Pakistan's ranking in Transparency International corruption perception index (CPI) 2017 fell by one place to 117 from 116 in 2016 scoring 32 points out of 100 in the index. India ranked at 81 in 2017 losing two places in comparison to the year before when it ranked 79. Annual survey of Transparency International (TI) ranks 180 countries.
Transparency International further notes that improvements will only be made if there is strong political will for change and if a comprehensive strategy is adopted, and not one based on isolated actions.
The TI suggested that an effective strategy should include: (i) Putting laws and institutions in place that will prevent corruption from happening in the first place. Legal frameworks and access to information are essential components of a healthy political system where citizens can play a role in demanding accountability and preventing corruption. Whistleblower protection mechanisms and autonomous, well-resourced anti-corruption agencies are also a must in the Asia Pacific region; (ii) reducing impunity for the corrupt. Professional and independent justice systems are necessary where police and prosecutors can respond to technical criteria and not political power plays; (iii) improving space for civil society to speak out. Governments should ensure that activists can speak freely throughout the region without fear of retaliation; and (iv) and improving integrity and values. Schools and universities should educate youth about ethics and values. Corporations should promote business integrity in the private sector and make these ideals more mainstream. Transparency International noted that often when individuals dare to challenge the status quo, they suffer the consequences. In some countries across the region, journalists, activists, opposition leaders and even staff of law enforcement or watchdog agencies are threatened, and in the worst cases, even murdered.
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