Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) has called on the Prime Minister to issue immediate directives for the enactment of the “Whistleblower Protection and Vigilance Commission Bill, 2025,” terming it essential for strengthening transparency and combating corruption in Pakistan.
In its recommendation, TIP stressed that the absence of an effective whistleblower protection mechanism continues to discourage individuals from reporting corruption due to fear of retaliation, harassment, and institutional pressure.
The call for swift enactment comes amid increasing emphasis by international institutions, including the IMF, on strengthening governance and anti-corruption frameworks in Pakistan. Documents indicate that a robust whistleblower regime is considered critical to improving transparency, enhancing public participation, and exposing corrupt practices.
In a key legislative development, the Senate of Pakistan Standing Committee on Law and Justice has already unanimously passed the proposed bill, signaling progress toward establishing a formal legal framework.
The committee meeting, chaired by Farooq Hamid Naek at Parliament House Islamabad, was informed that although a whistleblower protection framework exists since 2017, it has remained largely ineffective due to lack of enforcement.
The proposed legislation provides for the establishment of an independent Whistleblower Protection and Vigilance Commission mandated to receive disclosures, ensure anonymity, and protect whistleblowers from victimization.
Lawmakers emphasized that institutionalizing whistleblower protection is vital for restoring public trust and promoting a culture of accountability within public institutions.
The committee also reviewed proposed amendments to the Pakistan Penal Code relating to diyat provisions. However, members raised serious concerns over the practicality and financial implications of the proposed changes.
Federal Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar expressed reservations, stating that the proposed financial burden may not be feasible for equitable implementation.
Following the discussion, the committee decided to seek input from the Council of Islamic Ideology and the Ministry of Interior before proceeding further on the amendments.
The renewed push by TIP highlights growing pressure on the government to fast-track critical governance reforms and align Pakistan’s legal framework with global anti-corruption standards.
