The 180-country list of global Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2019 was released by Transparency International on Thursday. Pakistan has slipped three places to decline to 120.
On a scale of 0-100, Pakistan was given a paltry score of 32. It should be noted that this score is 11 points lower than the global average of 43. The report exposes several countries that are showing no improvement in fighting corruption. Over two-third of the 180 countries were given a score of less than 50 this year.
The list was topped by Denmark and New Zealand which scored 87 out of 100.
Meanwhile, India slipped two places and are placed at 80th position with a low score of 41.
“This year’s CPI shows corruption is more pervasive in countries where big money can flow freely into electoral campaigns and where governments listen only to the voices of wealthy or well-connected individuals,” the report read.
The report further added: “Despite the presence of high performers like New Zealand (87), Singapore (85), Australia (77), Hong Kong (76) and Japan (73), the Asia Pacific region hasn’t witnessed substantial progress in anti-corruption efforts or results. In addition, low performers like Afghanistan (16), North Korea (17) and Cambodia (20) continue to highlight serious challenges in the region.”