A transgender candidate has been elected as councillor for a rural Bangladeshi town, the first in the ultra-conservative Muslim-majority nation where laws still discriminate against sexual minorities.

Pinki&nbsp;Khatun&nbsp;was elected as vice-chair of a town council in the country's west on Monday after beating her nearest rival by more than 4,000 votes, local police chief Mahbubul Alam said.

"I am very delighted. I campaigned door-to-door and people have responded positively,"&nbsp;the garment shop owner told AFP.

"I did not face any discrimination or hate campaigns."

Bangladesh has allowed transgenders, known as hijra,&nbsp;an umbrella term referring to someone who is born male but does not refer to themselves as a man or woman, to identify as a separate gender since 2013.&nbsp;

This year, they were allowed to register to vote identifying as this gender.

The 37-year-old councillor is a youth wing official of the ruling Awami League and campaigned as an independent candidate in the 200,000-population town of Kotchandpur after the party did not back anyone.

"My aim is to work for the betterment of women and protect their rights," said the councillor, who previously identified as a woman.

"I'll work for hijras so they can live honourably in society."

The government says there are some 10,000 hijras in Bangladesh but independent estimates say they could number up to 500,000, with many hiding their identity to avoid discrimination.

Bangladesh still has a British colonial-era&nbsp;law where anyone who engages in gay sex faces life in prison, although the legislation is rarely used.

The LGBT community also faces social discrimination.

Transgender rights activist Anonnya Banik said the election of the country's first transgender politician was a "big achievement".

"It will create a positive impact on society and inspire other trans-people. I think it reflects a change in Bangladesh people's attitude towards trans-people," Banik told AFP.&nbsp;

A transgender candidate has been elected as councillor for a rural Bangladeshi town, the first in the ultra-conservative Muslim-majority nation where laws still discriminate against sexual minorities.

A transgender candidate has been elected as councillor for a rural Bangladeshi town, the first in the ultra-conservative Muslim-majority nation where laws still discriminate against sexual minorities. Pinki Khatun was elected as vice-chair of a town council in the country's west on Monday after beating her nearest rival by more than 4,000 votes, local police chief Mahbubul Alam said. "I am very delighted. I campaigned door-to-door and people have responded positively," the garment shop owner told AFP. "I did not face any discrimination or hate campaigns." Bangladesh has allowed transgenders, known as hijra, an umbrella term referring to someone who is born male but does not refer to themselves as a man or woman, to identify as a separate gender since 2013. This year, they were allowed to register to vote identifying as this gender. The 37-year-old councillor is a youth wing official of the ruling Awami League and campaigned as an independent candidate in the 200,000-population town of Kotchandpur after the party did not back anyone. "My aim is to work for the betterment of women and protect their rights," said the councillor, who previously identified as a woman. "I'll work for hijras so they can live honourably in society." The government says there are some 10,000 hijras in Bangladesh but independent estimates say they could number up to 500,000, with many hiding their identity to avoid discrimination. Bangladesh still has a British colonial-era law where anyone who engages in gay sex faces life in prison, although the legislation is rarely used. The LGBT community also faces social discrimination. Transgender rights activist Anonnya Banik said the election of the country's first transgender politician was a "big achievement". "It will create a positive impact on society and inspire other trans-people. I think it reflects a change in Bangladesh people's attitude towards trans-people," Banik told AFP.

First transgender councillor elected in Bangladesh

Extension Rebellion protests rock London

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck central Mindanao in the southern Philippines on Wednesday, opening cracks in some buildings, sending residents running from shops and offices and knocking out power.

There were no immediate reports of casualties from the earthquake, which also shook Davao City, the hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte and among the most populous cities in the country.

The United States Geological Survey said the quake struck 69 km&nbsp;north-northwest of General Santos, Mindanao at 1137 GMT. The epicentre was about 80 km southwest of central Davao.

"We felt a very strong jolt and there was a blackout. I saw people rushing down. We were panicking, heading to the exit," said Naru Guarda Cabaddu, a hotel consultant visiting Kidapawan City, between the epicentre of the quake and Davao.

The quake struck at a depth of 14 km.

"So far, we are on rapid assessment mode. There's no major damage based on initial report," Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista told CNN Philippines channel. "No reports have come in that we have casualties."

