Smuggling networks persist across Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan borders

A report by Eurasia Review suggests that smuggling activities along the borders of Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan are not merely criminal acts but represent a deep failure of governance. The report describes a ‘shadow political economy’ that is deeply embedded in security structures, local governance, and the livelihoods of border communities.

These networks facilitate the illegal trade of fuel, narcotics, weapons, timber, precious stones, gold, and marble. Strategic hubs, such as the ‘Bahramcha’ in Helmand province and the ‘Shin Nari’ corridor in Afghanistan’s Arghistan district, serve as vital logistical centers connecting local smugglers to international markets.

The report claims that these organized networks are supported by powerful and influential individuals, including certain military elements that benefit from the status quo. The networks demonstrate high adaptability; when authorities crack down on one commodity, such as fuel, smugglers often pivot to others, such as gold or narcotics, to maintain profitability.