Financial Action Task Force(FATF), the anti-terror financing watchdog has lauded France's prompt announcement of sanctions against Pakistan-based terrorist Masood Azhar after the Pulwama terror attack in 2019.

Over 40 personnel of India's Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF)&nbsp;were killed in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14, 2019. The attack was perpetrated by UN-listed Pakistan based terror organization Jaish-e-Mohammed.&nbsp;

The FATF mutual evaluation report said:&nbsp;"France adopted a national freezing measure on March 15 against Mohamed Masood Azhar Alvi, the founder and leader of that organisation" and Paris "subsequently proposed a draft European listing&nbsp;while supporting a United Nations 1267 listing, which was obtained on May 1 2019."&nbsp;

The mutual evaluation report pointed out how France played an "active role in the international sanctions policy and designations on UN lists."

The process of French national listing involves targets being identified by the intelligence agencies who send their proposed listings to the coordination&nbsp;unit of the fight against terrorism or UCLAT. This process ensures that there are no objections to the proposal by an intelligence agency or judicial body.

Tracfin, a unit under the French ministry of economy&nbsp;also adds its suggestions including giving details on the possible existence of assets in France in advance.

Not only has France steadfastly supported India after the Pulwama terror attack, the country has also backed Indian requests to block attempts by Pakistan to enlist innocent Indian citizens under the UNSC 1267 sanctions Committee based on fabricated charges.

In the aftermath of a string of terrorist attacks in 2020 in France, most notably the "Paris stabbing attack”, and the beheading of Samuel Paty in October, India expressed its condolences. In fact, in the face of the backlash against purported French “Islamophobia”, in countries such as Turkey and Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his public support to President Macron.

Overall, the mutual evaluation report called France's system to tackle money laundering and terrorist financing effective and robust. Following the terrorist attacks in 2015, France has actively combated terrorist financing.

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Financial Action Task Force(FATF), the anti-terror financing watchdog has lauded France's prompt announcement of sanctions against Pakistan-based terrorist Masood Azhar after the Pulwama terror attack in 2019.

Financial Action Task Force(FATF), the anti-terror financing watchdog has lauded France's prompt announcement of sanctions against Pakistan-based terrorist Masood Azhar after the Pulwama terror attack in 2019. Over 40 personnel of India's Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF) were killed in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14, 2019. The attack was perpetrated by UN-listed Pakistan based terror organization Jaish-e-Mohammed. The FATF mutual evaluation report said: "France adopted a national freezing measure on March 15 against Mohamed Masood Azhar Alvi, the founder and leader of that organisation" and Paris "subsequently proposed a draft European listing while supporting a United Nations 1267 listing, which was obtained on May 1 2019." The mutual evaluation report pointed out how France played an "active role in the international sanctions policy and designations on UN lists." The process of French national listing involves targets being identified by the intelligence agencies who send their proposed listings to the coordination unit of the fight against terrorism or UCLAT. This process ensures that there are no objections to the proposal by an intelligence agency or judicial body. Tracfin, a unit under the French ministry of economy also adds its suggestions including giving details on the possible existence of assets in France in advance. Not only has France steadfastly supported India after the Pulwama terror attack, the country has also backed Indian requests to block attempts by Pakistan to enlist innocent Indian citizens under the UNSC 1267 sanctions Committee based on fabricated charges. In the aftermath of a string of terrorist attacks in 2020 in France, most notably the "Paris stabbing attack”, and the beheading of Samuel Paty in October, India expressed its condolences. In fact, in the face of the backlash against purported French “Islamophobia”, in countries such as Turkey and Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his public support to President Macron. Overall, the mutual evaluation report called France's system to tackle money laundering and terrorist financing effective and robust. Following the terrorist attacks in 2015, France has actively combated terrorist financing. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

FATF lauds France for its sanctions against Masood Azhar after Pulwama terror attack

Pakistan has been retained in the ‘grey list’ of the global terror financing watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) over failure to address the remaining deficiencies in its financial system.

The FATF added the United Arab Emirates to its increased monitoring list, also known as the grey list, of countries with inadequate controls over terrorism financing.&nbsp;

Pakistan has been placed on the list since 2018 for failing to check money laundering, leading to terror financing, and was given a plan of action to complete it by October 2019.

At the conclusion of its plenary meeting, the Paris-based watchdog announced that Pakistan has completed 26 of the 27 action items in the 2018 action plan, the Dawn newspaper reported.

And it has completed seven action items of the 2021 action plan of the watchdog’s Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) ahead of the deadlines.

The FATF encouraged Pakistan to continue making progress to address, as soon as possible, the one remaining item by continuing to demonstrate that terror financing investigations and prosecutions target most wanted terrorists and chiefs of UN-designated terrorist groups.

The statement further said that since June 2018, Pakistan has shown “continued political commitment” that has led to “significant progress across a comprehensive CFT action plan”.

Pakistan has so far avoided being on the blacklist with the help of close allies like China, Turkey and Malaysia.

The FATF currently has 39 members including two regional organisations - the European Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council. India is a member of the FATF consultations and its Asia Pacific Group.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan has been retained in the ‘grey list’ of the global terror financing watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) over failure to address the remaining deficiencies in its financial system.

Pakistan has been retained in the ‘grey list’ of the global terror financing watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) over failure to address the remaining deficiencies in its financial system. The FATF added the United Arab Emirates to its increased monitoring list, also known as the grey list, of countries with inadequate controls over terrorism financing. Pakistan has been placed on the list since 2018 for failing to check money laundering, leading to terror financing, and was given a plan of action to complete it by October 2019. At the conclusion of its plenary meeting, the Paris-based watchdog announced that Pakistan has completed 26 of the 27 action items in the 2018 action plan, the Dawn newspaper reported. And it has completed seven action items of the 2021 action plan of the watchdog’s Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) ahead of the deadlines. The FATF encouraged Pakistan to continue making progress to address, as soon as possible, the one remaining item by continuing to demonstrate that terror financing investigations and prosecutions target most wanted terrorists and chiefs of UN-designated terrorist groups. The statement further said that since June 2018, Pakistan has shown “continued political commitment” that has led to “significant progress across a comprehensive CFT action plan”. Pakistan has so far avoided being on the blacklist with the help of close allies like China, Turkey and Malaysia. The FATF currently has 39 members including two regional organisations - the European Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council. India is a member of the FATF consultations and its Asia Pacific Group. (With inputs from agencies)

Global terror financing watchdog FATF retains Pakistan on ‘grey list’

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has his hopes pinned on the FATF plenary. Pakistan is looking to exit the grey list of global anti-terrorist funding and anti-money laundering.

FATF to review progress made by Pakistan o exit the grey list of anti-terrorist funding

The FATF has decided to keep Pakistan on its grey list, Turkey is also added to it. The close allies have failed to curb issues like money laundering and terror financing in their countries.

Pakistan to remain under FATF grey list; Turkey, Jordan, Mali also added

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Thursday placed Turkey on the "grey list" over money laundering and terrorist financing.

FATF said Pakistan will remain on the "grey list". The financial body said&nbsp;the Pakistan government has the "34-point action plan of which 30 items have been addressed" while adding the "most recent action plan which was in June this year focused on money laundering".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fatf-grey-list-takes-down-pakistan-by-usd-38-billion-report-366261">Also Read:&nbsp;FATF grey-list ‘takes down’ Pakistan by $38 billion</a>

The global financial watchdog said there were "serious issues" over Turkey's financial operation as it failed to combat money laundering and terror financing.

The watchdog said Turkey had agreed on an action plan with the FATF.

The financial watchdog had put Turkey on notice two years as it had found “serious shortcomings". The move is set to hit President Erdogan's attempt to attract foreign investment in the country amid a bleak economic situation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/islamabad-has-not-taken-action-on-terrorists-says-india-ahead-of-fatfs-decision-on-pakistans-listing-337243">Also Read:&nbsp;Islamabad has not taken action on terrorists, says India&nbsp;</a>

FATF's president Pleyer announced that Mauritius and Botswana have been removed from the list while declaring that APG, EAG and global network "will closely monitor the situation in Afghanistan, including any changes to money laundering and terrorist financing risks in the country."

The financial body expressed "concern" over the evolving money laundering and terrorist financing risk in Afghanistan.

"We affirm recent UNSC resolutions on situation in Afghanistan and demand that the country not be used to plan or finance terrorist acts," Marcus Pleyer said.

(With inputs from Agencies)

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Thursday placed Turkey on the "grey list" over money laundering and terrorist financing. FATF said Pakistan will remain on the "grey list".