Renato Solidum, head of the Philippines seismic agency told ANC news channel there was a chance of aftershocks after the quake, considered strong and capable of causing severe damage.

"Aftershocks can happen. Some can be felt most likely in low intensities. But we cannot remove the possibility of similar intensities that can be felt in the epicentral area," he said.

The Philippines is on the geologically active Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences frequent earthquakes.

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck central Mindanao in the southern Philippines on Wednesday, opening cracks in some buildings, sending residents running from shops and offices and knocking out power.

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck central Mindanao in the southern Philippines on Wednesday, opening cracks in some buildings, sending residents running from shops and offices and knocking out power. There were no immediate reports of casualties from the earthquake, which also shook Davao City, the hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte and among the most populous cities in the country. The United States Geological Survey said the quake struck 69 km north-northwest of General Santos, Mindanao at 1137 GMT. The epicentre was about 80 km southwest of central Davao. "We felt a very strong jolt and there was a blackout. I saw people rushing down. We were panicking, heading to the exit," said Naru Guarda Cabaddu, a hotel consultant visiting Kidapawan City, between the epicentre of the quake and Davao. The quake struck at a depth of 14 km. "So far, we are on rapid assessment mode. There's no major damage based on initial report," Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista told CNN Philippines channel. "No reports have come in that we have casualties." Renato Solidum, head of the Philippines seismic agency told ANC news channel there was a chance of aftershocks after the quake, considered strong and capable of causing severe damage. "Aftershocks can happen. Some can be felt most likely in low intensities. But we cannot remove the possibility of similar intensities that can be felt in the epicentral area," he said. The Philippines is on the geologically active Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences frequent earthquakes.

Strong magnitude-6.4 earthquake hits Philippines' Mindanao

A leading face of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-of-hong-kong-nominated-for-nobel-peace-prize-2020-256254">Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement</a> was rushed to hospital covered in blood late Wednesday after being attacked by unidentified thugs with hammers, his protest group said.

The Civil Human Rights Front said leader Jimmy Sham was assaulted by four to five people wielding hammers in the district of Mongkok in what they described as an act of "political terror".

"He received a bloody head wound and was sent to Kwong Wah hospital," the CHRF said in a statement, adding Sham was conscious when paramedics arrived.

Photos posted online showed Sham in a red t-shirt, sprawled on the street in a pool of blood.&nbsp;

"It is not hard to link this incident to a spreading political terror in order to threaten and inhibit the legitimate exercise of natural and legal rights," CHRF added.

Sham is the main spokesman of the CHRF, a group which advocates non-violence and organised a series of record-breaking, peaceful marches earlier this summer that were opposed to a bill allowing extraditions to mainland China.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-abandons-speech-after-heckles-from-lawmakers-256227">Hong Kong's four months of huge and increasingly violent protests</a> were initially sparked by the now-scrapped bill.&nbsp;

But they have since snowballed into a wider movement calling for greater democracy and police accountability after Beijing and local leaders took a hard line.

Multiple <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senator-warns-hong-kong-of-becoming-police-state-255828">pro-democracy activists have been attacked by pro-Beijing supporters</a> in recent months, and Sham was also assaulted in August.

As the violence has escalated, hardcore pro-democracy protesters have also begun meting out their own street justice, beating people who vocally disagree with their goals or are viewed to be government loyalists.

A leading face of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement was rushed to hospital covered in blood late Wednesday after being attacked by unidentified thugs with hammers, his protest group said.

A leading face of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement was rushed to hospital covered in blood late Wednesday after being attacked by unidentified thugs with hammers, his protest group said. The Civil Human Rights Front said leader Jimmy Sham was assaulted by four to five people wielding hammers in the district of Mongkok in what they described as an act of "political terror". "He received a bloody head wound and was sent to Kwong Wah hospital," the CHRF said in a statement, adding Sham was conscious when paramedics arrived. Photos posted online showed Sham in a red t-shirt, sprawled on the street in a pool of blood. "It is not hard to link this incident to a spreading political terror in order to threaten and inhibit the legitimate exercise of natural and legal rights," CHRF added. Sham is the main spokesman of the CHRF, a group which advocates non-violence and organised a series of record-breaking, peaceful marches earlier this summer that were opposed to a bill allowing extraditions to mainland China. Hong Kong's four months of huge and increasingly violent protests were initially sparked by the now-scrapped bill. But they have since snowballed into a wider movement calling for greater democracy and police accountability after Beijing and local leaders took a hard line. Multiple pro-democracy activists have been attacked by pro-Beijing supporters in recent months, and Sham was also assaulted in August. As the violence has escalated, hardcore pro-democracy protesters have also begun meting out their own street justice, beating people who vocally disagree with their goals or are viewed to be government loyalists.

