Pakistan improved its ranking in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025, moving from 135 out of 180 countries in 2024 to 136 out of 182 countries. Its CPI score also increased by one point, from 27 to 28, according to Transparency International's report released on Tuesday. Justice Zia Perwez, Chair of Transparency International Pakistan, said, "While Pakistan is undertaking commendable efforts in governance and institutional reforms, it is imperative that the recommendations of the IMF Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment are implemented effectively." This will help sustain Pakistan’s upward momentum in fighting corruption. The CPI 2025 by Berlin-based Transparency International shows global corruption is worsening, even in established democracies. The number of countries scoring over 80 dropped from 12 a decade ago to just five this year. The index ranks 182 countries based on perceived public-sector corruption by experts and business people. Francois Velerian, Chair of Transparency International, said, "Corruption is not inevitable. Our research and experience as a global movement fighting corruption show there is a clear blueprint for how to hold power to account for the common good." Denmark is the highest-ranked nation for the eighth time in a row, with a score of 89. Only 15 countries, mostly in Western Europe and Asia-Pacific, scored above 75. About 68 percent of countries scored below 50, indicating serious corruption issues worldwide. Countries at the bottom, scoring below 25, are often conflict-affected or repressive, like Somalia and South Sudan, which scored nine. The report highlights a worrying decline in many democracies’ anti-corruption performance, including the United States (64), United Kingdom (70), and Canada (75). It also warns about increased restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and assembly, which weaken the fight against corruption. Transparency International calls on governments to strengthen justice systems, ensure independent oversight, guarantee transparency in political funding, and protect civic space and media freedom. TI CEO Maira Martini said, "The world needs accountable leaders and independent institutions to protect the public interest more than ever – yet, too often, they are falling short." The report also mentions that some powerful countries influence corruption globally through interference and weakening anti-corruption laws. It stresses the importance of protecting justice systems from political or economic interference and supporting civil society groups and whistle-blowers. Since 2012, 829 journalists have been killed worldwide for their work, 150 while covering corruption, mostly in countries with low CPI scores like Pakistan, India, and Brazil. Transparency International urges better regulation of political finance and stronger national and international measures to detect and punish corruption. It concludes that overcoming deep corruption needs strong coalitions to rebuild democracy and the rule of law.