TIP holds workshop: ‘Growing need for companies to enhance disclosure on ethical corporate governance’

ISLAMABAD: Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Rights, Government of Pakistan organized a workshop titled “Enhancing Transparency in Corporate Reporting Through Strengthened Disclosure Practices and Human Rights Due Diligence.”

The event brought together senior representatives from 17 listed companies along with regulatory bodies such as Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and key government stakeholders.

Kashif Ali Executive Director TI Pakistan highlighted that there is a growing need for companies to enhance disclosure on ethical corporate governance, including ESG metrics which are increasing requirement of local corporate governance frameworks as well as international best practices.

He shared that as per TI Pakistan’s latest assessment, Transparency in Corporate Reporting (TRAC), the lowest average score, 47.28 percent, was observed in anti-corruption programs, across 69 top listed companies of Pakistan, reflecting partial transparency. While domestic financial reporting achieved the highest score of 94.35 percent, indicating significant transparency.

Imran Inayat Butt, Executive Director, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan emphasized that the companies must include sustainability in their reporting. He highlighted that transparent and accountable markets are no longer a luxury, they are now a mandatory requirement. He also appreciated the Transparency in Corporate Reporting Assessment TRAC report published by TI Pakistan is an important source for promoting responsible governance.

The Deputy Director of the Ministry of Human Rights, Khaola Batool, participated virtually as a keynote speaker. In her session, she provided an overview of Pakistan’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (2021–2026) and its alignment with corporate governance. She elaborated on the growing significance of Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) in business operations and discussed the NAP-BHR’s benchmarks, enforcement mechanisms. She emphasized the need for businesses to integrate human rights considerations into their corporate reporting and governance frameworks.

The workshop facilitated constructive discussions on Pakistan’s evolving regulatory landscape and the importance of multi-stakeholder cooperation in promoting business integrity and human rights. Participants provided valuable recommendations to enhance corporate transparency and align business practices with national and international standards.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025