Islamabad, November 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Illegal kidney transplantation networks continue to operate in Pakistan despite legislation introduced in 2010 to regulate organ transplants and prevent trafficking, with financially vulnerable donors allegedly receiving only a small share of the money paid by recipients, according to a media report.
The underground trade reportedly involves financially distressed individuals, recipients willing to pay large sums, intermediaries and medical facilitators who allegedly exploit loopholes in healthcare supply chains and regulatory institutions.
A recent investigation by Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Human Organ Transplantation Authority (HOTA) in Islamabad has reportedly exposed the operations of a suspected kidney-trafficking network.
According to the report, the group allegedly used residential properties, forged medical referrals and access to hospital diagnostic facilities to arrange illegal transplants.
Citing an FIA investigation reported by Dawn on October 23, the report said a recipient was allegedly charged around $10,870, equivalent to PKR 3 million, for a kidney transplant.
The donor, meanwhile, was reportedly promised approximately $1,450 (PKR 400,000). Of this amount, PKR 340,000 was allegedly earmarked for the donor, while PKR 60,000 was to be divided among three intermediaries as commission.
Investigators reportedly found that the procedure had been arranged at a residential property in Islamabad’s PWD Society, raising concerns about the use of unauthorised premises for medical procedures that are required to be conducted under regulated conditions.
The alleged operation highlights the substantial gap between the amount paid by recipients and the compensation promised to donors, while intermediaries are suspected of profiting from arranging the transactions and medical formalities.
Pakistan’s Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, introduced in 2010, provides for prison sentences of up to 10 years for violations. However, continuing investigations indicate persistent challenges in enforcing the law and dismantling suspected trafficking networks.
The illegal trade also raises serious health concerns, as donors and recipients may be exposed to unsafe procedures outside the safeguards of authorised medical facilities.
FOLLOW NOW