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Thursday placed Turkey on the "grey list" over money laundering and terrorist financing. FATF said Pakistan will remain on the "grey list". The financial body said the Pakistan government has the "34-point action plan of which 30 items have been addressed" while adding the "most recent action plan which was in June this year focused on money laundering". Also Read: FATF grey-list ‘takes down’ Pakistan by $38 billion The global financial watchdog said there were "serious issues" over Turkey's financial operation as it failed to combat money laundering and terror financing. The watchdog said Turkey had agreed on an action plan with the FATF. The financial watchdog had put Turkey on notice two years as it had found “serious shortcomings". The move is set to hit President Erdogan's attempt to attract foreign investment in the country amid a bleak economic situation. Also Read: Islamabad has not taken action on terrorists, says India FATF's president Pleyer announced that Mauritius and Botswana have been removed from the list while declaring that APG, EAG and global network "will closely monitor the situation in Afghanistan, including any changes to money laundering and terrorist financing risks in the country." The financial body expressed "concern" over the evolving money laundering and terrorist financing risk in Afghanistan. "We affirm recent UNSC resolutions on situation in Afghanistan and demand that the country not be used to plan or finance terrorist acts," Marcus Pleyer said. (With inputs from Agencies)

FATF puts Turkey on 'grey list'; Pakistan to remain on 'grey list'

Pakistan is likely to remain on the Financial Action Task Force's ‘grey list’ till the next session of the global money laundering and terror financing watchdog in April 2022, according to a media report.

According to a report by Pakistan-based The News International, Islamabad is still short of meeting the FATF criterion, including curbing terror financing.

Paris-based FATF will be in session for three days from October 19 to 21.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-pakistan-will-face-major-economic-loss-after-fatf-puts-it-on-grey-list-of-terror-financing-34131">Opinion: Pakistan will face major economic loss after FATF puts it on grey list of terror financing</a>

The report, quoting sources in German media house Deutsche Welle, said the global body’s decision on putting Pakistan off the ‘grey list’ may be taken in the next session slated for April 2022.

The FATF in June retained Pakistan on its 'grey list' for failing to check money laundering, leading to terror financing, and asked Islamabad to investigate and prosecute senior leaders and commanders of UN-designated terror groups, including Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fatf-may-put-turkey-on-grey-list-over-money-laundering-and-terror-financing-report-422379">FATF may put Turkey on 'grey list' over money laundering and terror financing: Report</a>

It also asked Pakistan to work to address its strategically important deficiencies.

Pakistan was placed on the grey list by the FATF in June 2018 and was given a plan of action to complete it by October 2019. Since then, the country continues to be in that list due to its failure to comply with the FATF mandates.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/activists-protest-in-paris-to-ensure-pak-gets-placed-on-fatf-blacklist-365742">&nbsp;Activists protest in Paris to ensure Pak gets placed on FATF blacklist</a>

With Pakistan's continuation in the grey list, it will increasingly become difficult for the country to get financial aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Union.

Pakistan has so far avoided being on the blacklist with the help of China, Turkey and Malaysia.

Apart from Pakistan, Turkey may also be “greylisted” since it has reportedly failed to combat terrorist financing and money laundering.

The Financial Times reported that that global financial watchdog may approve the decision to put Turkey on the ‘grey list’.

There are 22 countries on FATF's grey list including Yemen, South Sudan, Syria, Morocco, Albania, Zimbabwe, Cambodia, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Philippines among others.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan is likely to remain on the Financial Action Task Force's ‘grey list’ till the next session of the global money laundering and terror financing watchdog in April 2022, according to a media report.

Pakistan is likely to remain on the Financial Action Task Force's ‘grey list’ till the next session of the global money laundering and terror financing watchdog in April 2022, according to a media report. According to a report by Pakistan-based The News International, Islamabad is still short of meeting the FATF criterion, including curbing terror financing. Paris-based FATF will be in session for three days from October 19 to 21. Also read | Opinion: Pakistan will face major economic loss after FATF puts it on grey list of terror financing The report, quoting sources in German media house Deutsche Welle, said the global body’s decision on putting Pakistan off the ‘grey list’ may be taken in the next session slated for April 2022. The FATF in June retained Pakistan on its 'grey list' for failing to check money laundering, leading to terror financing, and asked Islamabad to investigate and prosecute senior leaders and commanders of UN-designated terror groups, including Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar. Also read | FATF may put Turkey on 'grey list' over money laundering and terror financing: Report It also asked Pakistan to work to address its strategically important deficiencies. Pakistan was placed on the grey list by the FATF in June 2018 and was given a plan of action to complete it by October 2019. Since then, the country continues to be in that list due to its failure to comply with the FATF mandates. Also read | Activists protest in Paris to ensure Pak gets placed on FATF blacklist With Pakistan's continuation in the grey list, it will increasingly become difficult for the country to get financial aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Union. Pakistan has so far avoided being on the blacklist with the help of China, Turkey and Malaysia. Apart from Pakistan, Turkey may also be “greylisted” since it has reportedly failed to combat terrorist financing and money laundering. The Financial Times reported that that global financial watchdog may approve the decision to put Turkey on the ‘grey list’. There are 22 countries on FATF's grey list including Yemen, South Sudan, Syria, Morocco, Albania, Zimbabwe, Cambodia, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Philippines among others. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan likely to remain on FATF ‘grey list’ till April 2022

Is Turkey set to join Pakistan on the FATF grey-list? A report has claimed that members of the global terror financing watchdog are likely to make the announcement on Thursday. Palki Sharma tells you why Turkey could be greylisted.

Gravitas: Turkey "set to be grey-listed" by FATF

According to a report, Turkey may be “greylisted” by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) since it has reportedly failed to combat terrorist financing and money laundering.

The Financial Times reported that that global financial watchdog may approve the decision to put Turkey on the "grey list".

The London-based newspaper reported that Turkey may join 22 other states in the list which is likely to hit the Erdogan regime's ability to raise international investment for the country. The country's currency the Lira has plunged to a historic low against the dollar amid the economic crisis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/activists-protest-in-paris-to-ensure-pak-gets-placed-on-fatf-blacklist-365742">Also Read:&nbsp;Activists protest in Paris to ensure Pak gets placed on FATF blacklist</a>

The report said Turkey was "put on notice" two years ago by the FATF. The financial body had declared that although Turkey understood “the risks it faces from money laundering and terrorist financing" but it found “serious shortcomings".

FATF officials may move to put Turkey on the list on Thursday in Paris, the report claimed. In June, the FATF had decided to keep Pakistan on the "grey list" even as the Imran Khan government claimed it had implemented 26 of the 27 points forwarded by the body to enable it to exit the list.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fatf-grey-list-takes-down-pakistan-by-usd-38-billion-report-366261">Also Read:&nbsp;FATF grey-list ‘takes down’ Pakistan by $38 billion</a>

FATF said although Pakistan had made "significant progress" but added that plan on financial terrorism still needed to be implemented with "investigation and prosecution of senior leaders and commanders of UN-designated terror groups".

Pakistan's government had passed legislation on Counter Terror Financing (CTF) and Anti Money Laundering (AML) but the FATF had expressed concern over Pakistan's inaction on UN listed terror groups.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-parliament-passes-fatf-related-bills-amid-uproar-327983">Also Read:&nbsp;Pakistan Parliament passes FATF-related bills amid uproar</a>

There are 22 countries on FATF's grey list including Yemen, South Sudan, Syria, Morocco, Albania, Zimbabwe, Cambodia, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Philippines among others.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to a report, Turkey may be “greylisted” by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) since it has reportedly failed to combat terrorist financing and money laundering.

According to a report, Turkey may be “greylisted” by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) since it has reportedly failed to combat terrorist financing and money laundering. The Financial Times reported that that global financial watchdog may approve the decision to put Turkey on the "grey list". The London-based newspaper reported that Turkey may join 22 other states in the list which is likely to hit the Erdogan regime's ability to raise international investment for the country. The country's currency the Lira has plunged to a historic low against the dollar amid the economic crisis. Also Read: Activists protest in Paris to ensure Pak gets placed on FATF blacklist The report said Turkey was "put on notice" two years ago by the FATF. The financial body had declared that although Turkey understood “the risks it faces from money laundering and terrorist financing" but it found “serious shortcomings". FATF officials may move to put Turkey on the list on Thursday in Paris, the report claimed. In June, the FATF had decided to keep Pakistan on the "grey list" even as the Imran Khan government claimed it had implemented 26 of the 27 points forwarded by the body to enable it to exit the list. Also Read: FATF grey-list ‘takes down’ Pakistan by $38 billion FATF said although Pakistan had made "significant progress" but added that plan on financial terrorism still needed to be implemented with "investigation and prosecution of senior leaders and commanders of UN-designated terror groups". Pakistan's government had passed legislation on Counter Terror Financing (CTF) and Anti Money Laundering (AML) but the FATF had expressed concern over Pakistan's inaction on UN listed terror groups. Also Read: Pakistan Parliament passes FATF-related bills amid uproar There are 22 countries on FATF's grey list including Yemen, South Sudan, Syria, Morocco, Albania, Zimbabwe, Cambodia, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Philippines among others. (With inputs from Agencies)

FATF may put Turkey on 'grey list' over money laundering and terror financing: Report

Pakistan continues to remain on Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list as it is still to implement the terror funding watchdog's action plan.

