In the context of tensions with India, the bad news of bankrupt Pakistan is… 101 of 158 countries face annual losses.
The highest score observed in trade, customs and borders can measure Pakistan's performance in six aspects (75.4), indicating a relatively strong mechanism for border control and customs management.
According to a report from News International, Pakistan has ranked 101 of 158 countries in the 2025 Illegal Trade Index, which has attracted serious concerns about its economic environment and ability to attract investment.
The country's struggle with illegal trade has resulted in a shocking loss of annual revenue, with the tobacco industry alone accounting for a deficit of 30,000 crore. The findings were presented in a new report titled “Pakistan’s Fight Against Illegal Trade: An Analysis of Challenges and Pathways for Resilience”, published by the Institute of Policy Research Institute of Market Economy (PRIME) and the Transnational Alliance to Fight against Illegal Trade (TRACIT).
The report highlights the five key sectors driving these losses: tobacco (Rs 30,000 crore), petroleum products such as petrol and diesel (Rs 27,000 crore), tires and lubricants (Rs 10,600 crore), pharmaceutical companies (Rs 60-665 crore), and tea (Rs 10,000 crore) (Rs 1,000 crore).
Pakistan scored 44.5 on the Illegal Trade Index, which is below the global average of 49.9. The highest score observed in trade, customs and borders can measure Pakistan's performance in six aspects (75.4), indicating a relatively strong mechanism for border control and customs management. However, the scores of supply chain intermediaries (25.9) and sectoral illicit trade indicators (29.3) are low, pointing to the serious vulnerability of internal trade networks and sector-specific compliance.
In addition, the International News International reported on the taxation and economic environment scores (47.3), regulatory frameworks and law enforcement (46.4), and criminal promoters of illicit trade (42.7) show that there are systematic weaknesses in policy implementation and law enforcement capabilities.
Overall, the findings show that despite some progress made in Pakistan on the border, deeper reforms are needed in the country’s internal trade, regulatory and law enforcement systems to curb illicit trade and support sustainable economic development.
(The story has not been edited by DNA staff except for the title, but is published directly from ANI)
