Your experiences with corruption, bribery, exploitation, nepotism in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh

[KingKhanWC]

I try to visit Pakistan every 2 years or so. From landing at the airport, customs wanting bribes, to coppers stopping you asking for bribes, it goes on until you return.

I've never paid a bribe, the two occasions I was asked for money on the last trip, I refused and said lets go to jail. The two fat cops just walked off.

Friends and family who live in Pak always complain of having to pay bribes for simple household maintaince, water company, electic company etc.

Other people have told me they have had to paya bribe in order to get the job they applied for.

We live in the era now of corrupt politicans in power. Has this increased in Pakistan? If so why do you pay bribes or accept them?

Also would like to hear of experiences in India and Bangladesh.

 

[sweep_shot]

In Bangladesh, corruption and nepotism are huge problems. You often can't get things done without bribery. If you are connected to influential politicians, you can get away with many things.

I guess these are common problems in all third countries. People are shortsighted and do not believe in accountability. It is why these third world countries generally remain third world.

 

[KingKhanWC]

In Bangladesh, corruption and nepotism are huge problems. You often can't get things done without bribery. If you are connected to influential politicians, you can get away with many things.

I guess these are common problems in all third countries. People are shortsighted and do not believe in accountability. It is why these third world countries generally remain third world.

I understand some people are left with no choice to pay in order to get things done.

What was it like in school or studying , did you see those who pay bribes get placements quicker or even results etc?

 

[sweep_shot]

I understand some people are left with no choice to pay in order to get things done.

What was it like in school or studying , did you see those who pay bribes get placements quicker or even results etc?

LOL. Yes. Big time.

I left Bangladesh when I was 15 (I am 34 now).

I am glad I don't have to deal with those nonsenses anymore. If you don't have good connections in BD, life can be quite tricky.

 

[KingKhanWC]

LOL. Yes. Big time.

I left Bangladesh when I was 15 (I am 34 now).

I am glad I don't have to deal with those nonsenses anymore. If you don't have good connections in BD, life can be quite tricky.

Its a shame some downplay or support corruption or corrupt leaders , as this is the death of society as a whole in terms of advancement. The people are in a sort of open prison with no justice and those with money get their way. This is totally unIslamic and the Quran speaks of those who sow corruption in the land.

Hasina was very corrupt, her followers used violence too for such gains.

 

[sweep_shot]

Its a shame some downplay or support corruption or corrupt leaders , as this is the death of society as a whole in terms of advancement. The people are in a sort of open prison with no justice and those with money get their way. This is totally unIslamic and the Quran speaks of those who sow corruption in the land.

Hasina was very corrupt, her followers used violence too for such gains.

Indeed.

As a matter of fact, protests against Hasina started when she introduced discriminatory quota system in universities. From there, it snowballed into big protests and it led to her ousting.

 

[KingKhanWC]

@RizwanT20Champ @emranabbas @Bhaijaan @Bewal Express

 

[emranabbas]

I try to visit Pakistan every 2 years or so. From landing at the airport, customs wanting bribes, to coppers stopping you asking for bribes, it goes on until you return.

I've never paid a bribe, the two occasions I was asked for money on the last trip, I refused and said lets go to jail. The two fat cops just walked off.

Friends and family who live in Pak always complain of having to pay bribes for simple household maintaince, water company, electic company etc.

Other people have told me they have had to paya bribe in order to get the job they applied for.

We live in the era now of corrupt politicans in power. Has this increased in Pakistan? If so why do you pay bribes or accept them?

Also would like to hear of experiences in India and Bangladesh.

I’m not sure what Pakistan you visit. I go once or twice a year, and I’ve never experienced this problem. What you’re describing used to happen 10–15 years ago, but these days I haven’t seen anything like it. Maybe you’re confusing it with the porters at the airport who usually ask for money to help with luggage and yes they try to rip you. i've never come across
customs stopping me except one in 2010 where they wanted RS 3000 for not opening my back

When I travel by car, I’ve been stopped many times, but they just check the driver’s licence and let you go. I honestly haven’t been asked for money by police in years.