Hong Kong protest leader left bloodied in street attack

United States&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-officials-not-aware-of-escape-of-islamic-state-extremists-mike-pence-leaving-for-turkey-in-24-hours-256166">he and US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence</a> expect to meet with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan when they travel to Turkey this week.

Pompeo, in an interview on Fox Business Network, said the US&nbsp;delegation was planning to leave later on Wednesday and that the goal was to find a resolution to the situation in Syria, not break the US-Turkey relationship.

Vice President Mike Pence will leave within 24 hours to Ankara to press&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-security-council-to-meet-on-turkish-syria-assault-256140">Turkey for a ceasefire in its offensive against Syrian Kurdish fighters</a>, a US official said Tuesday.

"We will launching off to Ankara in the next 24 hours," the official said, a day after Pence announced his trip to Turkey without specifying the timing.

Turkey on Tuesday vowed to pursue its Syria offensive and slammed a "dirty deal" between President Bashar al-Assad's regime and Kurdish forces after the withdrawal of US forces from northern Syria.&nbsp;

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said he and US Vice President Mike Pence expect to meet with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan when they travel to Turkey this week.

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said he and US Vice President Mike Pence expect to meet with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan when they travel to Turkey this week. Pompeo, in an interview on Fox Business Network, said the US delegation was planning to leave later on Wednesday and that the goal was to find a resolution to the situation in Syria, not break the US-Turkey relationship. Vice President Mike Pence will leave within 24 hours to Ankara to press Turkey for a ceasefire in its offensive against Syrian Kurdish fighters, a US official said Tuesday. "We will launching off to Ankara in the next 24 hours," the official said, a day after Pence announced his trip to Turkey without specifying the timing. Turkey on Tuesday vowed to pursue its Syria offensive and slammed a "dirty deal" between President Bashar al-Assad's regime and Kurdish forces after the withdrawal of US forces from northern Syria.

United States' Pompeo says plans to meet Turkey's Erdogan 'face-to-face'

Lázaro de Mello Brandão, former chairman of Brazil's Banco Bradesco SA, died on Wednesday at 93 at a hospital in Sao Paulo, the bank said in a statement.

Brandao stepped down from his chairman role two years ago, after a 75-year career at the bank. He joined Bradesco in 1942 and worked alongside founder Amador Aguiar.

He kept a tight grip on Brazil's second-largest lender for decades and has been its chief executive and chairman.

"The Brazilian financial system lost one of its best-known executives that led us," said Bradesco Chairman Luiz Carlos Trabuco Cappi in a statement.

Sergio Rial, chief executive of Banco Santander Brasil SA, said Brandao "led the Brazilian financial industry for a long time and left a valuable legacy."

Lázaro de Mello Brandão, former chairman of Brazil's Banco Bradesco SA, died on Wednesday at 93 at a hospital in Sao Paulo, the bank said in a statement. Brandao stepped down from his chairman role two years ago, after a 75-year career at the bank.

Lázaro de Mello Brandão, former chairman of Brazil's Banco Bradesco SA, died on Wednesday at 93 at a hospital in Sao Paulo, the bank said in a statement. Brandao stepped down from his chairman role two years ago, after a 75-year career at the bank. He joined Bradesco in 1942 and worked alongside founder Amador Aguiar. He kept a tight grip on Brazil's second-largest lender for decades and has been its chief executive and chairman. "The Brazilian financial system lost one of its best-known executives that led us," said Bradesco Chairman Luiz Carlos Trabuco Cappi in a statement. Sergio Rial, chief executive of Banco Santander Brasil SA, said Brandao "led the Brazilian financial industry for a long time and left a valuable legacy."

