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Imran Khan ‘loses 85pc vision’ in right eye

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Imran Khan ‘loses 85pc vision’ in right eye

ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (ABC): The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the formation of a medical board to examine former prime minister Imran Khan after he reported losing most of the vision in his right eye while in Adiala Jail.

The court also directed jail authorities to allow him to speak to his children. Both steps must be completed before February 16.

A two-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi and comprising Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan heard the case related to Khan’s prison conditions.

The chief justice said Khan’s health was the court’s top priority and required immediate attention. He asked the government to explain what medical care the prisoner was receiving.

Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan told the court that the state would ensure proper treatment. He said the government would take further measures if the prisoner remained unsatisfied.

Vision dropped to 15 per cent

Advocate Salman Safdar met Khan earlier this week after the court appointed him as amicus curiae. He later submitted a seven-page report.

According to the report, Khan told him that he had normal 6×6 vision in both eyes until October 2025. After that, he began to experience blurred and hazy sight.

He said he informed jail officials several times, but they did not arrange specialist care.

Khan told Safdar that he suddenly lost vision in his right eye. Doctors later diagnosed a blood clot. Despite treatment, only 15 per cent vision remains.

Safdar wrote that Khan appeared distressed during the meeting. His eyes watered constantly, and he repeatedly wiped them with tissues.

Pims doctors confirm diagnosis

Doctors from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences examined Khan at the jail.

A medical report signed by Executive Director Professor Dr Rana Imran Sikander stated that specialists carried out a full eye assessment. The tests included fundoscopy, pressure checks and optical coherence tomography.

Doctors diagnosed right central retinal vein occlusion. They advised hospital-based treatment.

The report said doctors brought Khan to Pims on January 24 and administered an anti-VEGF intravitreal injection. The procedure took about 20 minutes and finished without complications.

Access to doctors questioned

Khan also raised concerns about medical access.

He said authorities did not conduct regular blood tests. He added that jail officials did not allow visits from his personal physicians, Dr Faisal Sultan and Dr Asim Yusuf, despite repeated requests.

He further said no dentist examined him over the past two years.

Safdar noted these complaints in his submission and asked the court to ensure better medical oversight.

Calls with children allowed

The court also addressed Khan’s contact with family.

The chief justice said phone calls with his children were important. The bench ordered authorities to facilitate the calls before the next hearing.

However, the court said the Islamabad High Court would decide broader matters related to family meetings.

The Supreme Court directed the jail administration to comply with both orders and submit reports at the next date of hearing.

Coffee, porridge and fruit: Imran Khan details jail meal plan

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Coffee, porridge and fruit: Imran Khan details jail meal plan

ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (ABC): Former prime minister Imran Khan has outlined his daily routine and weekly meal plan at Adiala Jail, describing a structured schedule that includes prayer, exercise and a self-financed food arrangement.

Details of his routine were included in a report submitted to the Supreme Court by Advocate Salman Safdar, who met the PTI founder after being appointed amicus curiae in a case concerning his prison conditions.

Structured day inside Adiala Jail

According to the report, Imran begins his day with breakfast at around 9:45am. His morning meal consists of a cup of coffee, porridge and a few dates.

At approximately 11:30am, he recites the Holy Quran for about an hour. He then undertakes physical exercise using the limited equipment available in his compound, including an exercise bike, two 9-kilogram weights and a bar.

After showering at around 1:15pm, he is permitted access to a strolling shed within the secured compound, where he may sit or walk. Lunch is served between 3:30pm and 4:00pm, followed by a brief walk at around 5:00pm.

From approximately 5:30pm until 10:00am the following morning, he remains confined to his cell, according to the report.

Self-financed weekly meal plan

The report states that Imran selects his weekly meal plan and that it is financed by his family.

For lunch, which he described as his main meal of the day, the plan includes two days of chicken, two days of meat, two days of lentils and occasionally chaat or snacks. Bottled drinking water is made available to him.

