Introduction
Numerous reports have highlighted an illegal spectrum operated by the Pakistani military, ostensibly to mitigate economic hardships stemming from their political manipulation and strategic missteps—factors that have contributed to the country’s economic instability. Beneath this justification lies an inherent greed among military commanders, a corruption that has permeated the entire structure of the Pakistani military from top to bottom. For a deeper understanding, I recommend reading: Pakistan’s Crisis: A Web of Corruption, Smuggling, and Strategic Missteps: https://x.com/soldierspeaks/status/1869758582180237697
The mineral-rich Baluchistan is considered the golden bird corrupt officials of the Pakistani military and bureaucracy alike. Baluchistan, Pakistan’s largest province with the lowest population density, has long been a prime target for exploitation by Punjab-centric Pakistani security officials seeking illicit fortunes. Its vast, lawless terrain, bordering Afghanistan and Iran, is a hub for drug trade and smuggling routes connecting to Europe via Iran and Turkey. The area also provides access to the Middle East and Central Asia. These routes, utilized by international criminal syndicates, provide ample opportunities for Pakistani security forces, acting as gatekeepers, to benefit from these illegal activities. This exploitation comes at the expense of the local population, further marginalizing an already disenfranchised community. For additional context on this corrupt nexus, refer to my previous article: ISI & MI’s Frontman in Balochistan: DIG Aitzaz Ahmed Goraya – The Face of Military Junta in Pakistan: https://x.com/soldierspeaks/status/1829796396398006604
Recent leaked documents from the Pakistan Army’s 44 Division have unveiled a troubling reality: the regulation of large-scale oil smuggling operations facilitated by military authorities. While such operations occur at multiple points, the focus of this report is the Kuntani Crossing Point. The findings highlight an officially sanctioned illegal trade that generates millions of rupees on a daily basis.
Leaked Documents From Pakistan Army's 44 Division
The documents reveals significant details regarding the management of the Kuntani Crossing Point. Below are the documents and a brief summary of the critical points from the text of these leaked documents:
- Purpose: The initiative to manage informal fuel trade at Kuntani is framed as addressing local fuel needs, compensating for limited fuel infrastructure, and offering alternate economic opportunities to border communities. However, the informal trade is presented as being “regulated” to counter smuggling, terrorism, and other security threats.
- Operational Governance: Joint management by Civil Administration and Pakistan Coast Guards (PCG).
A maximum of 600 boats are permitted daily under these regulations.
Anti-smuggling and security measures are emphasized as part of these operations. - Key Actions: Digitized Registration: Traders and boats are required to register through a system expected to be implemented by January 15, 2024.
Token Issuance: Digitized tokens ensure equal opportunity for local traders and regulate daily traffic.
Data Management: Transparent record-keeping, including lists of authorized traders and boats, daily activities, and violations.
Transport and Loading Area: Managed by the Civil Administration with police and levies’ assistance. - Pakistan Coast Guards’ Role: Monitoring and controlling boats in coastal waters on the pretext of implementing anti-smuggling measures against contraband like fuel, narcotics, and arms.
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Information Sharing and Security: Weekly sharing of lists of traders and boats with higher headquarters on the pretext of intimations about potential internal security situations to higher authorities for immediate resolution.
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Legality and Implementation: The SOP emphasizes strict adherence to legal mandates and violations resulting in blacklisting and confiscation, whereas the entire SOP is based on an illegal practice as per the local and international laws.
Commentary and Implications:
The documents blatantly expose an organized, illegal operation disguised as anti-smuggling initiatives. While superficially presented as a means to regulate informal trade and benefit local border communities, the reality reveals a deeply entrenched system of institutionalized
smuggling. This operation violates international sanctions against Iran by facilitating the illicit trade of oil, gas, and other petrochemical materials. Such activities not only flout international laws but also contribute to economic destabilization and geopolitical instability in the region.
This smuggling network, instead of addressing economic hardships or regional development, is exploited for personal gains by individuals in power, allowing the minting of significant sums of money. These operations directly fuel organized crime and provide financial pipelines to entities promoting terrorism, further destabilizing the Middle East.
Moreover, the coordination between the Civil Administration, Pakistan Coast Guards (PCG), and higher military commands consolidates control over these illegal economic activities. This underscores how deeply entrenched corruption is within the system, where public institutions act as gatekeepers and enablers of smuggling operations rather than its deterrents.
This revelation is yet another example of how greed and self-interest continue to override national and international obligations. The international community must take cognizance of these activities and hold the responsible actors accountable for promoting illegal trade, violating sanctions, and perpetuating terrorism.
Overview of the Current Findings
Crossings at Kuntani Kaur and Dobist Panja: Crossings at Kuntani Kaur and Dobist Panja in Gwadar district are not accessible to ordinary individuals. “One has to be an established trader to work here.” These crossings serve as major hubs where oil, gas, and construction materials (such as cement, tiles, and iron rods) are transported into Pakistan. The import of oil, gas, and other petrochemical materials from Iran is classified as illicit trade and is thus smuggled via illegal routes due to international sanctions imposed on Iran.
Operational Oversight
Key Questions Raised
- How is the substantial revenue generated from these operations utilized, and who are the ultimate beneficiaries?
- Is the military legally authorized to facilitate or regulate activities tied to illegal oil smuggling, particularly with a sanctioned country like Iran?
Conclusion
The findings surrounding the smuggling operations at Kuntani Crossing Point underscore the deeply entrenched corruption and exploitation within Pakistan’s security forces, particularly in Baluchistan. The province’s lawless terrain and strategic position on international smuggling routes have allowed the military to act not only as gatekeepers but also as beneficiaries of illicit activities. This systemic exploitation, driven by greed and political mismanagement, exacerbates economic instability and further marginalizes the local population. The involvement of high-level military and civil authorities in these operations, combined with the extensive financial networks sustaining them, highlights the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and reforms to dismantle this corrupt nexus.