Former chairman of Brazil's Banco Bradesco dies at 93

The Taliban on Wednesday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-two-security-personnel-killed-in-explosion-in-laghman-province-256216">claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing near police headquarters</a> that claimed the lives of two members of the Afghan Security Forces and injured 26 other people in Afghanistan's eastern province of Laghman. 
 
The incident occurred at around 6 am (local time) when a suicide bomber set off explosives in a truck in the Alishing district, Tolo news reported. 
 
The district governor's compound and a madrasa were close to the blast site, local officials said, adding that among those injured include twenty civilians and six members of the Afghan Security Forces. 
 
The injured have been taken to the nearby hospital for treatment. 
 
An eyewitness said the blast also damaged nearby buildings. 
 
Over the past few months, Afghanistan has witnessed waves of terror attacks. 
 
United States President Donald Trump had called off the peace talks with the Taliban after the group had claimed the responsibility for the Kabul terror attack.

The Taliban on Wednesday claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing near police headquarters that claimed the lives of two members of the Afghan Security Forces and injured 26 other people in Afghanistan's eastern province of Laghman.

The Taliban on Wednesday claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing near police headquarters that claimed the lives of two members of the Afghan Security Forces and injured 26 other people in Afghanistan's eastern province of Laghman. The incident occurred at around 6 am (local time) when a suicide bomber set off explosives in a truck in the Alishing district, Tolo news reported. The district governor's compound and a madrasa were close to the blast site, local officials said, adding that among those injured include twenty civilians and six members of the Afghan Security Forces. The injured have been taken to the nearby hospital for treatment. An eyewitness said the blast also damaged nearby buildings. Over the past few months, Afghanistan has witnessed waves of terror attacks. United States President Donald Trump had called off the peace talks with the Taliban after the group had claimed the responsibility for the Kabul terror attack.

Taliban claim responsibility of attack that killed two policemen in Afghanistan

The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria called on Wednesday for an immediate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arrests-extortion-detention-syrians-warned-against-heading-home-256255">end to hostilities along its border with Turkey</a>, where Ankara has launched an assault and Damascus advanced its forces after United States&nbsp;troops pulled out.

Geir Pedersen raised Turkey's week-old incursion into northeastern Syria in talks in Damascus Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem.

Pedersen told Reuters TV the U.N. was extremely concerned about the humanitarian consequences of the crisis and called for an "immediate cessation of hostilities".

Moualem was quoted by state news agency SANA as saying <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-syria-kurds-seek-refuge-in-iraq-256251">Turkey's aggression was prolonging the crisis in Syria</a> and undermining efforts to secure a political settlement.

Pedersen's trip had been planned to discuss preparations for the first meeting of Syria's Constitutional Committee, due to take place in Geneva on October&nbsp;30.

A congress convened by Russia, a leading ally of Syrian President Bashir al-Assad, has asked the United Nations to form the 150-member committee to draft a new constitution after many rounds of talks to end the war had failed.

The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria called on Wednesday for an immediate end to hostilities along its border with Turkey, where Ankara has launched an assault and Damascus advanced its forces after United States troops pulled out.

The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria called on Wednesday for an immediate end to hostilities along its border with Turkey, where Ankara has launched an assault and Damascus advanced its forces after United States troops pulled out. Geir Pedersen raised Turkey's week-old incursion into northeastern Syria in talks in Damascus Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem. Pedersen told Reuters TV the U.N. was extremely concerned about the humanitarian consequences of the crisis and called for an "immediate cessation of hostilities". Moualem was quoted by state news agency SANA as saying Turkey's aggression was prolonging the crisis in Syria and undermining efforts to secure a political settlement. Pedersen's trip had been planned to discuss preparations for the first meeting of Syria's Constitutional Committee, due to take place in Geneva on October 30. A congress convened by Russia, a leading ally of Syrian President Bashir al-Assad, has asked the United Nations to form the 150-member committee to draft a new constitution after many rounds of talks to end the war had failed.

United Nations Syria envoy calls for ceasefire in northeast border area

At least <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-pakistan-violates-ceasefire-in-poonch-district-indian-army-is-retaliating-256030">seven Taliban terrorists were killed and eight others arrested during military operations in Wardak and Paktika</a> provinces in eastern Afghanistan, local media reported on Wednesday.