Pakistan continues to be in FATF 'grey list'

Pakistan continues to remain on Financial Action Task Force (FATF)&nbsp;grey list as it is still to implement the terror funding watchdog's&nbsp;action plan.

The country has to work towards complete implementations till the next FATF plenary meet that will take place on October 17-22.

Watch:

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It is now three&nbsp;years since Islamabad has been on the anti-terror financing body's grey list. For a country to be on the grey list is a signal that money in the country is being used for terror financing.&nbsp;

This impacts foreign investment flow in the country impacting the economy. Pakistan was put on the FATF grey list in June 2018.

According to estimates by the Pakistan&nbsp;government,&nbsp;the grey listing&nbsp;at the FATF has caused damage of around $10 billion annually to the country.

Pakistan&nbsp;hosts one of the largest numbers of UN-listed international terrorists with Islamabad reaching out to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to get pensions for some. Being on the UN terror list involves assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo.

Over the course of several months, Pakistan&nbsp;has approved a number of legislations on Counter Terror Financing (CTF) and Anti Money Laundering (AML) as part of its commitments to FATF.

An on-site visit by the FATF team will take place as part of the process to see Pakistan's action to combat the issue of terror financing.

Meanwhile, FATF has expressed concern over Pakistan's inaction against&nbsp;United Nations listed terror groups. The country has one of the largest numbers of UN listed terror groups including&nbsp;Lashkar-e-Taiba's Hafiz Saeed and Jaish-e-Mohammed's Masood Azhar.

While the country has made "substantial progress" addressing&nbsp;26 of the 27 items of the 2018 action plan, FATF president&nbsp;Dr Marcus Pleyer said, "investigations&nbsp;and prosecutions of senior leaders and commanders of UN-designated terrorist groups".

In fact, Pakistan had approached United Nations Security Council for "basic expense" for 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed, Lakshar-e-Taiba's leader Zaki ur Rehman Lakhvi and Mahmood Sultan Bashiruddin, a Pakistani nuclear engineer -&nbsp;all three&nbsp;UN listed terrorist.&nbsp;

The 1267 sanctions regime of UNSC includes three&nbsp;main areas - assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo.

In response to WION's question, if FATF is hopeful that Pakistan will take action till the next plenary,&nbsp;Pleyer said, "It remains to be seen. Pakistan knows exactly what is expected from them. There is this remaining action item, that is concentrating on counter-terror financing"

"We will closely cooperate and observe the progress. Thankful for the commitment of the Pakistan&nbsp;government&nbsp;to do so. In four&nbsp;months' time we will look into the progress,"&nbsp;Pleyer added.

Pakistan continues to remain on Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list as it is still to implement the terror funding watchdog's action plan. The country has to work towards complete implementations till the next FATF plenary meet that will take place on October 17-22.

Pakistan continues to remain on Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list as it is still to implement the terror funding watchdog's action plan. The country has to work towards complete implementations till the next FATF plenary meet that will take place on October 17-22. Watch: It is now three years since Islamabad has been on the anti-terror financing body's grey list. For a country to be on the grey list is a signal that money in the country is being used for terror financing. This impacts foreign investment flow in the country impacting the economy. Pakistan was put on the FATF grey list in June 2018. According to estimates by the Pakistan government, the grey listing at the FATF has caused damage of around $10 billion annually to the country. Pakistan hosts one of the largest numbers of UN-listed international terrorists with Islamabad reaching out to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to get pensions for some. Being on the UN terror list involves assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo. Over the course of several months, Pakistan has approved a number of legislations on Counter Terror Financing (CTF) and Anti Money Laundering (AML) as part of its commitments to FATF. An on-site visit by the FATF team will take place as part of the process to see Pakistan's action to combat the issue of terror financing. Meanwhile, FATF has expressed concern over Pakistan's inaction against United Nations listed terror groups. The country has one of the largest numbers of UN listed terror groups including Lashkar-e-Taiba's Hafiz Saeed and Jaish-e-Mohammed's Masood Azhar. While the country has made "substantial progress" addressing 26 of the 27 items of the 2018 action plan, FATF president Dr Marcus Pleyer said, "investigations and prosecutions of senior leaders and commanders of UN-designated terrorist groups". In fact, Pakistan had approached United Nations Security Council for "basic expense" for 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed, Lakshar-e-Taiba's leader Zaki ur Rehman Lakhvi and Mahmood Sultan Bashiruddin, a Pakistani nuclear engineer - all three UN listed terrorist. The 1267 sanctions regime of UNSC includes three main areas - assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo. In response to WION's question, if FATF is hopeful that Pakistan will take action till the next plenary, Pleyer said, "It remains to be seen. Pakistan knows exactly what is expected from them. There is this remaining action item, that is concentrating on counter-terror financing" "We will closely cooperate and observe the progress. Thankful for the commitment of the Pakistan government to do so. In four months' time we will look into the progress," Pleyer added.

Pakistan remains on FATF's grey list

With the FATF set to discuss a report on the progress made by Pakistan on the implementation of a 27-point action plan this week, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has alleged that previous governments did not take steps to curb money laundering and terrorist financing in the country.

The Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) placed Pakistan on the grey list in June 2018 and asked Islamabad to implement a plan of action to curb money laundering and terror financing by the end of 2019 but the deadline was extended later on due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr. Qureshi said on Tuesday that the previous government of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was responsible for the country being placed on the grey list of the FATF, The Express Tribune reported.

“When PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf) came to power, Pakistan had already gone into the (FAFT) grey list,” Mr. Qureshi said.

Holding the PML-N responsible for the tough conditions set by FATF, he said that no previous government took steps to curb money laundering and terrorist financing.

The minister said that nations faced pressures in these situations so “we should (also) bear this pressure”.

Mr. Qureshi said Pakistan had fulfilled the 27 conditions of the FATF, therefore, “there are no grounds to keep Pakistan into the grey list. “The gift of the grey list was also given by the PML-N,” he said, adding: “Now there is no justification for keeping Pakistan into the grey list.” The statement came as the global anti-money laundering watchdog is set to discuss a preliminary report on the progress made by Pakistan on the implementation of a 27-point action plan in its plenary meeting being held from June 21 to 25.

The report has been prepared by the FATF's International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG), which includes China, the USA, UK, France and India.

Pakistan has been scrambling in recent months to avoid being added to a list of countries deemed non-compliant with anti-money laundering and terrorist financing regulations by the global watchdog, a measure that officials here fear could further hurt its economy.

In February, the FATF gave a fourth extension to Pakistan to fully implement a 27-point action plan and 'strongly urged' it to meet the remaining three conditions about terror financing investigations and the United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Against the government’s hopes of exiting the grey list, the FATF plenary found the country’s progress on three out of the remaining six points were less than satisfactory. Pakistan would remain on the grey list till June 2021, a statement issued by the FATF from Paris had said.

With the FATF set to discuss a report on the progress made by Pakistan on the implementation of a 27-point action plan this week, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has alleged that previous governments did not take steps to curb money laundering and terrorist financing in the country.

