The Impact of Corruption on Political Institutions and Democracy in South Asia: Case Study of Pakistan

This study examines how entrenched corruption undermines political institutions and democratic processes in South Asia, focusing on Pakistan. Corruption is identified as a global scourge that “undermines the institutions and values of democracy”. In South Asia, corruption scores remain below world averages (e.g. a 2013 survey found a regional CPI score of 30/100). Pakistan, in particular, has seen pervasive corruption; its CPI was only 29 in 2023, reflecting decades long trends. The problem statement highlights that systemic bribery and politicization have weakened accountability mechanisms, the rule of law, and public trust. The objectives are to analyze the impact of corruption on Pakistani institutions and democratic quality via qualitative case study methods. Key findings (supported by secondary data) indicate that corruption has deeply eroded institutional legitimacy, for example, 88% of citizens report that corruption is widespread, and many see anti‐corruption agencies as politicized tools. Such insights underscore the importance of institutional reform in Pakistan and broader South Asia. By integrating academic and policy sources, the study informs future anticorruption strategies, emphasizing the need for stronger oversight, transparency, and civic engagement in the region