He told Safdar that he does not take a full dinner. Instead, he consumes fruit, milk and dates in the evening.

Health concerns raised alongside routine

While outlining his routine, the former premier also raised health-related concerns. He stated that regular blood tests were not conducted and that he had not received dental consultation despite repeated requests over the past two years.

He further claimed that his access to personal physicians had been restricted during the period when his eye condition deteriorated.

The Supreme Court has since ordered the formation of a medical team to examine his eye and directed that he be allowed to speak to his children before February 16, as proceedings regarding his prison conditions continue.

Fresh cane cultivation begins as Punjab mills crush 70% of crop

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Fresh cane cultivation begins as Punjab mills crush 70% of crop

LAHORE, Feb 12 (APP): Farmers across Punjab have started sowing the spring sugarcane crop after more than 70 percent of the current sugarcane harvest was crushed by 41 sugar mills operating in the province. Growers are planting within the recommended February–March window to ensure better yields and timely harvesting.

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, Director of Sugarcane Research Institute (SRI) Faisalabad Dr Kashif Munir said spring sowing accounts for nearly 70 percent of total sugarcane cultivation in Punjab. In contrast, September cultivation contributes only 10 to 15 percent, while farmers obtain the remaining output through ratoon crops.

He explained that ratoon sugarcane grows again from underground stubble left after harvesting the previous crop. This method saves time and cost but usually gives lower yields than fresh planting.

Dr Munir said the recommended varieties for the current spring season include CPF-253, CP-77-400, HSF-240 and CPF-237. He added that newly approved varieties — FDP-254, S2016 and S-284 — are also available this year. According to him, the prevailing weather conditions favour spring cultivation and support healthy crop growth.

However, farming representatives said sugar mills generally prefer September-sown cane because it matures in about 15 months and delivers higher sucrose recovery. The spring crop matures in around 10 months.

“Sugar mills obtain higher sucrose recovery from September-grown sugarcane, but farmers face losses because autumn sowing forces them to give up up to three cropping cycles,” Ebadur Rehman Khan, Director of Farmers Associates Pakistan, told Wealth Pakistan.

Industry performance improves

Punjab’s sugar industry has shown strong performance during the current crushing season. According to Cane Commissioner Punjab Amjad Hafeez, mills have crushed 30.83 million tons of sugarcane so far and produced 2.93 million tons of sugar.

He said this marks a clear improvement over last year, when mills crushed 28.60 million tons of cane and produced 2.59 million tons of sugar during the same period. The average recovery rate also increased to 9.69 percent from 9.18 percent last year.

Stocks decline, supply rises

The cane commissioner noted that carry-forward sugar stocks dropped sharply to 0.11 million tons compared to 0.60 million tons a year earlier. As a result, total sugar availability in the province now stands at 3.04 million tons.

He added that mills have sold 1.20 million tons of sugar during the current season, leaving a closing balance of 1.83 million tons.

Prices and payments

Hafeez said the average price received by growers stands at Rs460 per 40 kg. The minimum price of Rs400 per 40 kg was recorded in Kot Addu and Sargodha, while the maximum price of Rs580 per 40 kg was observed in Mianwali.

With improved supply in the market, ex-mill sugar prices range between Rs142 and Rs146 per kilogram. Retail prices vary between Rs145 and Rs160 per kg. Data from the Punjab Bureau of Statistics show that sugar prices across the province range from Rs145 to Rs170 per kg.

Regarding payments, the cane commissioner said mills purchased sugarcane worth Rs342.53 billion during the 2025-26 crushing season. Out of this, they have already paid Rs317.46 billion. The outstanding amount stands at Rs25.08 billion, reflecting a payment clearance rate of 92.68 percent.

None under 18 can marry in Punjab now

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None under 18 can marry in Punjab now

LAHORE, Feb 11 (ABC): Punjab has fixed 18 years as the minimum legal age for marriage for both boys and girls and introduced strict penalties, including up to seven years imprisonment and fines reaching Rs1 million, under the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026.

