Pakistan Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Pakistan's rule of law was -0.84 in 2025, ranked 157th globally. This represents a 2.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Pakistan's rule of law stood at -0.84 in 2025, a rise of +0.02 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.84 by 2025. Pakistan ranked 157th globally.
Pakistan's Rule of Law indicator has exhibited a downward trend over the past two and a half decades, according to the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators. Since its all-time peak of -0.63 in 1996, the country's score has declined to -0.84 in 2025, placing it at #157 globally. This decline has been particularly pronounced in the early 2000s, with the all-time trough of -1.00 recorded in 2000. Compared to its peers, Pakistan's score is similar to Burkina Faso's -0.83, but lags behind Sierra Leone's -0.86. The country's struggles with rule of law are a persistent challenge to its economic and social development, and are likely to hinder its progress in the coming years. A significant improvement in the rule of law would require sustained efforts to strengthen the country's institutions, reduce corruption, and enhance transparency, which could potentially be achieved through targeted reforms and international cooperation.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -0.87 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.84 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.84 | +0.02 | #157 |
| 2023 | -0.86 | −0.19 | #159 |
| 2022 | -0.67 | −0.01 | #151 |
| 2021 | -0.66 | +0.05 | #146 |
| 2020 | -0.71 | −0.02 | #151 |
| 2019 | -0.69 | −0.00 | #150 |
| 2018 | -0.68 | +0.05 | #148 |
| 2017 | -0.73 | +0.08 | #154 |
| 2016 | -0.82 | −0.04 | #161 |
| 2015 | -0.78 | −0.03 | #153 |
| 2014 | -0.75 | +0.11 | #148 |
| 2013 | -0.86 | +0.03 | #158 |
| 2012 | -0.88 | +0.02 | #160 |
| 2011 | -0.91 | −0.17 | #162 |
| 2010 | -0.74 | +0.10 | #146 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Pakistan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw rule of law improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Pakistan's rule of law was -0.84 in 2025. Ranked 157th globally. This represents a 2.4% increase from the previous year.
Pakistan's rule of law peaked at -0.63 in 1996.
The lowest rule of law in Pakistan was -1.00 in 2000.
Pakistan ranks 157th globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Pakistan's rule of law is projected to reach -0.84 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Pakistan in 2025 was -0.84. This ranks 157th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_pakistan_rule-of-law,
title = {Pakistan Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/pakistan/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}