Exposing the 5 illegal businesses in Pakistan

Illegal businesses in Pakistan range from being an invisible threat to a larger component of the underground economy of the country. These include all other illicit activities, starting from drug trafficking to the illegal wildlife trade that have far-reaching impacts on society, economy, and national security. Yet, most of these illegal businesses remain successful despite all attempts by the authorities to eliminate them. Operating in the dark, they shape scores of lives.

It is important to understand the scope and scale in Pakistan. This article exposes five of the most rampant illegal enterprises of the country, shedding light on how they operate and the damage they cause. From the devastating human toll of trafficking to the environmental destruction wrought by wildlife smuggling, these illegal businesses are far more widespread than you might think.

Continue reading to learn more about such underground activities and their alarming repercussions.

1. Narcotics Trade: The Biggest Underground Business in Pakistan

Drug trafficking can be labeled as one of the biggest illegal businesses in Pakistan. It is a major player in the global drug trade due to its proximity with Afghanistan, which is probably the largest producer of opium in the world.

Narcotics like heroin and hashish are usually smuggled out through Pakistan to the rest of the world. The revenues of this illegal business not only fuel criminal organizations but also result in addiction, violence, and corruption within the country.

Human Trafficking: A Crime Not Only Heinous but with Devastating Impact

Human trafficking is one of the major issues that one would expect to see thousands of men, women, and children fall prey to in Pakistan alone every year. Most often, the victims are trafficked either for forced labor, sexual exploitation, or illicit organ trading.

Traffickers target the most vulnerable populations with unfounded promises of better lives abroad, trapping them into the worst inhumane conditions. The gigs of human trafficking remain a thriving illegal business in Pakistan as law enforcement has not totally been able to curb it.

Counterfeit Goods: The Flood of Fake Products into Markets

From fake designer clothing to pirated software and sham electronic goods, the markets of Pakistan are inundated with counterfeit products. These products are usually available at one-tenth of the price compared to their original counterparts, enticing a consumer into bargains.

However, this illicit trade not only hurts the economy but also undermines legitimate businesses and, at least in some cases, poses grave risks to consumers.

Illegal Trade in Wildlife: An Irresponsible Game with Pakistan’s Natural Heritage

Illegal wildlife trade in Pakistan is a growing concern, where there is capture and sale into the local and foreign markets of the endangered species. Rare snow leopards, turtles, and exotic birds are hunted down and trafficked to private collections or their use in traditional medicines.

The illegal business threatens the country’s biodiversity, hence putting a number of species on the edge of extinction. Laws that protect the wildlife notwithstanding, illegal trade has been thriving owing to demand for such animals.

Black Market Currency Exchange: The Shadowy World of Hawala

One of the major problems regarding Pakistan’s economy is black market currency exchange, also known as Hawala. An informal system such as this allows for the transferring of money across borders without the use of formal banking channels, and these transfers normally avoid taxes and regulations.

Generally, Hawala networks are utilized to launder money, finance some unlawful activities, or bypass international sanctions. Such an underground financial system presents serious challenges to financial stability and law enforcement in the country.

The persistence of these illegal businesses in Pakistan highlights the urgent need for stronger enforcement and public awareness to combat their destructive impact on society.