Pakistan, June 3 -- KARACHI - A recent policy brief by the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) reveals that foreign direct investment (FDI) continues to flow into Pakistan, despite its poor global ranking on transparency and governance. Surprisingly, the study finds that corruption may actually enable investment, rather than deter it.

Pakistan holds a Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) score of just 27 out of 100, placing it among the most corrupt countries in South Asia. However, foreign investors still pour money into key sectors like energy, finance, and food - areas known for regulatory red tape and informal payments.

According to IPRI, investors are more focused on quick profits than on ethical governance. The report says co...