The 2024 Rule of Law Index released by the World Justice Project reveals a modest improvement in Pakistan’s legal environment compared to 2023.
Despite these gains, Pakistan faces significant challenges in key areas, including civil and criminal justice, fundamental rights, governance, corruption, regulatory enforcement, and maintaining order and security.
This year’s index places Pakistan at 129th out of 142 countries globally, slightly improved from its 130th position last year. The data reflect minor progress in the nation’s legal framework, which saw initial improvements from 2015 to 2018, followed by a decline from 2019 to 2023. The year 2024 marks a slight recovery after five years of deteriorating performance.
The Rule of Law Index evaluates nations based on several critical factors: constraints on government powers, absence of corruption, transparency in governance, the protection of fundamental rights, order and security, enforcement of regulations, civil justice, and criminal justice.
In criminal justice, Pakistan ranks 98th globally, placing it fourth among six countries in its regional grouping. Its global standing in civil justice delivery is 128th, again ranking fourth regionally. For regulatory enforcement, Pakistan is 127th worldwide and fifth within its region.
Significantly, Pakistan ranks as the third worst globally regarding order and security, occupying the 140th position out of 142 countries. It holds the last place for security in its region, ranking sixth out of six countries. Pakistan occupies the 125th position globally and ranks fourth in its region in fundamental rights.
In terms of open government, Pakistan ranks 106th globally and fourth regionally. Regarding the absence of corruption, the country ranks 124th out of 142 nations, making it fifth among its regional peers. Lastly, regarding checks on government powers, Pakistan ranks 103rd globally, again ranking fourth in its region.
This comprehensive assessment underscores ongoing challenges and the critical need for systemic reforms to enhance the rule of law in Pakistan.
