Pakistan police dismantle kidney trafficking network involved in the illegal extraction of hundreds of kidneys

According to police, a group of eight individuals involved in an organ trafficking scheme in north-east Pakistan has been apprehended. Fawad Mukhtar, the alleged leader of the ring, is accused of illegally extracting the kidneys of over 300 individuals and transplanting them into wealthy clients. Despite being previously arrested on five occasions for malpractice, Mukhtar was able to secure bail each time. Authorities reported that at least three people lost their lives due to the harvesting of their organs. The operation was believed to be active across eastern Punjab province and in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The transplants took place in residential homes, often without the knowledge of the patients, as revealed by Mohsin Naqvi, the chief minister of Punjab province. Naqvi further disclosed that a car mechanic worked as Mukhtar's surgical assistant, aiding in attracting vulnerable patients from hospitals. The kidneys were then sold for a significant sum of 10 million rupees ($120,000) each. Describing the situation, Mr. Naqvi expressed his distress with the alarming facts and figures during a press conference. He acknowledged that the confirmed cases were only a snapshot and believed that there were many more illegal surgeries and transplants occurring. In 2010, Pakistan declared the commercial trade of human organs illegal. Those caught engaging in such activities face severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. However, the prevalence of organ trafficking has surged in the country due to low wages and poor law enforcement. In a recent incident, Punjab police discovered another organ trafficking ring after a missing 14-year-old boy was found in an underground laboratory following the removal of his kidney.