A transparency survey conducted by Ipsos and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) revealed a significant trust deficit between the public and government institutions in Pakistan. The Index of Transparency and Accountability in Pakistan (iTAP) was launched in Islamabad, indicating a discrepancy between public perception and actual experiences with government departments. The survey aimed to assess people’s trust in government and institutions based on fieldwork conducted from December 2025 to January 2026.
The survey, which included interviews with over 6,000 respondents in 82 urban and rural districts and more than 195 tehsils, highlighted that 68% of participants believed bribery was prevalent in government institutions. Additionally, 27% reported personal experiences of being solicited for bribes. Ipsos Pakistan Managing Director Abdul Sattar Babar noted that while corruption levels remain high, the perception of corruption outweighs reported personal encounters, emphasizing a significant gap between the two.
Findings from the survey indicated that 53% of respondents had interacted with healthcare institutions and government hospitals in the past year. The survey covered various aspects, including awareness and interactions with government offices, public perceptions of malpractices like bribery and nepotism, and satisfaction levels with anti-corruption measures. Notably, the survey identified bribery, nepotism, and illicit enrichment as the primary forms of corruption associated with public institutions.
Respondents identified the FBR’s Customs department, deputy and assistant commissioners’ offices, the police, FBR’s Inland Revenue, and the courts as the top five most corrupt institutions. The survey highlighted concerns regarding corruption in government offices, with a majority of respondents expressing beliefs about the prevalence of malpractices and illicit wealth accumulation among officials.