I won’t deny there’s corruption in Pakistan and it’s not just the government its the Pakistani public too including the poor. one way or the other people will try to rip you off in Pakistan you just have to be clever and use your IQ

If you come across as a numpty or a show off brit, you’re more likely to be targeted, and people in Pakistan will try to rip you off.

If you don’t mind me asking, which city in Pakistan are you from?

 

[DeadlyVenom]

I’m not sure what Pakistan you visit. I go once or twice a year, and I’ve never experienced this problem. What you’re describing used to happen 10–15 years ago, but these days I haven’t seen anything like it. Maybe you’re confusing it with the porters at the airport who usually ask for money to help with luggage and yes they try to rip you. i've never come across
customs stopping me except one in 2010 where they wanted RS 3000 for not opening my back

When I travel by car, I’ve been stopped many times, but they just check the driver’s licence and let you go. I honestly haven’t been asked for money by police in years.

I won’t deny there’s corruption in Pakistan and it’s not just the government its the Pakistani public too including the poor. one way or the other people will try to rip you off in Pakistan you just have to be clever and use your IQ

If you come across as a numpty or a show off brit, you’re more likely to be targeted, and people in Pakistan will try to rip you off.

If you don’t mind me asking, which city in Pakistan are you from?

My experience in Pakistan recently has largely been similar to yours, but there has been some hints dropped at the airport and some minor arguments with customs.

I can't, of course, speak for everyone, but there doesn't seem to be as much open corruption as 10-15 years ago. Most of my family now lives there, having moved from the UK. Again, day to day, there are no requests for corruption, but if someone chooses to, they can speed things up for themselves by paying some money to talk to the right people or get something processed quickly.
Nepotism does exist. The whole country runs on sifarish and nepotism, thats something I dont see changing.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I’m not sure what Pakistan you visit. I go once or twice a year, and I’ve never experienced this problem. What you’re describing used to happen 10–15 years ago, but these days I haven’t seen anything like it. Maybe you’re confusing it with the porters at the airport who usually ask for money to help with luggage and yes they try to rip you. i've never come across
customs stopping me except one in 2010 where they wanted RS 3000 for not opening my back

When I travel by car, I’ve been stopped many times, but they just check the driver’s licence and let you go. I honestly haven’t been asked for money by police in years.

I won’t deny there’s corruption in Pakistan and it’s not just the government its the Pakistani public too including the poor. one way or the other people will try to rip you off in Pakistan you just have to be clever and use your IQ

If you come across as a numpty or a show off brit, you’re more likely to be targeted, and people in Pakistan will try to rip you off.

If you don’t mind me asking, which city in Pakistan are you from?

I live in Islamabad and a village 50 miles away.

Its good to hear road bribery doesnt take place. I believe this did reduce when IK came into power, as many cops were scared. Customs at airports doesnt happen on every occasion but happens a lot.

What about corruption, exploitation, nepotism? Are you ignoring these or suggesting they no longer occur?

 

[emranabbas]

My experience in Pakistan recently has largely been similar to yours, but there has been some hints dropped at the airport and some minor arguments with customs.

I can't, of course, speak for everyone, but there doesn't seem to be as much open corruption as 10-15 years ago. Most of my family now lives there, having moved from the UK. Again, day to day, there are no requests for corruption, but if someone chooses to, they can speed things up for themselves by paying some money to talk to the right people or get something processed quickly.
Nepotism does exist. The whole country runs on sifarish and nepotism, thats something I dont see changing.

I’ve witnessed plenty of minor arguments myself. You can’t place all the blame on the staff, some passengers at the airport have attitude problems and think they can bypass proper procedures just because they are British etc... That said, the staff has also been incompetent at times and failed to manage situations smoothly.


You’re absolutely right if you know the right people, you can often get things done faster. Safarish and nepotism aren’t just problems in Pakistan, they’re an issue across the entire subcontinent.

