Pakistan has introduced a comprehensive 15-point action plan aimed at addressing corruption vulnerabilities and improving governance across federal institutions ahead of the upcoming International Monetary Fund review mission. The plan, prepared in response to the Governance and Diagnostic Assessment Report, prioritizes high-risk agencies with macro-critical exposures and establishes systematic frameworks for institutional reform.
The 240-page document outlines detailed evaluation criteria for federal agencies, including court performance and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. It emphasizes the development of analytic and predictive capacities for active case management, intending to streamline judicial processes and reduce the backlog of economic and commercial disputes. In the first year, authorities will focus on creating a methodology to assess court and tribunal performance, followed by publishing a comprehensive performance report in the second year covering Administrative Tribunals and Special Courts.
A major component of the plan involves legislative review and amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Authority Act, 2010. The AML/CFT Authority will form a Joint Working Group to identify ambiguities, particularly regarding the requirement for predicate offense convictions in money laundering prosecutions. Amendments to the AMLA are scheduled for parliamentary submission and implementation by June 2027, aiming to modernize the legal framework for financial crimes.
The National Accountability Bureau will lead a national corruption risk assessment in coordination with other regulatory bodies, including the Federal Investigation Agency and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. The assessment will pinpoint vulnerabilities within federal agencies, especially those with macro-critical roles, and guide targeted interventions to strengthen institutional integrity.
Oversight of this initiative will be conducted by the National Anti-Corruption Task Force under the AML/CFT Authority. The task force will establish a centralized Corruption Risk Assessment Framework, which will define the top ten high-risk agencies and outline a detailed action plan for risk reduction. The plan includes systemic measures and agency-specific actions, supported by clearly defined Key Performance Indicators and assigned responsibilities for each ministry and federal institution.
In addition, the Financial Monitoring Unit will issue updated corruption-specific reporting guidelines to improve the quality of Suspicious Transaction Reports related to corrupt practices. The Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority will also be integrated into the reporting framework, enhancing oversight and compliance in the emerging digital asset sector.
These initiatives reflect Pakistan’s broader commitment to combating corruption and strengthening governance in line with IMF expectations. By establishing a structured framework for identifying high-risk agencies, improving legal instruments, and implementing rigorous reporting standards, the government aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and institutional resilience.
The 15-point action plan positions Pakistan to systematically address corruption risks, promote judicial efficiency, and implement legislative reforms, creating a more robust governance framework to support sustainable economic development. It underscores the country’s resolve to align with international best practices in anti-corruption measures and meet global standards of institutional accountability.
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