The ordinance was promulgated by the Governor and published in an Extraordinary Issue of the Punjab Gazette. It has taken immediate effect across the province.

Under the law, a “child” means any person below 18 years of age. Consequently, any Nikah or marriage where either party is under 18 will be illegal.

Registrars barred from registering child marriages

Nikah registrars cannot register such unions. If they do, they may face simple imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of Rs100,000.

Officials said the step closes a key loophole that previously allowed underage marriages to be recorded.

Adults face rigorous imprisonment

The ordinance places direct liability on adults who marry minors.

Any person above 18 years who contracts marriage with a child may face rigorous imprisonment of up to three years. The sentence cannot be less than two years. The court may also impose a fine of up to Rs500,000.

Child marriage treated as abuse

The law also classifies cohabitation resulting from a child marriage as child abuse. This applies even if consent is claimed.

Those who induce, persuade, groom or coerce a child into such arrangements may face five to seven years imprisonment. In addition, the fine cannot be less than Rs1 million.

Trafficking to evade law criminalised

The government has also criminalised attempts to move children outside Punjab to bypass the restrictions.

Anyone who transports or compels a child to leave the province for marriage may be charged with child trafficking. The punishment may extend to seven years imprisonment along with a fine of up to Rs1 million.

Recruiters, transporters and facilitators may face up to three years jail and fines up to Rs500,000.

Guardians also accountable

Parents and guardians are not exempt.

If they promote, permit or fail to prevent a child marriage, they may receive two to three years rigorous imprisonment and a fine.

Old law repealed

The ordinance repeals the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929. According to the statement of objects and reasons, the new law aims to modernise child protection and remove gender-based discrimination by fixing 18 years as the minimum age for both sexes.

Officials said stricter punishments are meant to deter families, registrars and intermediaries and protect minors from early marriages.

Child marriage now a non-bailable offence

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Child marriage now a non-bailable offence

LAHORE, Feb 11: Punjab has made all child marriage-related offences non-bailable and non-compoundable and empowered courts to stop planned marriages through immediate injunctions, while directing that cases be decided within 90 days under the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026.

The enforcement provisions were notified through the Punjab Gazette alongside the new law.

Officials said the measures aim to prevent child marriages before they occur and ensure faster justice.

Sessions Courts given exclusive powers

Only Courts of Session will try offences under the ordinance. Other courts cannot take cognizance.

The government expects this step to speed up proceedings and ensure uniform decisions.

Courts can stop marriages in advance

The law allows courts to intervene proactively.

If information is received that a child marriage is being arranged, the court may issue an injunction to restrain the ceremony.

This enables authorities to block illegal marriages before they take place.

Protection for informants

The ordinance also protects whistleblowers.

If a person provides information and seeks anonymity, the court may conceal their identity. Officials said this will encourage reporting in sensitive family cases.

Penalty for disobeying court orders

Anyone who knowingly violates a court injunction may face up to one year imprisonment or a fine of Rs100,000, or both.

Stricter police powers

By declaring offences cognizable, police can register cases and’orders of warrant.

Because the offences are non-bailable and non-compoundable, suspects cannot easily secure bail or settle matters privately.

Legal experts say this marks a major shift toward tougher enforcement.

Fast-track trials within 90 days

The ordinance also introduces time-bound justice.

Courts must conclude trials within 90 days of taking cognizance. The aim is to avoid prolonged litigation and deliver swift relief to victims.

Century-old act replaced

The new framework replaces the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929. Officials said the updated law strengthens prevention, improves enforcement and aligns with modern child rights standards.

With injunction powers, stricter bail rules and fast-track trials, authorities hope to stop child marriages at the planning stage rather than after the damage is done.

