Since the last few decades, developing countries have given special importance to Special Economic Zones, to enhance the performance of their export-oriented industries. There is no doubt that some countries have benefited from establishing SEZs, however, many other countries, including Pakistan, have not reaped the desired results. Previously, Pakistan had established some SEZs, and currently, under the umbrella of CPEC some new SEZs will be set up, but it is certain that, under the current circumstances, their fate will also be the same as the previous SEZs in the form of failure. There exist some inherent flaws that are hindering the success and growth of SEZs in Pakistan, such as; absence of proper infrastructure, fragile law and order situations, bureaucratic hurdles, underutilization of women's potential, paucity of human capital, lack of research and innovations, weak judicial system, dearth of laws and regulations, absence of attention towards SMEs, and rent-seeking. Without stringent reforms in the aforesaid area, SEZs will move towards failure and a waste of valuable resources.