With the FATF set to discuss a report on the progress made by Pakistan on the implementation of a 27-point action plan this week, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has alleged that previous governments did not take steps to curb money laundering and terrorist financing in the country. The Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) placed Pakistan on the grey list in June 2018 and asked Islamabad to implement a plan of action to curb money laundering and terror financing by the end of 2019 but the deadline was extended later on due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Qureshi said on Tuesday that the previous government of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was responsible for the country being placed on the grey list of the FATF, The Express Tribune reported. “When PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf) came to power, Pakistan had already gone into the (FAFT) grey list,” Mr. Qureshi said. Holding the PML-N responsible for the tough conditions set by FATF, he said that no previous government took steps to curb money laundering and terrorist financing. The minister said that nations faced pressures in these situations so “we should (also) bear this pressure”. Mr. Qureshi said Pakistan had fulfilled the 27 conditions of the FATF, therefore, “there are no grounds to keep Pakistan into the grey list. “The gift of the grey list was also given by the PML-N,” he said, adding: “Now there is no justification for keeping Pakistan into the grey list.” The statement came as the global anti-money laundering watchdog is set to discuss a preliminary report on the progress made by Pakistan on the implementation of a 27-point action plan in its plenary meeting being held from June 21 to 25. The report has been prepared by the FATF's International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG), which includes China, the USA, UK, France and India. Pakistan has been scrambling in recent months to avoid being added to a list of countries deemed non-compliant with anti-money laundering and terrorist financing regulations by the global watchdog, a measure that officials here fear could further hurt its economy. In February, the FATF gave a fourth extension to Pakistan to fully implement a 27-point action plan and 'strongly urged' it to meet the remaining three conditions about terror financing investigations and the United Nations Security Council resolutions. Against the government’s hopes of exiting the grey list, the FATF plenary found the country’s progress on three out of the remaining six points were less than satisfactory. Pakistan would remain on the grey list till June 2021, a statement issued by the FATF from Paris had said.

Qureshi blames previous Pak governments for not curbing terrorism, money laundering

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that there is no longer any justification to keep Pakistan on the grey list as the country had fulfilled 26 out of 27 action items of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Pak FM Qureshi says no justification to keep Pakistan on FATF's grey list

Reports have emerged of a substantial surge in fund-raising by the Afghan Taliban on Pakistani soil as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) began a plenary conference on Monday to examine Pakistan's efforts to combat terror financing.

Analysts warn that Afghanistan is at risk of a resurgence of bloodshed similar to that which occurred in the 1990s when the Taliban rose to power and tens of thousands of Pakistanis joined the Afghan Taliban in their struggle against the Northern Alliance.

The FATF's virtual plenary meeting, which will end on June 25, will decide whether Pakistan should remain on the "grey list" or the list of countries that the multinational watchdog is monitoring more closely. In June 2018, Pakistan was added to the list of the global watchdog for failing to combat terror financing and money laundering.

Pakistani religious organisations and several Islamic organisations have all been accused of backing the Afghan Taliban. 
 
Pakistan was one of three countries in the 1990s to recognise the Taliban-led Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

Critics have dubbed Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan "Taliban Khan" in recent years after he suggested that the Afghan Taliban should engage in talks despite the group's conflict from 2004 to 2016. In recent years, sporadic attacks have also been carried out.

Reports have emerged of a substantial surge in fund-raising by the Afghan Taliban on Pakistani soil as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) began a plenary conference on Monday to examine Pakistan's efforts to combat terror financing.

Reports have emerged of a substantial surge in fund-raising by the Afghan Taliban on Pakistani soil as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) began a plenary conference on Monday to examine Pakistan's efforts to combat terror financing. Analysts warn that Afghanistan is at risk of a resurgence of bloodshed similar to that which occurred in the 1990s when the Taliban rose to power and tens of thousands of Pakistanis joined the Afghan Taliban in their struggle against the Northern Alliance. The FATF's virtual plenary meeting, which will end on June 25, will decide whether Pakistan should remain on the "grey list" or the list of countries that the multinational watchdog is monitoring more closely. In June 2018, Pakistan was added to the list of the global watchdog for failing to combat terror financing and money laundering. Pakistani religious organisations and several Islamic organisations have all been accused of backing the Afghan Taliban. Pakistan was one of three countries in the 1990s to recognise the Taliban-led Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Critics have dubbed Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan "Taliban Khan" in recent years after he suggested that the Afghan Taliban should engage in talks despite the group's conflict from 2004 to 2016. In recent years, sporadic attacks have also been carried out.

Sharp increase in Taliban fundraising on Pakistan soil

The UK government has added Pakistan to the list of undesirable 21 high-risk countries with unsatisfactory money laundering and terrorist financing controls.

UK adds Pakistan to its list of 21 high-risk countries

Why does Pakistan suddenly want to talk peace with India? Is it because Islamabad wants to exit the FATF grey list or because it wants new friends? WION's Palki Sharma has the answers.

Gravitas: Why Pakistan wants to talk peace with India

'The FATF recognises that Pakistan has made significant progress in its efforts to improve its anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework.', says FATF President.

Pakistan to remain in FATF Grey List

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Thursday said it would keep Pakistan on its terrorism financing “grey list”.

Global terror financing watchdog said&nbsp;that Pakistan failed to address its strategically important deficiencies, to fully implement the 27 point action plan that the watchdog had drawn up for the Islamic Republic. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fatf-grey-list-takes-down-pakistan-by-usd-38-billion-report-366261">Also read: FATF grey-list ‘takes down’ Pakistan by USD 38 billion —&nbsp;Report&nbsp;</a> 
 
In an online press briefing from Paris, FATF President Marcus Pleyer said Islamabad had made progress but was yet to complete its action plan to overcome deficiencies in its combating of money laundering and terrorism financing.

The global watchdog had in October last year asked Pakistan, which has been on the FATF grey list over issues related to terror financing, to deliver on all 27 points by this February. 
 
"To date, Pakistan has made progress across all action plan items and has now largely addressed 24 of the 27 action items. As all action plan deadlines have expired, the FATF strongly urges Pakistan to swiftly complete its full action plan before June 2021," FATF said in a statement at the outcome of a plenary that began on Monday.

FATF said Pakistan should continue to work on implementing the three remaining items in its action plan to address its strategically important deficiencies, including "demonstrating effective implementation of targeted financial sanctions against all 1267 and 1373 designated terrorists, specifically those acting for or on their behalf."

The decision came on the final day of the FATF plenary, where governments around the world and partner organisations, including the UN, IMF and World Bank, discussed key money laundering and terrorist financing issues. 
Pakistan's continuation on the "grey" list means that it will not get any respite in trying to access finances in the form of investments and aid from various international bodies including International Monetary Fund (IMF). The latest decision will now further exacerbate its problems given its perilous financial situation.

Earlier, Dawn had reported that some European countries, especially the host France, had recommended to FATF to continue to keep Pakistan on the "grey list" and had taken the position that not all points had been fully implemented by Islamabad.

Pakistan has been on the FATF's grey list since June 2018 and the government was given a final warning in February 2020 to complete the 27 action points by June in the same year.

Pakistan is facing the difficult task of clearing its name from the FATF grey list. As things stand, Islamabad is finding it difficult to shield terror perpetrators and implement the FATF action plan at the same time.

A research paper by an Islamabad-based think tank recently revealed that Pakistan sustained a total of USD 38 billion in economic losses due to FATF' decision to thrice place the country on its grey list since 2008.

The research paper titled "Bearing the cost of global politics -- the impact of FATF grey-listing on Pakistan's economy" states that that grey-listing events spanning from 2008 to 2019, may have resulted in total GDP losses worth USD 38 billion, The Express Tribune reported.

The report published by Tabadlab said the losses are worked out on the basis of a decrease in consumption expenditures, foreign direct investment and exports.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Thursday said it would keep Pakistan on its terrorism financing “grey list”. Global terror financing watchdog said that Pakistan failed to address its strategically important deficiencies, to fully implement the 27 point action plan that the watchdog had drawn up for the Islamic Republic.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Thursday said it would keep Pakistan on its terrorism financing “grey list”. Global terror financing watchdog said that Pakistan failed to address its strategically important deficiencies, to fully implement the 27 point action plan that the watchdog had drawn up for the Islamic Republic. Also read: FATF grey-list ‘takes down’ Pakistan by USD 38 billion — Report In an online press briefing from Paris, FATF President Marcus Pleyer said Islamabad had made progress but was yet to complete its action plan to overcome deficiencies in its combating of money laundering and terrorism financing. The global watchdog had in October last year asked Pakistan, which has been on the FATF grey list over issues related to terror financing, to deliver on all 27 points by this February. "To date, Pakistan has made progress across all action plan items and has now largely addressed 24 of the 27 action items. As all action plan deadlines have expired, the FATF strongly urges Pakistan to swiftly complete its full action plan before June 2021," FATF said in a statement at the outcome of a plenary that began on Monday. FATF said Pakistan should continue to work on implementing the three remaining items in its action plan to address its strategically important deficiencies, including "demonstrating effective implementation of targeted financial sanctions against all 1267 and 1373 designated terrorists, specifically those acting for or on their behalf." The decision came on the final day of the FATF plenary, where governments around the world and partner organisations, including the UN, IMF and World Bank, discussed key money laundering and terrorist financing issues. Pakistan's continuation on the "grey" list means that it will not get any respite in trying to access finances in the form of investments and aid from various international bodies including International Monetary Fund (IMF). The latest decision will now further exacerbate its problems given its perilous financial situation. Earlier, Dawn had reported that some European countries, especially the host France, had recommended to FATF to continue to keep Pakistan on the "grey list" and had taken the position that not all points had been fully implemented by Islamabad. Pakistan has been on the FATF's grey list since June 2018 and the government was given a final warning in February 2020 to complete the 27 action points by June in the same year. Pakistan is facing the difficult task of clearing its name from the FATF grey list. As things stand, Islamabad is finding it difficult to shield terror perpetrators and implement the FATF action plan at the same time. A research paper by an Islamabad-based think tank recently revealed that Pakistan sustained a total of USD 38 billion in economic losses due to FATF' decision to thrice place the country on its grey list since 2008. The research paper titled "Bearing the cost of global politics -- the impact of FATF grey-listing on Pakistan's economy" states that that grey-listing events spanning from 2008 to 2019, may have resulted in total GDP losses worth USD 38 billion, The Express Tribune reported. The report published by Tabadlab said the losses are worked out on the basis of a decrease in consumption expenditures, foreign direct investment and exports. (With inputs from agencies)