Mix of running, cycling, swimming linked to longer life span

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Mix of running, cycling, swimming linked to longer life span

ISLAMABAD, Feb 11 (ABC): Regular participation in a variety of physical activities — including walking, cycling, running, strength training, and light outdoor work — may significantly reduce the risk of early death, according to new research reported by Medical News Today.

The study, published in BMJ Medicine, found that people who combined different forms of exercise had better survival outcomes than those who relied on a single type of workout. Researchers said exercise diversity, along with adequate overall activity, was linked to longer life expectancy.

Three decades of data analyzed

Scientists examined long-term data from more than 111,000 participants drawn from the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study.

Participants reported their physical activity habits for over 30 years. Activities included aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, cycling, tennis, rowing, and swimming, as well as yoga, stretching, weight training, gardening, and other moderate or vigorous outdoor tasks.

Researchers compared these habits with mortality records to assess the impact on longevity.

Higher activity linked to lower death risk

The findings showed that greater total physical activity lowered the risk of death from all causes. Most individual activities were associated with reduced mortality.

However, researchers noted that benefits plateaued after a certain level. Additional hours of exercise did not continue to lower the risk indefinitely.

“It’s common to see a limit of benefits for healthy lifestyle factors such as physical activity,” Yang Hu, ScD, research scientist at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the study’s corresponding author, told Medical News Today.

“No additional benefits may be gained beyond certain amounts of exercise,” he added.

Exercise variety provides extra protection

The study also identified an independent benefit from exercise variety.

Participants who engaged in the widest range of activities showed:

• 19% lower risk of death from all causes
• 13–14% lower risk of death from heart disease, cancer, respiratory disease, and other illnesses

Researchers said different forms of activity improve different body systems, including cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, balance, and flexibility. Combining these benefits may offer stronger protection against chronic disease.

“It means that although maintaining a high level of total physical activity is still most important, mixing different types of activities may be more helpful to prevent premature death,” Hu said.

Doctors welcome findings

Medical experts told Medical News Today the results support long-standing clinical advice that consistent and varied exercise improves health outcomes.

Zeeshan Khan, MD, chief of geriatrics at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, said the study adds evidence that variety matters.

“This study provides robust long-term data that adds a crucial new dimension to that advice: variety is just as important as volume,” he said.

Sports medicine specialist Bert Mandelbaum, MD, noted that combining endurance, strength, and balance exercises can improve overall physical resilience.

Further research planned

Researchers said future studies should focus more on older adults and identify the optimal mix of aerobic, strength, and flexibility training to develop clearer guidelines for longevity.

Medical News Today reported that experts consider physical activity one of the most modifiable lifestyle factors for preventing premature death.

Sleep problems may signal mental health risks

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Sleep problems may signal mental health risks

ISLAMABAD, Feb 11 (ABC): Poor sleep may be more than just a nightly inconvenience — it could be a key driver and early warning sign of mental health problems, according to experts featured in a recent Medical News Today podcast.

In an episode of Medical News Today’s “In Conversation” series titled “Is sleep the missing piece in mental health?”, sleep specialists explained that sleep and mental health share a complex two-way relationship. Insomnia and sleep deprivation not only worsen mood and anxiety but may also precede depression and other psychiatric conditions.

Consultant psychiatrist Dr. Lauren Waterman of North London NHS Foundation Trust, who specializes in insomnia, said sleep disturbances can significantly affect emotional regulation, thinking ability, and daily functioning.

“Sleep affects how we feel, think, and function, and is more interconnected with our mental health than people assume,” the podcast noted.

Insomnia and sleep deprivation not the same

Dr. Waterman stressed that insomnia and sleep deprivation are often confused but represent very different conditions.

Sleep deprivation occurs when external factors prevent sleep, such as noise, caregiving responsibilities, or environmental disruption. Long-term deprivation can increase risks of serious health outcomes, including heart disease and premature death.

Insomnia, however, stems from internal brain mechanisms that prevent sleep even when adequate time and opportunity exist.

