Situated at the confluence of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, Pakistan's strategic location has bestowed upon it a unique role in the global trade landscape, but it has also made the country vulnerable to various forms of illicit trade. From the proliferation of counterfeit products and the clandestine movement of smuggled goods to the shadowy world of illegal wildlife trade and the intricate networks of money laundering, Pakistan grapples with significant challenges in its relentless struggle against these illicit activities.
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Publications

Illicit Trade in Pakistan:  The Twin Task Of Combating Illicit Trade And Boosting Economic Growth (October 2023)

The convergence of various structural weaknesses in Pakistan’s economy challenges its ability to sustain recent gains in poverty reduction and undermines objectives for long-term growth in GDP. Since these factors also create fertile ground for illicit markets to strengthen, this report investigates the associated impacts and suggests remedies for consideration by Pakistan’s policy leaders.

The report highlights that high levels of inflation and tax evasion compound the problems, and urgently calls for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to address them. The report contends that effectively tackling illicit trade will be a crucial ingredient in achieving Pakistan's economic prospects.

Full Report (PDF)