Concept of Corruption in Pakistan: Anecdotal Evidence From Pakistan Citizen Portal (PCP)

Abstract

Corruption is a multidimensional phenomenon that is defined differently across contexts. In this study, we conceptualize Corruption in Pakistan by providing contextual evidence from Pakistan Citizen Portal (PCP). PCP, on one hand, has deposited huge perceptions of the citizens regarding corruption or structural issues of the country while, on the other hand, as an e-governance tool, PCP highlights how e-governance can reduce corruption. Using institutional theory and principal agent theory as theoretical foundations, this research investigates the main causes of governance failures in Pakistan, with a particular focus on how it has affected the economic and social systems and what is the way forward in terms of e-governance. This conceptualization is based on PCP data on complaints, resolutions of the complaints, and the resulting feedback for the years 2022 and 2023. We find that corruption, bureaucratic resistance, infrastructure weaknesses, and reliable data are challenges to good governance in Pakistan. The study shows that e-governance platforms like PCP contribute to greater transparency and accountability in government operations, which has the potential to improve Pakistan’s performance on corruption indices Alternatively, e-governance through the PCP platform can help combat corruption and can create a more transparent accountable and efficient governance system in Pakistan.