000 people or 48 percent.

NS first period (1996-1999) was perceived most corrupt in relation to other periods in the group was by 1360 out of 4000 people or 34 percent.

Total votes: 320 + 400 + 1920 + 1360 = 4000 votes

This showed that the most corrupt period amongst the 4 mega corrupt periods was of BB second period followed by NS second period. Second period of both mega corrupt governments was conceived as more corrupt then their first period.

One should note that total accountable vote is 100 percent (or 4000 votes) and is related to total votes of this survey, divided amongst four mega corrupt periods of these two mega corrupt rulers.


Now, since perception of Musharraf government was established earlier as very low corruption period, another survey was done using a population of 3995 people. This survey was nothing to do with comparing Musharraf government period with mega corrupt periods of BB and NS.

This survey showed that, 1306 out of 3995 (or 32.69 percent) considered that President Musharraf first period (99-02) was more corrupt with respect to his second period (02-06), whereas 2689 out of 3995 (or 67.31 percent) considered that his second period is more corrupt with respect to president Musharraf first period.

1306 + 2689 = 3995 votes

Now one can read the editorial of ‘Daily Times’ and can easily realise that either editor does not have ability to look at statistical figures and understand simple English (as Transparency report is in clear English with clear statistical figures), or was spreading disinformation.


Similarly, when dealing with Transparency International perception figures, these people spread misinformation in different way. To misguide, these journalists (and newspaper) publish and compare two figures with half information, making comparison preposterous. For instance, in earlier tabulation of Transparency International, they compared corrupt in 58 countries, that included most corrupts. Slowly they started including other countries that were not that much corrupt and figures of total countries gone up to 146. Obviously, that means country that was most corrupt had their number as 58th in earlier data of corruption free country whereas same country, being most corrupt would have their number as 146th in later data of corruption free country. Hence, important is to see how many countries are perceived as more corrupt then the country in the table.

To spread misinformation, these people say that Pakistan number was 76th amongst corruption free country five years ago but now they are 142nd (Without telling that this 76th was out of 102 countries and 142nd is out of 163 countries). Actually, these people would even try to make other believe by quoting the figure out of context that, when Pakistan was perceived internationally 52nd corrupt free country, it was better than today when Pakistan is conceived as 142nd corrupt free country, without mentioning that when it was 53rd, it was 2nd most corrupt country as that 53rd was out of 54 countries, where as this 142nd means 24th corrupt country as there are 163 countries.

anybody ever try to get an airline ticket during peak season with PIA?? know how thats done??

Sir ur implying that educated ppl dont do corruption,which is far from true.In Pakistan,corruption has become so rampant bcoz i personally think that ppl have lost faith in the system(1) and it PAYS to be corrupt than be honest.Thirdly,leading by example.Our leaders are corrupt and they still get away with it.

Babur is spot on, we need to strengthen our institutions and law enforcement to get rid of it.

education will better the people. maybe then they will stop believing conspiracies and be educated enough to try and make a difference/build society

To lower the corruption level, in my opinion, Education, Equality, law for everybody and then enforcement of Law.