Peshawar High Court directs Transparency International for revised corruption survey

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has issued a directive to Transparency International (TI) to republish its annual National Corruption Perception Survey 2023 with the inclusion of previously excluded data and all public opinion ratios. This decision aims to eliminate any ambiguity for readers and ensure the accuracy of the report.

The ruling, delivered by the PHC chief justice following a reserved judgment on February 19, was prompted by the initial report's controversial claim that the judiciary ranked as the third most corrupt institution in Pakistan. The court has mandated that the revised report must present all public opinion ratios transparently and disclose the total number of rejected survey forms.

TI has been instructed to submit the updated report to the Registrar Office by April 24, emphasizing the importance of factual accuracy and clarity in the publication. The chief justice highlighted that TI should have taken the initiative to rectify any inaccuracies in the survey findings, underscoring the court's support for precise research that benefits institutions.

The court's decision underscores the significance of upholding accuracy and transparency in public reports, without imposing restrictions on freedom of expression. By encouraging meticulous research practices, the PHC aims to promote informed decision-making and accountability in combating corruption.