“With insomnia, something inside your brain is stopping you from sleeping,” she explained. “The brain gradually adapts, meaning people may function on fewer hours, but still experience fatigue and poor quality of life.”

Why poor sleep worsens mood

Experts said lack of sleep disrupts emotional processing in the brain, making people more reactive, impatient, and vulnerable to low mood or anxiety.

Studies cited in the discussion show that sleep problems frequently accompany depression and anxiety disorders. In some cases, insomnia appears before other symptoms emerge, suggesting it may act as an early warning sign.

People with chronic insomnia often feel “tired but wired,” meaning they lack energy but do not feel sleepy enough to fall asleep easily.

This mismatch stems from overactive “wakefulness pathways” in the brain, which keep the mind alert even when the body feels exhausted.

Frequent waking is normal

Contrary to popular belief, waking multiple times at night is normal, Dr. Waterman said.

“Everyone wakes up about 10 to 15 times an hour,” she explained, describing this as an evolutionary safety mechanism. Most people simply fall back asleep so quickly that they do not remember it.

The problem, she added, is not waking — but worrying.

Anxiety about being awake can trigger racing thoughts that prevent returning to sleep, creating a cycle that sustains insomnia.

Sleep cycles matter

Deep sleep occurs mostly in the first few hours of the night, while lighter and dream sleep dominate later stages.

Because of this, some people with insomnia still obtain condensed periods of restorative sleep early in the night, which may explain why they function better than expected on fewer hours.

However, fragmented or irregular sleep patterns can still harm overall well-being.

Melatonin supplements may not work as expected

The episode also raised questions about the effectiveness of melatonin supplements, widely used to aid sleep.

Dr. Waterman warned that in countries where melatonin is sold as a dietary supplement rather than a regulated medication, products may contain inconsistent or negligible active ingredients.

Exposure to light can also deactivate melatonin tablets, particularly gummies stored in transparent bottles.

“As long as people believe something helps, placebo can sometimes work,” she noted, but cautioned consumers to be aware of quality issues.

Behavioural therapy recommended

Rather than relying on pills, specialists emphasized cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as the most effective long-term treatment.

Key strategies include:

• Using the bed only for sleep
• Avoiding prolonged time awake in bed
• Getting up at the same time daily
• Limiting naps
• Reducing light exposure before bedtime
• Leaving bed temporarily if unable to sleep

Regular wake-up times, experts said, are more important than fixed bedtimes because they help regulate the body’s internal clock.

When to seek help

Occasional poor sleep is normal during stress or illness. However, problems lasting more than three months may indicate chronic insomnia that requires professional care.

Dr. Waterman advised people whose sleep difficulties persist or worsen to consult healthcare providers or insomnia specialists.

Medical News Today hosts Yasemin Nicola Sakay and Maria Cohut concluded that understanding how sleep works can itself reduce anxiety and improve rest.

Experts say recognizing sleep as a foundation of mental health — rather than an afterthought — may help many people break the cycle of fatigue, low mood, and insomnia.

Only 15 countries score above 75 in CPI 2025

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Only 15 countries score above 75 in CPI 2025

ISLAMABAD, Feb 11 (ABC): Clean governance remains concentrated in a small group of economies, with only 15 countries scoring above 75 out of 100 on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025, while the majority of nations continue to face serious corruption challenges, according to Transparency International.

The report shows that although some countries maintain strong safeguards against corruption, most of the world still records weak public-sector integrity. More than two-thirds of the 182 assessed countries scored below 50, highlighting persistent governance gaps.

Transparency International states that this divide between high-performing and low-performing states reflects differences in institutional strength, judicial independence and public oversight.

High scorers share common features

Countries at the top of the ranking include Denmark, Finland, Singapore, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden. These nations consistently maintain strong legal systems, transparent public finance management and independent oversight institutions.

The report notes that governments with professional civil services, effective auditing mechanisms and open procurement systems tend to reduce opportunities for misuse of funds.