 

[IndoorCricket]

I can give an example of recent incident of a chain snatching incident involving a politician. As soon as complain is lodged, sniffer dogs were out, multipe teams were dispatched and the theif was caught in 24 hours. One of my friend lost his chain due to snatching and there was CCTV footage of it and no one gives a damn in police about it. Its business as usal for them.

The problem is not corruption, its about giving a damn and efficiency. Corruption is in every country its just that sub continent politicians/ police are incompetent.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I can give an example of recent incident of a chain snatching incident involving a politician. As soon as complain is lodged, sniffer dogs were out, multipe teams were dispatched and the theif was caught in 24 hours. One of my friend lost his chain due to snatching and there was CCTV footage of it and no one gives a damn in police about it. Its business as usal for them.

The problem is not corruption, its about giving a damn and efficiency. Corruption is in every country its just that sub continent politicians/ police are incompetent.

Sure but the levels of corruption in the sub-cont are on another level. I never have to pay a bribe to sort my electric , gas or water, I just pay. I dont pay to get a job, I dont pay to get into a certain school, I dont pay taxes only for them to mostly looted etc

 

[emranabbas]

I live in Islamabad and a village 50 miles away.

Its good to hear road bribery doesnt take place. I believe this did reduce when IK came into power, as many cops were scared. Customs at airports doesnt happen on every occasion but happens a lot.

What about corruption, exploitation, nepotism? Are you ignoring these or suggesting they no longer occur?

I’m not sure how things are in the villages of Mirpur, but in Lahore and other cities I usually visit in Punjab, it hasn’t been an issue. I don’t think this has anything to do with IK, he hasn’t been in power since 2022, so by now things would have likely reverted to the old ways. But if you want to give him the credit, that’s your choice.

Maybe you didn’t read my post properly, or it’s just not the answer you were hoping for.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Sure but the levels of corruption in the sub-cont are on another level. I never have to pay a bribe to sort my electric , gas or water, I just pay. I dont pay to get a job, I dont pay to get into a certain school, I dont pay taxes only for them to mostly looted etc

I'm not sure about the school situation. Who would be paying to get into a school? Is it some private school that is extra competitive? If so it could happen but this will really only effect rich people.

 

[IndoorCricket]

Sure but the levels of corruption in the sub-cont are on another level. I never have to pay a bribe to sort my electric , gas or water, I just pay. I dont pay to get a job, I dont pay to get into a certain school, I dont pay taxes only for them to mostly looted etc

Fortunatley I didnt have to bride for any of these cases...yet. But I did pay once for my passport, during recent times even thats not needed. Taxes are atrocious in developing state like India. Middle class gets taxed heavily, poor gets freebies, rich gets tax cuts and politicans get their votes. It doesnt matter which party is in center, middle class are cash cows.

Previously in my city, we could bribe traffic police to get away with fines, now due to digitalisation this too becoming non-existent.

 

[KingKhanWC]

When was the last time you visited Pakistan? back in 1990? I haven’t come across these issues, maybe they’re just more common in the villages of Mirpur.

When Imran Khan was free. I dont live in Mirpur. Dont worry about who I am or where Im from, Im not here to make friends with you.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I'm not sure about the school situation. Who would be paying to get into a school? Is it some private school that is extra competitive? If so it could happen but this will really only effect rich people.

Middle Class too. Many parents save years for their kids to attend the best schools/colleges but I've been told by some parents they had to pay extra to secure their place. Corruption always seep down.

 

[Champ_Pal]

Corruption was rampant in India in 90’s. I had to pay the university money to get my certificate in bachelors. I don’t think it has changed much. Wherever government goes, corruption follows.
I have to say, the entry of private companies has lessened it. The service is excellent and they bend over backwards to please you.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Fortunatley I didnt have to bride for any of these cases...yet. But I did pay once for my passport, during recent times even thats not needed. Taxes are atrocious in developing state like India. Middle class gets taxed heavily, poor gets freebies, rich gets tax cuts and politicans get their votes. It doesnt matter which party is in center, middle class are cash cows.