In setback to Imran Khan, Pakistan stays in FATF ‘grey list’, given June deadline to implement action plan

Amid low chances of Pakistan exiting the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) grey list on Thursday, a research paper by an Islamabad-based think tank has revealed that Pakistan sustained a total of USD 38 billion in economic losses due to FATF's decision to thrice place the country on its grey list since 2008. &nbsp;

The research paper titled 'Bearing the cost of global politics - the impact of FATF grey-listing on Pakistan's economy' states that that grey-listing events spanning from 2008 to 2019, may have resulted in total GDP losses worth USD 38 billion, The Express Tribune reported.&nbsp;

The report published by Tabadlab said the losses are worked out on the basis of a decrease in consumption expenditures, foreign direct investment and exports.&nbsp;

According to the research paper, a large portion of total losses can be attributed to the reduction in household and government consumption expenditures.&nbsp;

Pakistan has been on the FATF's grey list since June 2018 and the government was given a final warning in February 2020 to complete the 27 action points by June in the same year.&nbsp;

Pakistan is facing the difficult task of clearing its name from the FATF grey list. As things stand, Islamabad is finding it difficult to shield terror perpetrators and implement the FATF action plan at the same time. &nbsp;

While the Pakistan government believes that it will be able to delist itself from the FATF's 'grey list', it is unlikely that it will be able to do so as the European nations have said that Islamabad has not fully implemented all the points of a plan of action set by it.&nbsp;

Dawn quoted a Pakistani journalist based in Paris as confirming that some European countries, especially the host France, recommended to FATF to continue to keep Pakistan on the 'grey list' and had taken the position that not all points had been fully implemented by Islamabad. The stance has been supported by other European countries as well.&nbsp;

Amid low chances of Pakistan exiting the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) grey list on Thursday, a research paper by an Islamabad-based think tank has revealed that Pakistan sustained a total of USD 38 billion in economic losses due to FATF's decision to thrice place the country on its grey list since 2008.

Amid low chances of Pakistan exiting the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) grey list on Thursday, a research paper by an Islamabad-based think tank has revealed that Pakistan sustained a total of USD 38 billion in economic losses due to FATF's decision to thrice place the country on its grey list since 2008. The research paper titled 'Bearing the cost of global politics - the impact of FATF grey-listing on Pakistan's economy' states that that grey-listing events spanning from 2008 to 2019, may have resulted in total GDP losses worth USD 38 billion, The Express Tribune reported. The report published by Tabadlab said the losses are worked out on the basis of a decrease in consumption expenditures, foreign direct investment and exports. According to the research paper, a large portion of total losses can be attributed to the reduction in household and government consumption expenditures. Pakistan has been on the FATF's grey list since June 2018 and the government was given a final warning in February 2020 to complete the 27 action points by June in the same year. Pakistan is facing the difficult task of clearing its name from the FATF grey list. As things stand, Islamabad is finding it difficult to shield terror perpetrators and implement the FATF action plan at the same time. While the Pakistan government believes that it will be able to delist itself from the FATF's 'grey list', it is unlikely that it will be able to do so as the European nations have said that Islamabad has not fully implemented all the points of a plan of action set by it. Dawn quoted a Pakistani journalist based in Paris as confirming that some European countries, especially the host France, recommended to FATF to continue to keep Pakistan on the 'grey list' and had taken the position that not all points had been fully implemented by Islamabad. The stance has been supported by other European countries as well.

FATF grey-list ‘takes down’ Pakistan by USD 38 billion: Report 

Exiled journalists, human rights activists, and Uyghurs on Tuesday gathered at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) headquarters in Paris to persuade the anti-terror financing organisation to place Pakistan on the blacklist.&nbsp;

"We have gathered here outside the FATF building as it will be meeting next week to discuss and review the case of Pakistan to make it remain under grey list or put it in the black-list. The idea of protest was to gather dissidents from Balochistan, Pashtun areas, Tibet, Hong Kong and Uyghur community to build a united front and to remind people of Pakistan-China nexus," said Taha Siddiqui, Pakistani journalist in exile and editor of South Asia press.&nbsp;

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"Pakistan should be held accountable for its continued support to terror groups and terror financing. We're here to remind FATF News and its members to not come under China's pressure when they meet this week," tweeted South Asia Press responding to Taha Siddiqui's statement.&nbsp;

Fazal Rehman Afridi, Pashtun Rights Activist said, "It's very important for the international community. Look at the case of Daniel Pearl, the terrorist who murdered him, Omar Sheikh, who has recently been released by Sindh High Court. The human rights activists, who are working for the rights of the people, are languishing in jails. So, it shows Pakistan's duplicity, what the government is saying to the world and what actually is happening. Even if they promulgate laws against terrorism, they will not act upon it, because the judiciary of Pakistan has compromised its working on the dictates of the military establishment - it is involved in terror-training, terror-financing, not only in Pakistan but in the region and around the world."&nbsp;

"We request the international community, particularly the EU to look into the matter of GSP Plus, because Pakistan is a state that is financing terrorism, violating the human rights of its own people. Pakistani Army is involved in human rights violations, war crimes and crimes against humanity. It should be made accountable," added Afridi.&nbsp;

Exiled journalists, human rights activists, and Uyghurs on Tuesday gathered at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) headquarters in Paris to persuade the anti-terror financing organisation to place Pakistan on the blacklist.

Exiled journalists, human rights activists, and Uyghurs on Tuesday gathered at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) headquarters in Paris to persuade the anti-terror financing organisation to place Pakistan on the blacklist. "We have gathered here outside the FATF building as it will be meeting next week to discuss and review the case of Pakistan to make it remain under grey list or put it in the black-list. The idea of protest was to gather dissidents from Balochistan, Pashtun areas, Tibet, Hong Kong and Uyghur community to build a united front and to remind people of Pakistan-China nexus," said Taha Siddiqui, Pakistani journalist in exile and editor of South Asia press. × "Pakistan should be held accountable for its continued support to terror groups and terror financing. We're here to remind FATF News and its members to not come under China's pressure when they meet this week," tweeted South Asia Press responding to Taha Siddiqui's statement. Fazal Rehman Afridi, Pashtun Rights Activist said, "It's very important for the international community. Look at the case of Daniel Pearl, the terrorist who murdered him, Omar Sheikh, who has recently been released by Sindh High Court. The human rights activists, who are working for the rights of the people, are languishing in jails. So, it shows Pakistan's duplicity, what the government is saying to the world and what actually is happening. Even if they promulgate laws against terrorism, they will not act upon it, because the judiciary of Pakistan has compromised its working on the dictates of the military establishment - it is involved in terror-training, terror-financing, not only in Pakistan but in the region and around the world." "We request the international community, particularly the EU to look into the matter of GSP Plus, because Pakistan is a state that is financing terrorism, violating the human rights of its own people. Pakistani Army is involved in human rights violations, war crimes and crimes against humanity. It should be made accountable," added Afridi.

Activists protest in Paris to ensure Pak gets placed on FATF blacklist

Continuation on the FATF's “grey" list means that Pakistan will not get any respite from difficulties in trying to access finances in the form of investments

Will Pakistan Come Off the FATF Grey List?

Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global terrorism watchdog is likely to continue to keep its eyes on Pakistan as it is unlikely to take it out of the 'grey list', said a news report. FATF keeps global money laundering and terrorism financing under check. FATF placed Pakistan on 'grey list' in June 2018 and asked it to implement a plan of action to curb money laundering and terror financing by the end of 2019.

FATF 's virtual plenary meeting is set to begin today (February 22). It will go on till February 25. A decision is likely to be taken on the fate of Pakistan in this meeting.

In the last plenary held in October 2020, the FATF concluded that Pakistan will continue in its 'grey list' till February 2021 as it has failed to fulfil six out of 27 obligations of the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog that include failure to take action against two of India's most wanted terrorists Jaish-e Mohammad chief Maulana Masood Azhar and Jamaat-ud-Dawah head Hafiz Saeed.

Azhar and Saeed are most wanted terrorists in India for their involvement in numerous terrorist acts, including 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and bombing of a CRPF bus at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir last year.

Pakistani news outlet Dawn quoted an official source who claimed that Pakistan had complied with the remaining six recommendations and has submitted relevant details to FATF secretariat.

The paper, quoting a journalist covering the FATF said that some European countries, especially the host France, had recommended to the FATF to continue to keep Pakistan on the grey list and had taken the position that not all points had been fully implemented by Islamabad.

Other European countries are also supporting France, he said.

France was not happy with the recent response of Islamabad on the cartoon issue, he said.

Pakistan has not even posted a regular ambassador in Paris, he said, adding that diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries were not up to the mark.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-slams-frances-anti-radicalism-bill-warns-of-serious-repercussions-365264">Pakistan slams France's anti-radicalism bill, warns of 'serious repercussions'</a>

The US has also expressed concern over the acquittal the accused in American journalist Daniel Pearl's kidnapping and murder case.

It is feared that the US may also lobby for continuation of Islamabad on the grey list at least until June this year.

Pakistan's Supreme Court last month ordered release of British-born al-Qaeda terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and his three aides in the 2002 Pearl murder case, a judgement denounced by the American journalist's family as "a complete travesty of justice." There was a major global uproar against the court decision.

(With PTI inputs)

Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global terrorism watchdog is likely to continue to keep its eyes on Pakistan as it is unlikely to take it out of the 'grey list', said a news report.

Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global terrorism watchdog is likely to continue to keep its eyes on Pakistan as it is unlikely to take it out of the 'grey list', said a news report. FATF keeps global money laundering and terrorism financing under check. FATF placed Pakistan on 'grey list' in June 2018 and asked it to implement a plan of action to curb money laundering and terror financing by the end of 2019. FATF 's virtual plenary meeting is set to begin today (February 22). It will go on till February 25. A decision is likely to be taken on the fate of Pakistan in this meeting. In the last plenary held in October 2020, the FATF concluded that Pakistan will continue in its 'grey list' till February 2021 as it has failed to fulfil six out of 27 obligations of the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog that include failure to take action against two of India's most wanted terrorists Jaish-e Mohammad chief Maulana Masood Azhar and Jamaat-ud-Dawah head Hafiz Saeed. Azhar and Saeed are most wanted terrorists in India for their involvement in numerous terrorist acts, including 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and bombing of a CRPF bus at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir last year. Pakistani news outlet Dawn quoted an official source who claimed that Pakistan had complied with the remaining six recommendations and has submitted relevant details to FATF secretariat. The paper, quoting a journalist covering the FATF said that some European countries, especially the host France, had recommended to the FATF to continue to keep Pakistan on the grey list and had taken the position that not all points had been fully implemented by Islamabad. Other European countries are also supporting France, he said. France was not happy with the recent response of Islamabad on the cartoon issue, he said. Pakistan has not even posted a regular ambassador in Paris, he said, adding that diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries were not up to the mark. Also Read | Pakistan slams France's anti-radicalism bill, warns of 'serious repercussions' The US has also expressed concern over the acquittal the accused in American journalist Daniel Pearl's kidnapping and murder case. It is feared that the US may also lobby for continuation of Islamabad on the grey list at least until June this year. Pakistan's Supreme Court last month ordered release of British-born al-Qaeda terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and his three aides in the 2002 Pearl murder case, a judgement denounced by the American journalist's family as "a complete travesty of justice." There was a major global uproar against the court decision. (With PTI inputs)

FATF set to decide Pakistan's fate in money laundering and terror financing

Armenian national committee of America has demanded the blacklisted of Pakistan. but the financial action task force(FATF). The association wants Pakistan on FATF's blacklist for financing terrorists in the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. The financial action task force (FATF) is scheduled to meet later this month to decide the future status of Pakistan.

Armenian association wants Pakistan on FATF blacklist

Pakistan has asked the global watchdog on money laundering and terror financing, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to remove the country from the grey list after it claimed to have seen the exposure of Indian propaganda by the European Union (EU) DisinfoLab.

Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Interior Senator Abdul Rehman Malik wrote a letter to the FATF President Marcs Player, requesting him to remove Pakistan from its grey list, stating that Islamabad's position has been vindicated and the Indian propaganda was exposed by the EU Disinfolab.

Malik pleaded to the FATF President to either remove Pakistan from the grey list permanently or have the grace period extended in order to have all pointers of the 27-point action plan implemented.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-calls-for-equitable-distribution-of-covid-19-vaccine-and-debt-relief-for-poor-countries-359287" hreflang="en">Pak PM calls for equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccine and debt relief for poor countries</a>

He maintained that Pakistan`s progress has been slow in the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak, for which, Pakistan needs extension by the FATF to enable it to handle the virus outbreak with full potential.

"Covid-19 pandemic has already damaged Pakistani economy tremendously and the restrictions imposed because of FATF Grey List are further hampering our economy," he wrote in the letter to FATF President.

Malik maintained that the complaint against Pakistan is an orchestrated false claim by India to vent out its political vendetta.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-updates-travel-advisory-to-citizens-for-pakistan-bangladesh-and-afghanistan-359432" hreflang="en">US updates travel advisory to citizens for Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan</a>

"FATF`s restrictions are negatively impacting the lives of ordinary people of Pakistan, I once again request you to please dismiss the complaint against Pakistan as it was manoeuvered by India for its political vendetta against Pakistan, which has now been fully exposed by EU Disinfolab as to how India made fake, baseless and venomous propaganda to harm the reputation of Pakistan.

"The background work of the Indian propaganda based on criminal activities of Indian government stands fully exposed which you may like to refer and peruse on the DisinfoLab official website," he added.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/arab-world-is-making-pakistan-pay-and-plan-is-to-mortgage-the-largest-park-359309" hreflang="en">Arab world is making Pakistan pay and plan is to mortgage the largest park</a>

Making the letter public during a press conference, Malik referred to a report by the UN, which stated that Islamic State (IS) terrorists were operating in at least two states of India.

"The UN report on terrorism has warned that there is a significant number of ISIS terrorists in two states of India, namely Kerala and Karnataka and proven facts that India is financing and supporting terrorism," he said, adding that FATF has still not initiated any action on the serious matter against New Delhi.

Pakistan has been calling on FATF to remove its name from the grey list as its crippling economy is making lives of locals more and more difficult with each passing day.

However, the FATF has reiterated that Pakistan needs to curb on terror-financing and money laundering if it wants to see its name removed from the grey list and also save itself from being pushed into the blacklist.

Pakistan has asked the global watchdog on money laundering and terror financing, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to remove the country from the grey list after it claimed to have seen the exposure of Indian propaganda by the European Union (EU) DisinfoLab.

