KARACHI: A recent investigation has exposed a thriving illegal wildlife trade across Pakistan, with smugglers increasingly leveraging modern technology and online platforms to bypass national and international laws. Traffickers are utilizing the internet to facilitate the buying and selling of exotic and rare species, posing a severe threat to the country’s biodiversity, while concerns persist regarding the illegal export of endangered shark fins under the guise of other commodities. Beyond environmental damage, this illicit trade also threatens the livelihoods of local communities. However, positive interventions are visible; according to WWF-Pakistan Technical Advisor Muhammad Moazzam Khan, coordinated efforts by government departments, customs, and the media have successfully curbed the illegal export of sea turtles along the Sindh and Balochistan coasts. WWF-Pakistan emphasizes that raising public awareness through media and strengthening the active role of wildlife and customs departments remain vital to protecting endangered species from extinction.
