Tanveer congratulates FPCCI on Pakistan’s first transparency survey

iTAP index seeks to provide a home-grown benchmark for governance reforms

LAHORE:

S. M. Tanveer, an FPCCI leader and Patron-in-Chief of the United Business Group (UBG), has congratulated FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh on the launch of Pakistan’s first indigenous survey measuring governance standards, the Index of Transparency and Accountability in Pakistan (iTAP), developed in collaboration with Ipsos.

He also acknowledged the role of Mian Zahid Hussain, SI, Chairman of the FPCCI Policy Advisory Board, in advancing the initiative.

The iTAP project was conceived in May 2025 as a recurring, home-grown benchmark to assess transparency and accountability across Pakistan. According to FPCCI, the survey is designed to offer an objective measure of public trust in government and institutions. Fieldwork was conducted nationwide during December 2025 and January 2026 to ensure current and representative findings.

Commenting on the results, Tanveer said the survey establishes a credible baseline for governance reform, noting that despite generally negative public perceptions, a majority of reported interactions between citizens and public institutions were found to be free of corruption. He said the findings point to the need for stronger transparency mechanisms, improved public awareness, and clearer communication of institutional reforms to enhance governance standards, rebuild public trust, and support Pakistan’s investment climate.

Tanveer stressed that transparency and accountability are central to good governance, citizen satisfaction, and the creation of a business-friendly environment that attracts investment and supports sustainable economic development.

He also drew attention to what he described as a gap between public perception and lived experience, warning that unaddressed negative perceptions could undermine progress and distort realities. Bridging this gap, he said, should be a shared national priority.

Tanveer further praised public institutions that have gained citizen trust through improved service delivery, adding that regular tracking of iTAP over time could make it an effective monitoring and reform tool. He said consistent measurement can help reinforce accountability by highlighting areas where performance improves and where further action is required.