Pakistan has asked the global watchdog on money laundering and terror financing, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to remove the country from the grey list after it claimed to have seen the exposure of Indian propaganda by the European Union (EU) DisinfoLab. Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Interior Senator Abdul Rehman Malik wrote a letter to the FATF President Marcs Player, requesting him to remove Pakistan from its grey list, stating that Islamabad's position has been vindicated and the Indian propaganda was exposed by the EU Disinfolab. Malik pleaded to the FATF President to either remove Pakistan from the grey list permanently or have the grace period extended in order to have all pointers of the 27-point action plan implemented. Also read| Pak PM calls for equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccine and debt relief for poor countries He maintained that Pakistan`s progress has been slow in the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak, for which, Pakistan needs extension by the FATF to enable it to handle the virus outbreak with full potential. "Covid-19 pandemic has already damaged Pakistani economy tremendously and the restrictions imposed because of FATF Grey List are further hampering our economy," he wrote in the letter to FATF President. Malik maintained that the complaint against Pakistan is an orchestrated false claim by India to vent out its political vendetta. Also read| US updates travel advisory to citizens for Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan "FATF`s restrictions are negatively impacting the lives of ordinary people of Pakistan, I once again request you to please dismiss the complaint against Pakistan as it was manoeuvered by India for its political vendetta against Pakistan, which has now been fully exposed by EU Disinfolab as to how India made fake, baseless and venomous propaganda to harm the reputation of Pakistan. "The background work of the Indian propaganda based on criminal activities of Indian government stands fully exposed which you may like to refer and peruse on the DisinfoLab official website," he added. Also read| Arab world is making Pakistan pay and plan is to mortgage the largest park Making the letter public during a press conference, Malik referred to a report by the UN, which stated that Islamic State (IS) terrorists were operating in at least two states of India. "The UN report on terrorism has warned that there is a significant number of ISIS terrorists in two states of India, namely Kerala and Karnataka and proven facts that India is financing and supporting terrorism," he said, adding that FATF has still not initiated any action on the serious matter against New Delhi. Pakistan has been calling on FATF to remove its name from the grey list as its crippling economy is making lives of locals more and more difficult with each passing day. However, the FATF has reiterated that Pakistan needs to curb on terror-financing and money laundering if it wants to see its name removed from the grey list and also save itself from being pushed into the blacklist.

Pakistan urges FATF for grey list removal

The global anti-terror watchdog Financial Action Task Force(FATF) is set to evaluate<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-still-not-implementing-financial-sanction-on-un-listed-terrorists-fatf-337548"> Pakistan's</a> progress on the action plan goals on Thursday.

The group will meet virtually to discuss and evaluate Pakistan's efforts in curbing terror financing.&nbsp;

The joint group's assessment will be later presented in the Asia-Pacific joint group meeting as well as February's plenary session which takes the final call on Pak's listing.

Recently, FATF's international cooperation review group had noted that Pakistan had complied in 21 out of &nbsp;27 strategy points it had given the country. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-openly-flouts-fatf-terror-guidelines-352442">&nbsp;FATF </a>had issued an action plan in 2018 when Pakistan was first placed on the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-to-remain-in-grey-list-of-fatf-till-feb-2021-337494"> "grey list"</a>.&nbsp;

The anti-terror watchdog had asked Pakistan to implement a plan of action to curb money laundering and terror financing by the end of 2019. The deadline was then pushed to 2021 amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Ahead of the meeting, Pakistan last week had issued an arrest warrant against Jaish-e-Mohammad chief and UN-designated global terrorist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-anti-terrorism-court-asks-police-to-arrest-jem-chief-masood-azhar-by-january-18-355642">Maulana Masood Azhar</a>. It was the first time Pakistan acknowledged the presence of the terror group's leader in its territory.

Islamabad also cracked down on Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT) terrorist Zaki-ur-Rehman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-lakhvi-conviction-us-asks-pakistan-to-further-hold-him-accountable-355661">Lakhvi</a>. The LeT chief was sentenced to 15 years of jail by Pakistan's anti-terrorism court for his involvement in the Mumbai attacks.&nbsp;

Indian external affairs spokesperson&nbsp;Anurag Srivastava had said that it has become a routine for Pakistan to come up with farcical actions prior to important meetings.

"The timing of these actions suggests the intention of conveying a sense of compliance ahead of the Asia-Pacific joint group meet &amp; FATF plenary meet in February," the MEA spokesman said.

"It's become routine for Pakistan to come up with farcical actions prior to important meetings. UN proscribed entities and designated terrorists act as proxies for Pakistani establishment to fulfil its anti-India agenda. It's for the international community to hold Pakistan to account and ensure that it takes credible action against terror groups, terror infrastructure and terrorists," it said.

The global anti-terror watchdog Financial Action Task Force(FATF) is set to evaluate Pakistan's progress on the action plan goals on Thursday. The group will meet virtually to discuss and evaluate Pakistan's efforts in curbing terror financing.

The global anti-terror watchdog Financial Action Task Force(FATF) is set to evaluate Pakistan's progress on the action plan goals on Thursday. The group will meet virtually to discuss and evaluate Pakistan's efforts in curbing terror financing. The joint group's assessment will be later presented in the Asia-Pacific joint group meeting as well as February's plenary session which takes the final call on Pak's listing. Recently, FATF's international cooperation review group had noted that Pakistan had complied in 21 out of 27 strategy points it had given the country. FATF had issued an action plan in 2018 when Pakistan was first placed on the "grey list". The anti-terror watchdog had asked Pakistan to implement a plan of action to curb money laundering and terror financing by the end of 2019. The deadline was then pushed to 2021 amid the coronavirus pandemic. Ahead of the meeting, Pakistan last week had issued an arrest warrant against Jaish-e-Mohammad chief and UN-designated global terrorist Maulana Masood Azhar. It was the first time Pakistan acknowledged the presence of the terror group's leader in its territory. Islamabad also cracked down on Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT) terrorist Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi. The LeT chief was sentenced to 15 years of jail by Pakistan's anti-terrorism court for his involvement in the Mumbai attacks. Indian external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava had said that it has become a routine for Pakistan to come up with farcical actions prior to important meetings. "The timing of these actions suggests the intention of conveying a sense of compliance ahead of the Asia-Pacific joint group meet & FATF plenary meet in February," the MEA spokesman said. "It's become routine for Pakistan to come up with farcical actions prior to important meetings. UN proscribed entities and designated terrorists act as proxies for Pakistani establishment to fulfil its anti-India agenda. It's for the international community to hold Pakistan to account and ensure that it takes credible action against terror groups, terror infrastructure and terrorists," it said.

FATF to evaluate Pakistan's progress in terror financing

Pakistan's deadline to achieve FATF's action plan pointers ends in February 2021 as Pakistan remains in the grey list of global anti-terror funding watchdog for now.

FATF joint action force to meet to evaluate Pakistan's progress

The FATF had grey-listed Pakistan in 2018. Since then, Pakistan has failed all reviews. But, Islamabad has been given at least 3 extensions. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how the global terror financing watchdog has been toothless against Pakistan.

Gravitas: The FATF: Toothless against a terror state?

In a decision that was on expected lines, Pakistan continues to remain on the FATF grey list that will impact the economy of the country.

Pakistan to stay on terror financing Grey List till Feb 2021

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Friday listed six "serious deficiencies" which include Islamabad's lack of implementation of financial sanctions on UN-listed terrorists -- Masood Azhar, Dawood Ibrahim, and Zakir-ur-Rahman Lakhvi.&nbsp;

On expected lines, Pakistan continues to be on FATF grey list, and the anti terror financing body has asked Islamabad to do more since the risks have not gone.

In response to a WION question at the presser after the three-day virtual meeting, Marcus Pleyer, FATF President said, "Since Pakistan has completed 21 of 27 items -- largely completed -- but the six outstanding items are very serious deficiencies that still have to be repaired. For that reason, the risks haven't gone. The Pakistan government must do its best to repair and to work on these outstanding six items."&nbsp;

After being grey listed in June 2018, Pakistan was given an action plan with 27 items to improve and bring transparency in its financial system so that money is not used to fund terror.&nbsp;

The six items listed by FATF on which actions haven't been taken include "demonstrating effective implementation of targeted financial sanctions against all 1267 and 1373 designated terrorists and those acting for or on their behalf, preventing the raising and moving of funds... freezing assets (movable and immovable), and prohibiting access to funds and financial services".

The UN list on which international terrorists are listed is 1267. Pakistan has the highest number of its nationals on the list. Being on the grey list means, the country needs to make reforms in its financial system so that money is not used for terrorism. According to Pakistan government's own estimation, country loses $10 billion annually by being on the list.

