Pakistan’s links to global arms smuggling are getting clearer. A new report said that Pakistani businesses and nationals are part of a wide network that moves weapons from Iran to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, and beyond into the Middle East and Africa.
The key case that sparked the investigation involves Muhammad Pahlawan, a Pakistani citizen. In January 2024, a U.S. federal court in Virginia imposed a 40‑year sentence on him for smuggling Iranian anti‑aircraft ammo and drone tech. Pahlawan was accused of running a fishing ship that was hijacked by U.S. forces in the Arabian Sea, an operation that ended in the death of two U.S. Navy SEALs.
Authorities say Pahlawan’s crew were often misled about their role, underscoring how covert the smuggling rings are. The U.S. Justice Department also revealed that the ship carried sophisticated Iranian missile parts, anti‑ship missile pieces, and warheads destined for Houthi fighters in Yemen.
The report points out that Pakistani arms traffickers have shifted tactics. While large trucking convoys of the past are still used, the network now deploys drone drops, maritime transfers, and hidden border crossings. Organized crime groups with overseas links run most of these operations.
Experts trace the roots of the problem back to early investigations showing that Pakistan’s Inter‑Services Intelligence (ISI) and military‑backed syndicates have helped supply foreign proxies and profit from smuggling routes. Lack of enforcement and governmental denial are said to give criminals and militant suppliers a safe haven, broadening the reach of these networks.
The report warns that unless Pakistan curbs these illicit flows, regional and global security will stay at risk. Whether weapons are sent to state clients, rebel groups, sectarian militias, or criminal syndicates, Pakistan’s role in arms trafficking remains a persistent threat.
Source: ianslive
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