The Afghan Special Forces also destroyed caches of weapons in the two provinces, the military officials told the Khaama news outlet.

Taliban have not yet commented on the operations.

The Taliban has been waging war against the Afghan government for years, challenging stability and security in the region. As a result of political turmoil, radical groups such as the Islamic State and al-Qaeda have spread across the country.

Throughout 2019, the Taliban held talks with the United States, but the attempts to hammer out a peaceful agreement, which would see foreign troops leave Afghanistan, have not been successful so far.

At least seven Taliban terrorists were killed and eight others arrested during military operations in Wardak and Paktika provinces in eastern Afghanistan, local media reported on Wednesday.

At least seven Taliban terrorists were killed and eight others arrested during military operations in Wardak and Paktika provinces in eastern Afghanistan, local media reported on Wednesday. The Afghan Special Forces also destroyed caches of weapons in the two provinces, the military officials told the Khaama news outlet. Taliban have not yet commented on the operations. The Taliban has been waging war against the Afghan government for years, challenging stability and security in the region. As a result of political turmoil, radical groups such as the Islamic State and al-Qaeda have spread across the country. Throughout 2019, the Taliban held talks with the United States, but the attempts to hammer out a peaceful agreement, which would see foreign troops leave Afghanistan, have not been successful so far.

Seven Taliban terrorists killed, eight arrested in Eastern Afghanistan

Pakistan on Wednesday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-pakistan-violates-ceasefire-in-poonch-district-indian-army-is-retaliating-256030">India's retaliation to ceasefire violations</a> along the Line of Control (LoC). 
 
The Pakistan Rangers on Tuesday had initiated an unprovoked ceasefire violation at around 9:30 am in Qasba and Kirni sectors of Poonch district by firing small arms and shelling mortars. The Indian Army hit back effectively. 
 
Pakistan's firing claimed the life of a 27-year old woman from Poonch district, identified as Shameem Akhter. 
 
The number of ceasefire violations by Pakistan has gone up significantly this year as compared to 2018. 
 
Till October 10, Pakistan violated the ceasefire 2317 times. The incidents of unprovoked firing and shelling have increased sharply ever since India abrogated Article 370 that had given special status to Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
New Delhi has repeatedly urged Pakistan to "respect" the 2003 ceasefire arrangements between the two countries.

Pakistan on Wednesday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia over India's retaliation to ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC).

Pakistan on Wednesday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia over India's retaliation to ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC). The Pakistan Rangers on Tuesday had initiated an unprovoked ceasefire violation at around 9:30 am in Qasba and Kirni sectors of Poonch district by firing small arms and shelling mortars. The Indian Army hit back effectively. Pakistan's firing claimed the life of a 27-year old woman from Poonch district, identified as Shameem Akhter. The number of ceasefire violations by Pakistan has gone up significantly this year as compared to 2018. Till October 10, Pakistan violated the ceasefire 2317 times. The incidents of unprovoked firing and shelling have increased sharply ever since India abrogated Article 370 that had given special status to Jammu and Kashmir. New Delhi has repeatedly urged Pakistan to "respect" the 2003 ceasefire arrangements between the two countries.

Pakistan summons Indian High Deputy Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia over firings across Line of Control

Pakistani journalists on Wednesday held a country-wide protest against police brutality on a local reporter in Lahore. 
 
The protest took place after police officials hit Pakistani journalist Usman Ahmed Bhatti for covering the appearance of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz PML(N)&nbsp;leader Hamza Shahba in court, Geo News reported. 
 
The report said the policemen not only beat-up the reporter but also hit two camerapersons for covering the appearance of Hamza Shahbaz in court. 
 
It also said that other journalists were also roughed-up to make way for the convoy of the PML(N) leader. 
 
Punjab police did not make any comment over allegations of brutality levelled by protesting journalists. 
 
Journalists had earlier come together and protested in front of the court demanding justice against the police action.

Pakistani journalists on Wednesday held a country-wide protest against police brutality on a local reporter in Lahore. The protest took place after police officials hit Pakistani journalist Usman Ahmed Bhatti for covering the appearance of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz PML(N) leader Hamza Shahba in court, Geo News reported.

