Pakistan Ranks 129 out of 142 in the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index.

2024 WJP Rule of Law Index Highlights Global Erosion of Rule of Law, Yet Some Progress in Pakistan.

For the seventh consecutive year, the rule of law has eroded in a majority of countries, according to the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2024. In the last year, the rule of law declined in 57% of countries surveyed. However, Pakistan stands out as one of the few nations to experience a slight increase in its WJP Rule of Law Index score this year, moving up to 129th out of 142 countries worldwide. Regionally, Pakistan ranks 5th out of 6 countries in South Asia.

Among South Asian nations, Nepal is the top performer, ranking 69th globally, followed by Sri Lanka and India. The bottom three in the region are Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, with Pakistan now at 140th globally. In terms of lower-middle-income countries, Pakistan ranks 30th out of 38.

Pakistan's Performance: 2023 vs. 2024

In 2024, Pakistan's overall score for the rule of law remained unchanged at 0.38, consistent with its score from 2023. However, its global ranking improved from 130th to 129th, indicating a slight upward trend in relative performance.

Regionally, Pakistan's position has remained stable at 5th out of 6 South Asian nations, reflecting ongoing challenges compared to its neighbors. Its income rank shifted slightly from 29th to 30th among lower-middle-income countries, signaling minor declines in governance.

Detailed Factor Scores

1. Constraints on Government Powers: Score decreased from 0.47 to 0.45, with a global rank drop from 95th to 103rd.
2. Absence of Corruption: Minor improvement from 0.31 to 0.32, with a global rank of 120th.
3. Open Government: Score remained at 0.41, ranking 106th globally.
4. Fundamental Rights: Score declined from 0.38 to 0.37, maintaining a global rank of 125th.
5. Order and Security: Increased from 0.33 to 0.37, ranking at the bottom at 140th globally.
6. Regulatory Enforcement: Stable at 0.38, with a global rank of 127th.
7. Civil Justice: Improved slightly from 0.38 to 0.39, moving to 128th.
8. Criminal Justice: Remained steady at 0.36, with a slight improvement to 98th.

This comparative analysis illustrates a landscape of stability in overall performance, with minor fluctuations in specific areas of governance. While there are signs of progress in combating corruption and improving civil justice, significant challenges persist, particularly regarding government constraints, fundamental rights, and security.

Global Context

The 2024 WJP Rule of Law Index shows a troubling trend, as the global rule of law has deteriorated in 57% of countries, largely driven by authoritarian trends. The Index indicates that since 2016, 77% of countries studied have experienced a recession in rule of law, with significant declines in the factors measuring Fundamental Rights and Constraints on Government Powers.

Despite this global backsliding, a smaller majority of countries experienced overall rule of law declines this year compared to the last two years. Some progress was noted in the fight against corruption, with 59% of countries improving their scores in this area, including Pakistan.

Global Rankings

Globally, Denmark tops the 2024 WJP Rule of Law Index, followed by Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Germany. Venezuela ranks as the lowest, followed by Cambodia, Afghanistan, Haiti, and Myanmar.

The World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index® is the leading source for original, independent data on the rule of law. Covering 142 countries and jurisdictions, the Index relies on over 214,000 household surveys and 3,500 legal expert surveys to measure how the rule of law is experienced and perceived worldwide.

Published annually since 2009, the Index is used by governments, multilateral organizations, businesses, academia, media, and civil society organizations around the world to assess and address gaps in the rule of law.

The World Justice Project (WJP) is an independent, nonpartisan organization working to create knowledge, build awareness, and stimulate action to advance the rule of law worldwide. Effective rule of law reduces corruption, combats poverty and disease, and protects people from injustices. It is foundational for accountable government, respect for fundamental rights, and the development of peaceful communities.

Learn more about the WJP’s work and its four universal principles of rule of law at: World Justice Project.