Wednesday, 21st August, 2024
Author: Zoha Najeeb
Country: Pakistan
Source: Pakistani and Afghan truck drivers at Torkham border [Radlo Mashaal RFE/RL]
SUMMARY
Corruption along Pakistan's borders with Afghanistan and Iran is a deep-rooted issue with significant economic and security implications. These borders, vital trade routes, are also hotspots for smuggling and illegal activities facilitated by corrupt officials and private actors. The Afghan border is marked by the smuggling of duty-free goods back into Pakistan, while the illicit trade of high-value items like fuel plagues the Iranian border. Addressing this corruption requires a comprehensive approach, including technological solutions, capacity-building within agencies, and international cooperation, to mitigate the broader impacts on Pakistan's economy and security. Furthermore, it needs political will to mitigate this type of problem as nowadays, electoral democracy needs more black money.
BACKGROUND
Corruption along Pakistan's borders with Afghanistan and Iran is a pervasive issue with significant implications for the country's economy, security, and governance. These borders, while vital trade routes are also hotspots for smuggling and illegal transactions. The corruption here is deeply entrenched, involving government officials and private actors who exploit the vulnerabilities of these regions (Belal).
The borders with Afghanistan and Iran have long been areas of concern due to their porous nature and the historical context of conflict and unrest in the region. The border with Afghanistan, often referred to as the Durand Line, has been a contentious and poorly defined boundary since its establishment in 1893. This border has witnessed decades of conflict, particularly during the Soviet-Afghan War and the subsequent rise of the Taliban. The instability in Afghanistan has made it a breeding ground for illegal activities, including drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and the movement of extremist groups.
Similarly, Pakistan's border with Iran, which stretches through the volatile province of Balochistan, is fraught with challenges. Balochistan has been a centre of the insurgency, with separatist movements and militant groups operating in the region. Balochistan's economic disparities and lack of development have increased discontent, making it a fertile ground for smuggling and corruption. The smuggling of goods, particularly fuel, from Iran into Pakistan is a well-known issue that has strained relations between the two countries (Khan).
Corruption and Its Economic Impact
Corruption at Pakistan's borders is not merely a localised problem; it has broader implications for the national economy. The smuggling of goods facilitated by corrupt officials undermines legitimate businesses, distorts market prices, and deprives the government of valuable revenue. The economic impact is especially severe on SMEs that struggle to compete with the influx of cheaper, smuggled goods. This not only hampers the growth of local industries but also contributes to the widening economic divide in the country (Hussain).
For instance, smuggling agricultural products like dry fruits and spices and non-agricultural goods, such as electronics and tires, has become rampant. These are products that Pakistan can produce competitively, but smuggling disrupts market forces, leading to price distortions. The involvement of wealthy elites, traders, and businessmen in these illegal activities exacerbates the problem, as they manipulate government policies to create artificial shortages and drive-up prices for their benefit.
Differences Between Borders
The nature of corruption and smuggling differs significantly between the borders. The Afghan border is characterised by a transit arrangement that allows landlocked Afghanistan to import goods duty-free. However, these goods often find their way back into Pakistan through smuggling, creating a profitable illegal trade. Physical barriers such as barbed wire and a strong military presence have not been enough to curb these activities. Smuggling goods like clothing, food, and electronics through this border is a well-established practice, generating substantial revenue for those involved (Khilji et al.).
In contrast, the Iranian border is less militarized but presents its own set of challenges. Smuggling across this border primarily involves high-value goods such as petrol, diesel, and stolen vehicles. The socio-economic conditions in Balochistan, where employment opportunities are scarce, compel many to engage in smuggling to survive. This has created a complex socio-economic dynamic where corruption is not just a result of greed but also a consequence of poverty and lack of alternatives.
Addressing corruption at these borders requires a multi-pronged approach. Technological solutions, such as the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in monitoring border activities, can play a role in reducing corruption. However, these solutions are not foolproof, as human intervention remains a critical factor. Corruption may simply shift to new forms, such as system manipulation or hacking. Therefore, capacity-building within the customs department and other relevant agencies is crucial to ensure effective reforms. Moreover, international collaboration is essential in tackling smuggling networks that operate across these borders. Legal reforms, combined with enhanced monitoring and intelligence-driven operations, are necessary to address the root causes of corruption and smuggling.
Conclusion
Corruption along Pakistan's borders with Afghanistan and Iran is a deeply rooted issue with complex causes and significant consequences. The differences in corruption patterns and smuggling activities at these borders reflect the unique economic, political, and social dynamics of each region. Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive approach that includes technological solutions, capacity-building, and international cooperation. While the path to eliminating corruption is fraught with challenges, understanding the dynamics at play is a critical first step toward finding practical solutions.
REFERENCES
Belal, Kulsoom. Pak-Iran Relations: Evolving Dynamics, Prospects and Approaches - JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/10.13169/polipers.14.1.0083.pdf.
Hussain, J. R. (2019). Border Management: Case Study of Torkhum Border, Pakistan. Global Politics Review, 5(1-2), 121-137.
Hussain, S. W., Ullah, A., & Khilji, B. A. (2014). The Causes of Transit Related Pak-Afghan Cross Border Smuggling. Dialogue (Pakistan), 9(1).
Khan, Zahid Ali. "Balochistan Factor in Pak-Iran Relations: Opportunities and Constraints." University of the Punjab-Journals, June 2012, pu.edu.pk/home/journals.
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