The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has launched Pakistan’s first indigenous Transparency and Accountability Index, marking a significant step toward measuring public trust in state institutions through a locally developed framework. The initiative aims to provide an objective, data-driven benchmark to assess transparency standards across the country.
The Index of Transparency and Accountability in Pakistan was formally unveiled at a ceremony held at FPCCI Capital House in Islamabad. The project has been developed by FPCCI in collaboration with global research and analytics firm Ipsos, combining local insight with international research expertise.
According to FPCCI officials, the index is designed to capture public perception of transparency, governance practices, and institutional accountability. By relying on structured surveys and evidence-based analysis, the initiative seeks to move beyond anecdotal narratives and offer measurable indicators of trust.
Business leaders attending the launch emphasized that transparency and accountability are essential for economic stability and investor confidence. A credible index, they noted, can help identify institutional strengths while highlighting areas that require reform and policy attention.
FPCCI stated that the index is entirely homegrown, reflecting Pakistan’s unique social, political, and economic context. Unlike international rankings that may rely on external assessments, this survey focuses on domestic perceptions, making it more relevant for local stakeholders and policymakers.
The collaboration with Ipsos adds methodological rigor to the index. Ipsos is known for conducting large-scale public opinion research worldwide, and its involvement ensures that data collection and analysis meet global research standards while remaining locally grounded.
The index is expected to serve multiple purposes. For policymakers, it can act as a diagnostic tool to evaluate governance reforms and institutional performance. For the private sector, it offers insights into regulatory transparency and administrative efficiency that directly affect business operations.
FPCCI officials highlighted that building public trust is critical for long-term economic growth. Transparent institutions encourage compliance, reduce uncertainty, and create an environment conducive to investment and entrepreneurship.
The launch also reflects growing recognition within Pakistan’s business community that governance challenges cannot be addressed without reliable data. By establishing a consistent benchmark, the index allows year-on-year comparisons and trend analysis.
Experts believe the index could eventually influence policy debates and reform agendas. Regular publication of findings may encourage institutions to improve performance, knowing that public perception is being systematically measured and reported.
The initiative has been welcomed as a positive step toward strengthening accountability mechanisms. Analysts suggest that if maintained independently and updated regularly, the index could become a trusted reference point for researchers, media, and civil society.
FPCCI has indicated that future editions of the index may expand in scope, covering additional sectors and institutional dimensions. This would further enhance its value as a comprehensive governance assessment tool.
The launch of Pakistan’s first indigenous Transparency and Accountability Index signals a shift toward evidence-based dialogue on governance. By grounding discussions in data rather than assumptions, the initiative has the potential to contribute meaningfully to institutional reform and public confidence.