Digitalization of public services also plays a role. By limiting direct contact between officials and citizens, digital platforms can reduce discretion and lower bribery risks.

Mid- and low-tier countries struggle

In contrast, many countries in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and Latin America remain in the middle or lower ranges of the index.

Scores between 20 and 40 typically indicate widespread governance concerns, including weak enforcement of anti-corruption laws, politicized justice systems and limited transparency in public spending.

Several conflict-affected states scored below 25, reflecting fragile institutions and limited accountability.

Transparency International notes that in such contexts, corruption often becomes systemic and affects every level of government.

Justice systems key to progress

The CPI emphasizes that independent and well-resourced justice institutions are central to controlling corruption.

Where courts operate free from political or economic interference, prosecutors can pursue cases effectively and deter wrongdoing. Conversely, politicized or underfunded justice systems allow impunity to persist.

The report states that timely investigations, transparent court decisions and accessible legal processes help strengthen public trust.

Political finance and influence

Transparency International also links corruption risks with opaque political financing.

Countries that regulate campaign donations, disclose funding sources and enforce limits on spending tend to perform better. Where political money flows without oversight, private interests may exert undue influence over policies and public contracts.

The report stresses that citizens have the right to know who funds political parties and election campaigns.

Civic freedoms and accountability

The CPI highlights the importance of civil society and media freedom.

Journalists, community groups and watchdog organizations often detect early signs of corruption through investigative reporting and public monitoring. Their work helps hold authorities accountable.

Where governments restrict these freedoms, exposure becomes harder and corruption risks rise.

The report notes that countries with open civic space generally record higher CPI scores, while those with obstructed or closed civic environments perform poorly.

Economic costs

Transparency International states that corruption undermines economic growth and investor confidence.

Uncertain regulations, favoritism and opaque decisions increase business costs. As a result, companies may avoid investing in high-risk environments.

Poor governance also weakens service delivery. Funds intended for health, education and infrastructure may fail to reach citizens, reducing development outcomes.

Long-term solutions

The report calls for sustained institutional reforms. It recommends strengthening oversight bodies, improving budget transparency and enhancing international cooperation to combat cross-border corruption.

Transparency International states that national action, combined with multilateral efforts, can help protect public resources and rebuild trust.

The CPI 2025 findings show that clean governance remains achievable but requires consistent commitment to accountability, transparency and rule of law.

Global corruption average drops to 42 as 122 countries score below 50

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Global corruption average drops to 42 as 122 countries score below 50

ISLAMABAD, Feb 11 (ABC): The global fight against public-sector corruption weakened in 2025 as the worldwide average score on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) fell to 42 out of 100, marking the first decline in more than a decade, according to the latest report released by Transparency International.

The CPI evaluates perceived levels of corruption across 182 countries and territories, using a scale from zero, which indicates highly corrupt, to 100, which reflects very clean governance. The report shows that 122 countries scored below 50, demonstrating that most governments continue to struggle to control corruption effectively.

The findings highlight a broad deterioration in governance standards at a time when many countries face economic pressures, geopolitical tensions and rising public demands for accountability.

Few countries at the top

Only a small number of nations maintained high integrity scores. Denmark topped the ranking with 89 points, followed by Finland with 88 and Singapore with 84. Other countries that scored strongly included New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Germany.

In contrast, the lowest scores were recorded by conflict-affected and highly repressive states. Somalia and South Sudan each scored nine, placing them at the bottom of the index. Several other fragile states scored below 20.

Transparency International states that such low scores typically reflect weak institutions, limited oversight and systemic corruption across government systems.

Democracies show mixed performance

The report presents a clear gap between different political systems.

Full democracies recorded an average score of 71, while flawed democracies averaged 47. Non-democratic regimes performed worst, with an average of 32.

The CPI notes that countries with strong, independent institutions, free elections and open civic space generally manage corruption more effectively. However, the report also observes that several established democracies have recently recorded declining scores.

Countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Sweden all experienced downward pressure on their ratings. Transparency International links these changes to weakened checks and balances, gaps in anti-corruption enforcement and increasing political polarization.

The findings indicate that even high-income and democratic states remain vulnerable if institutional safeguards weaken.

Civic space linked with lower corruption

The report identifies civic freedoms as a key factor in reducing corruption risks.

Countries that protect freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly tend to perform better. Open civic space allows journalists, civil society organizations and whistleblowers to expose wrongdoing and demand accountability.

Transparency International notes that restrictions on non-governmental organizations, intimidation of watchdog groups and media censorship often coincide with higher corruption levels. Where independent scrutiny declines, corrupt practices become harder to detect.

The CPI also highlights risks faced by journalists. According to the report, more than 90% of journalists killed while investigating corruption since 2012 worked in countries scoring below 50, underscoring the dangers associated with exposing graft.

Services and inequality suffer

Transparency International states that corruption directly affects daily life by weakening public services.

Mismanagement or diversion of funds can reduce the quality of healthcare, education and infrastructure. Inflated contracts and poor oversight limit resources available for citizens.

The report further notes that corruption increases inequality. Unofficial payments, favoritism and abuse of authority often burden low-income groups more heavily, widening social gaps.

Weak financial management can also trigger fiscal stress. Hidden debt, illicit financial flows and misuse of public borrowing can reduce funds available for development and social protection.

Call for reforms

Transparency International urges governments to strengthen justice systems, improve oversight of public spending and protect civic space.

It also calls for greater transparency in political financing and stronger enforcement against large-scale corruption and cross-border money laundering.

The report states that sustained reforms, rather than short-term campaigns, offer the most effective path toward clean governance.

The CPI 2025 findings suggest that without stronger accountability and institutional integrity, corruption risks will continue to undermine public trust and economic stability worldwide.

Pakistan scores 28 on global corruption index in 2025

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Pakistan scores 28 on global corruption index in 2025

ISLAMABAD, Feb 11 (ABC): Pakistan scored 28 out of 100 on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025, remaining among countries with high perceived public-sector corruption, according to Transparency International.

The index ranks 182 countries and territories on a scale from zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). Pakistan’s score places it well below the global average of 42.

The report shows that corruption risks remain strong in many public institutions. It also highlights gaps in transparency, accountability and enforcement.

Global corruption on the rise

The CPI notes that the global average has fallen for the first time in more than a decade. More than two-thirds of countries scored below 50 this year.

Only a few nations scored above 80. These countries maintain strong oversight, independent courts and open civic space.

In contrast, most developing economies continue to struggle with weak controls and slow reforms.

Why Pakistan scores low

Transparency International links low scores to weak checks and balances. It also points to limited oversight of public spending and procurement.

The report says slow investigations and delayed court cases reduce accountability. Opaque political financing also raises concerns about influence and favoritism.

In addition, restricted civic space makes it harder to expose wrongdoing.

Impact on citizens

The report states that corruption directly affects daily life.

Poor oversight of funds can weaken healthcare, education and infrastructure services. As a result, many projects fail to deliver full benefits.

Corruption also increases inequality. Unofficial payments and favoritism often hurt low-income families the most.

The findings further show that corruption can discourage investors. Businesses prefer markets with clear rules and fair competition.

What improves scores

Countries with higher CPI scores follow clear governance practices. They protect independent courts and auditors. They also publish budgets and contracts.

Many of them digitise public services to reduce human discretion. Free media and civil society groups help detect abuse early.

These steps improve trust and reduce opportunities for misuse of funds.

Way forward

Transparency International urges governments to strengthen justice systems and improve oversight. It also calls for greater transparency in political funding and public finance.

For Pakistan, the report highlights the need for lasting institutional reforms. Stronger accountability can improve service delivery and boost investor confidence.

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