Previously in my city, we could bribe traffic police to get away with fines, now due to digitalisation this too becoming non-existent.

Interesting thanks. It seems India has less corruption compared to Pakistan. In terms of taxes, do you feel they are used 100% or what % goes into the pockets of the corrupt. Usually high taxes means great public services as you see in nations like Norway.

 

[emranabbas]

I'm not sure about the school situation. Who would be paying to get into a school? Is it some private school that is extra competitive? If so it could happen but this will really only effect rich people.

@KingKhanWC is making most of that up, there’s no such thing as paying to get into school. Education in Pakistan is free, and I think you only pay a small fee. Placements aren’t an issue either, in fact, there are plenty available. The real problem is that some people don’t send their children to school at all, choosing instead to put them to work, even though education is free.
So placement really shouldn’t be an issue.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Middle Class too. Many parents save years for their kids to attend the best schools/colleges but I've been told by some parents they had to pay extra to secure their place. Corruption always seep down.

That's a real shame.

 

[KingKhanWC]

@KingKhanWC is making most of that up, there’s no such thing as paying to get into school. Education in Pakistan is free, and I think you only pay a small fee. Placements aren’t an issue either, in fact, there are plenty available. The real problem is that some people don’t send their children to school at all, choosing instead to put them to work, even though education is free.
So placement really shouldn’t be an issue.

You are clearly ignorant, not your fault esp as you will defend the corrupt with your life if needed.

" In Pakistan, 92% of households with experience of public education reported having to pay bribes;"

https://www.atositchallenge.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Meier2004corruption-in-education.pdf

Im sure its reduced now but this is a genuine problem.

Acc to you Pakistan is free from corruption now?

 

[DeadlyVenom]

@KingKhanWC is making most of that up, there’s no such thing as paying to get into school. Education in Pakistan is free, and I think you only pay a small fee. Placements aren’t an issue either, in fact, there are plenty available. The real problem is that some people don’t send their children to school at all, choosing instead to put them to work, even though education is free.
So placement really shouldn’t be an issue.

It could be true for private or fee paying schools but it's not something I have had any experience of.

In some cases in Pakistan people pay to get the spots of more deserving people. It could happen in schools where spaces are limited. I don't know I don't know much about the private schools there.

 

[IndoorCricket]

Interesting thanks. It seems India has less corruption compared to Pakistan. In terms of taxes, do you feel they are used 100% or what % goes into the pockets of the corrupt. Usually high taxes means great public services as you see in nations like Norway.

The problem is only 2% of Indias population are direct tax payers. They feel the most heat. Government schemas are extremes, either they are super hit or utter flop. Nothing in between. Norway I believe has >50% of its population as direct tax payers.

A clerk recently got raided by IT department, he was earning only 15k rupees per month. The raids uncovered crores of ruppes, gold and multiple land assets suming over 100 crores. I mean if a clerk can accumulate such wealth what the higher ups might be accumilating. Just makes me nauseous thining about it.

 

[emranabbas]

You are clearly ignorant, not your fault esp as you will defend the corrupt with your life if needed.

" In Pakistan, 92% of households with experience of public education reported having to pay bribes;"

https://www.atositchallenge.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Meier2004corruption-in-education.pdf

Im sure its reduced now but this is a genuine problem.

Acc to you Pakistan is free from corruption now?

Brother, I’m not being ignorant it’s you who is.

You’ve shared a report from 2004, but we’re now in 2025.

I’m talking about the current situation.

Is this thread politically motivated? If so, it could easily be merged with the many other threads on the same topic. But if you genuinely want to discuss without making things up, I’m open to a proper conversation.

 

[emranabbas]

It could be true for private or fee paying schools but it's not something I have had any experience of.

