This COI Focus examines the extent of corruption and document fraud in Pakistan. Sources consulted show that corruption is present in all sectors of Pakistani society, including politics, the judiciary, the police, the army, government services, the private sector, education, and healthcare. Political institutions, government administrations, the police and the judiciary in Pakistan are characterised by corruption. This undermines the neutrality of, and confidence in, the civil service and public sector.
Although corruption is a criminal offence, various sources suggest that the relevant legislation is not being enforced effectively, which allows public officials to violate the law with impunity and engage in corrupt practices. For example, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is primarily used to accuse political opponents of the ruling parties of corruption and fraud.
The above findings call into question the evidential value of certificates and documents issued by the Pakistani authorities. Available information suggests that many public officials are susceptible to corruption and engage in document fraud. As a result, document fraud is widespread in Pakistan. As the impartiality of officials cannot be guaranteed, the authenticity of a certificate or document does not necessarily mean that the information it contains is accurate.
Policy
The security and human rights situation in Pakistan is problematic. Many citizens of Pakistan are being exposed to ethno-political or sectarian violence and the Pakistani authorities are often unable or unwilling to offer protection. The violence in Pakistan can be mainly attributed to terrorist organisations that are active in the country. These organisations primarily target members of the security services and the army, members of religious minorities and the police. In addition, Pakistan sometimes sees large-scale attacks aiming to cause a maximum number of casualties within a specific community. Religious minorities, primarily Shi’a Muslims, are generally targeted. However, such attacks are rather the exception than the rule. The security situation in the country is further influenced by flares of violence between extremist elements and government troops in the north-west of the country as well as by the nationalist uprising in Baluchistan.