Pakistani journalists on Wednesday held a country-wide protest against police brutality on a local reporter in Lahore. The protest took place after police officials hit Pakistani journalist Usman Ahmed Bhatti for covering the appearance of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz PML(N) leader Hamza Shahba in court, Geo News reported. The report said the policemen not only beat-up the reporter but also hit two camerapersons for covering the appearance of Hamza Shahbaz in court. It also said that other journalists were also roughed-up to make way for the convoy of the PML(N) leader. Punjab police did not make any comment over allegations of brutality levelled by protesting journalists. Journalists had earlier come together and protested in front of the court demanding justice against the police action.

Journalists hold protests against police brutality in Pakistan

In a major development, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/to-support-terrorism-is-pakistans-state-policy-fatf-has-created-pressure-on-it-ajit-doval-255788">Financial Action Task Force</a> (FATF) on Tuesday decided "in principle" that Pakistan will remain on its grey list till February 2020 and directed the country to take "extra measures" for the "complete elimination" of terror financing and money laundering. 
 
The meeting of the international watchdog reviewed the measures taken by Pakistan to control money laundering and terror financing, and observed that Islamabad will have to take further steps on the two parameters in these four months, reported Dawn. 
 
The formal announcement of these decisions will be made on October 18. 
 
The country was placed on the Grey List by the watchdog in June 2018 and was given 15 months to complete implementation of a 27-point action plan, failing which it be placed in the Black List. 
 
It included safeguards against money-laundering and terror-financing by banned outfits and non-government entities through banking and non-banking jurisdictions, capital markets, corporate and non-corporate sectors like chartered accountancy, financial advisory services, cost and management accountancy firm, jewellery and similar related services. 
 
According to Dawn, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fatf-meet-to-begin-in-paris-today-outcome-to-decide-paks-fate-on-terror-listing-255569">the FATF has linked the blacklisting of Pakistan with "unsatisfactory steps"</a> to curb money laundering and terror financing. The watchdog will make its final decision in February 2020. 
 
The report said that China, Turkey and Malaysia appreciated the steps taken by Pakistan, and on the outright support extended by these countries, the FATF decided not to include Pakistan on the blacklist and give it more time to implement the remaining measures. 
 
On being asked about the development, Pakistan Finance Ministry spokesperson Omar Hameed Khan responded, "it is not true and nothing before October 18". 
 
A Pakistani delegation led by Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar told the meeting that the country has made positive progress in 20 out of 27 points. The FATF expressed satisfaction on the measures taken by Pakistan and its progress in various areas.

In a major development, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Tuesday decided "in principle" that Pakistan will remain on its grey list till February 2020 and directed the country to take "extra measures" for the "complete elimination" of terror financing and money laundering.

In a major development, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Tuesday decided "in principle" that Pakistan will remain on its grey list till February 2020 and directed the country to take "extra measures" for the "complete elimination" of terror financing and money laundering. The meeting of the international watchdog reviewed the measures taken by Pakistan to control money laundering and terror financing, and observed that Islamabad will have to take further steps on the two parameters in these four months, reported Dawn. The formal announcement of these decisions will be made on October 18. The country was placed on the Grey List by the watchdog in June 2018 and was given 15 months to complete implementation of a 27-point action plan, failing which it be placed in the Black List. It included safeguards against money-laundering and terror-financing by banned outfits and non-government entities through banking and non-banking jurisdictions, capital markets, corporate and non-corporate sectors like chartered accountancy, financial advisory services, cost and management accountancy firm, jewellery and similar related services. According to Dawn, the FATF has linked the blacklisting of Pakistan with "unsatisfactory steps" to curb money laundering and terror financing. The watchdog will make its final decision in February 2020. The report said that China, Turkey and Malaysia appreciated the steps taken by Pakistan, and on the outright support extended by these countries, the FATF decided not to include Pakistan on the blacklist and give it more time to implement the remaining measures. On being asked about the development, Pakistan Finance Ministry spokesperson Omar Hameed Khan responded, "it is not true and nothing before October 18". A Pakistani delegation led by Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar told the meeting that the country has made positive progress in 20 out of 27 points. The FATF expressed satisfaction on the measures taken by Pakistan and its progress in various areas.

Pakistan to remain on Financial Action Task Force grey list till February 2020

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