UN-designated terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed openly collects funds in Peshawar

In a concerning development, the United Nations-designated terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has been seen openly collecting funds in Peshawar, Pakistan. This has raised alarm bells about the resurgence of extremist groups in the country, particularly after its removal from the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) grey list.

A Twitter user recounted their experience during the Eid prayer where they witnessed members of the banned outfit collecting funds openly in Peshawar, in the presence of security personnel. "Members of a banned outflit were collecting money openly in Peshawar in the presence of security personnel. My father, my brothers and Iwere there to pray Eid prayer,"said the user. The fundraising took place in Hayatabad (Bagh-e-Naran) by JeM, which is responsible for several terrorist attacks, including the 2001 Indian Parliament attack and the 2019 Pulwama attack.

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Another Twitter user expressed his disappointment and shared that such fundraising is a common sight in Pakistan. "It is very normal for someone to stand up after prayers and openly ask for funds to fight Jihad in Palestine and Kashmir. Was a frequent sight at our mosque in Karachi," said the netizen.

This is not an isolated incident as several users pointed out that fundraising for extremist groups is happening in other areas as well.

The ease with which these groups can openly collect funds raises concerns about the government's ability to crack down on extremist activities.

The FATF is an intergovernmental organisation that works to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The watchdog had placed Pakistan on its grey list in 2018 due to its failure to curb terror financing but removedit from the list last year. However, recent developments such as the open fundraising by JeM suggest that the country still has a long way to go in curbing extremist activities.

WATCH |Pakistan again in trouble? FATF issues warning as global terrorist Salahuddin spotted in Pak

Earlier this year, in a stern message to Islamabad, the FATF said Pakistan's progress in taking action on terror financing continues to be monitored. The comments are significant in the backdrop of Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin being publicly seen in Pakistan.

In response to a WION question at the time, FATF President T Raja Kumar said, "I will not speculate on specific media reports. But I think what is important is to emphasise that there continues to be, you know, monitoring of Pakistan's progress by the Asia Pacific group."

Salahuddin, protected by security personnel, was seen leading funeral prayers for Bashir Ahmad Peer in a viral video, where he also issued a threat against India.

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