In some cases in Pakistan people pay to get the spots of more deserving people. It could happen in schools where spaces are limited. I don't know I don't know much about the private schools there.

Yes, that’s true for private schools since space is usually limited, but for government schools this isn’t an issue.

 

[KingKhanWC]

The problem is only 2% of Indias population are direct tax payers. They feel the most heat. Government schemas are extremes, either they are super hit or utter flop. Nothing in between. Norway I believe has >50% of its population as direct tax payers.

A clerk recently got raided by IT department, he was earning only 15k rupees per month. The raids uncovered crores of ruppes, gold and multiple land assets suming over 100 crores. I mean if a clerk can accumulate such wealth what the higher ups might be accumilating. Just makes me nauseous thining about it.

Why only 2%, excuse my ignorance? Is it there band/threshold min before one starts to pay tax?

People from the sub continent are expert saves, they hoard everything from money, gold to empty plastic containers. This is a good thing imo, saving hard assets secures one future esp when you cant rely on the system and there is no welfare system in place.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Brother, I’m not being ignorant it’s you who is.

You’ve shared a report from 2004, but we’re now in 2025.

I’m talking about the current situation.

Is this thread politically motivated? If so, it could easily be merged with the many other threads on the same topic. But if you genuinely want to discuss without making things up, I’m open to a proper conversation.

I know when this report was made hence I wrote "Im sure its reduced now but this is a genuine problem." I highly doubt it has reduced so much and the problem is no longer relevent.

Tbf you have been more polite and decent compared to T10Rizwan so Ill answer, i never mentioned politics , even when IK was in power, I went a few weeks after and was stopped, it was the night before Eid. I was told cops do this reguarly on certain routes for their Eid money. I told the cop, Im here on holiday to see new Pakistan, he smiled and let us go. Corruption at a lower level will decades to root out as this is normal income for so many but at the top with politicians it should end immediately.

But since you mentioned it and since you want to discuss 'NOW'. How many government schemes are actually a tool for the politicians to make money from taxpayers or the country?

 

[IndoorCricket]

Why only 2%, excuse my ignorance? Is it there band/threshold min before one starts to pay tax?

People from the sub continent are expert saves, they hoard everything from money, gold to empty plastic containers. This is a good thing imo, saving hard assets secures one future esp when you cant rely on the system and there is no welfare system in place.

Agriculture is exempted from taxes. People evade taxes too. India is major agro based state( >60%). And there is a threshold from when direct taxes start ( >= 12 lakhs)

 

[IndoorCricket]

Agriculture is exempted from taxes. People evade taxes too. India is major agro based state( >60%). And there is a threshold from when direct taxes start ( >= 12 lakhs)

I used to pay 35 to 38 percent of my income in taxes

 

[sweep_shot]

In Bangladesh, corruption and nepotism are huge problems. You often can't get things done without bribery. If you are connected to influential politicians, you can get away with many things.

I guess these are common problems in all third countries. People are shortsighted and do not believe in accountability. It is why these third world countries generally remain third world.

Based on my obervation, corruption is more common among boomer/older Bangladeshis than younger Bangladeshis.

I think as boomer generation dies off and Gen Z takes over, we may see less corruptions in BD.

Even Hasina was ousted due to young people (Gen Z and millennials). Hasina couldn't handle Gen Z's resolve.

 

[RizwanT20Champ]

Brother, I’m not being ignorant it’s you who is.

You’ve shared a report from 2004, but we’re now in 2025.

I’m talking about the current situation.

Is this thread politically motivated? If so, it could easily be merged with the many other threads on the same topic. But if you genuinely want to discuss without making things up, I’m open to a proper conversation.

It quite clearly is politically motivated....as if we are arguing that there is no corruption lol. There is no country in the world without corruption. By and large it has become much better.

 

[RizwanT20Champ]

@RizwanT20Champ @emranabbas @Bhaijaan @Bewal Express

Much better in the last 2 years or so....although never stopped by Customs. Maybe you were flagged specifically for whatever reason?