As all action plan deadlines have expired and FATF has "strongly urged" Islamabad to swiftly complete its full action plan by February 2021. Once it completes all the action plans, an on-site visit by the FATF team will decide if action plans have indeed been implemented. &nbsp;

India on Thursday had reiterated that Islamabad has not taken any action on terrorists it has been providing safe havens.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Friday listed six "serious deficiencies" which include Islamabad's lack of implementation of financial sanctions on UN-listed terrorists -- Masood Azhar, Dawood Ibrahim, and Zakir-ur-Rahman Lakhvi.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Friday listed six "serious deficiencies" which include Islamabad's lack of implementation of financial sanctions on UN-listed terrorists -- Masood Azhar, Dawood Ibrahim, and Zakir-ur-Rahman Lakhvi. On expected lines, Pakistan continues to be on FATF grey list, and the anti terror financing body has asked Islamabad to do more since the risks have not gone. In response to a WION question at the presser after the three-day virtual meeting, Marcus Pleyer, FATF President said, "Since Pakistan has completed 21 of 27 items -- largely completed -- but the six outstanding items are very serious deficiencies that still have to be repaired. For that reason, the risks haven't gone. The Pakistan government must do its best to repair and to work on these outstanding six items." After being grey listed in June 2018, Pakistan was given an action plan with 27 items to improve and bring transparency in its financial system so that money is not used to fund terror. The six items listed by FATF on which actions haven't been taken include "demonstrating effective implementation of targeted financial sanctions against all 1267 and 1373 designated terrorists and those acting for or on their behalf, preventing the raising and moving of funds... freezing assets (movable and immovable), and prohibiting access to funds and financial services". The UN list on which international terrorists are listed is 1267. Pakistan has the highest number of its nationals on the list. Being on the grey list means, the country needs to make reforms in its financial system so that money is not used for terrorism. According to Pakistan government's own estimation, country loses $10 billion annually by being on the list. As all action plan deadlines have expired and FATF has "strongly urged" Islamabad to swiftly complete its full action plan by February 2021. Once it completes all the action plans, an on-site visit by the FATF team will decide if action plans have indeed been implemented. India on Thursday had reiterated that Islamabad has not taken any action on terrorists it has been providing safe havens.

Pak still not implementing financial sanction on UN-listed terrorists: FATF

Ahead of the announcement by the financial action task force (FATF) on Pakistan's continued listing or delisting, India has said that Islamabad has not taken any action on terrorist it has been providing safe haven to.

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said," As is well known, Pakistan continues to provide safe havens to terrorist entities and individuals and has also not yet taken any action against several terrorist entities and individuals including those proscribed by the UNSC such as Masood Azhar, Dawood Ibrahim, Zakir-ur-Rahman Lakhvi etc."

The terrorist listed by India are responsible for a number of terror attacks in India like the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Pakistan has addressed only 21 action items so far out of total 27 point FATF Action Plan and "6 important action items are yet to be addressed", the MEA spokesperson highlighted.&nbsp;

FATF's 3-day virtual meet is underway with an announcement due on Friday. Pakistan was put on FATF's grey-list in 2018 and given an action plan to it so that money in the country is not used in terror financing. If Pakistan fails to act on the plan it could be blacklisted or continues to remain on the grey list, something that impacts the economy of the country.&nbsp;

MEA also pointed out increased "unprovoked ceasefire violations, often from civilian areas" by Pakistani forces at the Line of Control "to support infiltration of terrorists".

Till now, this year, Pakistani forces have carried out more than 3800 unprovoked ceasefire violations. It has also been observed that Pakistan has been trying to drop arms and ammunition close to the LoC and smuggling of arms and narcotic substances have spilt over to the International Boundary.

Ahead of the announcement by the financial action task force (FATF) on Pakistan's continued listing or delisting, India has said that Islamabad has not taken any action on terrorist it has been providing safe haven to.

Ahead of the announcement by the financial action task force (FATF) on Pakistan's continued listing or delisting, India has said that Islamabad has not taken any action on terrorist it has been providing safe haven to. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said," As is well known, Pakistan continues to provide safe havens to terrorist entities and individuals and has also not yet taken any action against several terrorist entities and individuals including those proscribed by the UNSC such as Masood Azhar, Dawood Ibrahim, Zakir-ur-Rahman Lakhvi etc." The terrorist listed by India are responsible for a number of terror attacks in India like the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Pakistan has addressed only 21 action items so far out of total 27 point FATF Action Plan and "6 important action items are yet to be addressed", the MEA spokesperson highlighted. FATF's 3-day virtual meet is underway with an announcement due on Friday. Pakistan was put on FATF's grey-list in 2018 and given an action plan to it so that money in the country is not used in terror financing. If Pakistan fails to act on the plan it could be blacklisted or continues to remain on the grey list, something that impacts the economy of the country. MEA also pointed out increased "unprovoked ceasefire violations, often from civilian areas" by Pakistani forces at the Line of Control "to support infiltration of terrorists". Till now, this year, Pakistani forces have carried out more than 3800 unprovoked ceasefire violations. It has also been observed that Pakistan has been trying to drop arms and ammunition close to the LoC and smuggling of arms and narcotic substances have spilt over to the International Boundary.

Islamabad has not taken action on terrorists, says India ahead of FATF's decision on Pakistan’s listing

Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global watchdog against terror financing and money laundering is holding its plenary session from October 21. During the session, FATF will take a decision about putting Pakistan in blacklist. Pakistan is already in the grey list. Inclusion in black list will invite great economic sanctions on its already battered economy.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) needs to take a hard and objective look at Pakistan`s attempts to leverage "nuisance value" to ensure that the country fully complies with terror financing and money laundering obligations before it can be de-listed, Global Watch Analysis reported.

Early this month, the FATF`s Asia Pacific Group (APG) on Money Laundering has kept Pakistan on "Enhanced Follow-up List" for its slow progress on the technical recommendations of the FATF to fight terror financing.&nbsp;

Pakistan`s progress has remained unchanged -- non-compliant on four counts.According to a report by Roland Jacquard, Chairman of Roland Jacquard Global Security Consulting (RJGSC), published in Global Watch Analysis, the APG`s latest report of September 2020, based on the evaluation conducted after a year, Pakistan`s report card remained more or less unchanged with the country being able to move one of its partially compliant parameters to fully compliant.

"The APG has a stringent set of monitoring processes while evaluating a country`s compliance with AML/CFT measures. It has a scale of 40 parameters based on which it prepares its evaluation report on any country. These parameters range from the presence of effective laws and supervision to prevent terror financing or money laundering to identifying non-profit organisations that act as fronts for terror groups," he said.&nbsp;

"In Pakistan`s case, the APG, in its Mutual Evaluation Report in October 2019 had found the country compliant on 1, non-compliant on 4, partially compliant on 26 and largely compliant on 9 of these 40 parameters. In the APG`s latest report of September 2020, based on the evaluation conducted after a year, Pakistan`s report card remained more or less unchanged with the country being able to move 1 of its partially compliant parameters to fully compliant," he added.

Jacquard said that the APG is a non-political body and its opinion is not binding on the final decision of the FATF, adding that the FATF`s Joint Group Progress Report of October 2020 has taken a more "lenient stance" on Pakistan.Pakistan is in the FATF`s grey list since June 2018 and the government was given a final warning in February to complete the remaining action points by June 2020.&nbsp;

Another review meeting will be held later this month.The FATF extended the June deadline to September due to the spread of coronavirus that disrupted the FATF plenary meetings.The country is facing the difficult task of clearing its name from the FATF grey list.&nbsp;

As things stand, Islamabad is finding it difficult to shield terror perpetrators and implement the FATF action plan at the same time.In recent weeks, Pakistan has been trying to paint a picture that it has started the reforms, including the passing of some Bills in order to prevent blacklisting by the FATF.

In late July, Pakistan Financial Monitoring Unit Director-general Lubna Farooq told the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance that the country is yet to comply with 13 conditions out of the 27-point Action Plan of the FATF, including curbing terror financing, enforcement of the laws against the proscribed organisations and improving the legal systems.&nbsp;

Jacquard said the reason for the FATF leniency is Trump administration`s hurry to leave Afghanistan and therefore its dependence on Pakistan to convince the Taliban for an honourable exit.

"However, since the APG is a non-political body, its opinion is not binding on the final decision of the FATF. As a result, despite APG`s recent evaluation, the FATF`s Joint Group Progress Report of October 2020 has taken a more lenient stance on Pakistan," he writes.

"As per this group`s assessment, Pakistan has fully complied with 21 of the 27 action points and more or less complied with the remaining 6, thereby indicating that it was more or less on the path of being de-listed. The reasons for this tempered position on Pakistan can only be speculated. The most obvious reason is the Trump administration`s hurry to leave Afghanistan and therefore its dependence on Pakistan to convince the Taliban for an honourable exit," he adds.

Jacquard said that the important institutions like the FATF should not be allowed to be pressured into taking a decision based on political considerations.

"Whatever may be the case, important institutions like the FATF should not be allowed to be pressured into taking a decision based on political considerations, especially when the ground situation in Pakistan tells an alarming story," he noted.

A closer look at the Pakistan-based social media accounts conveys a different tale of UN proscribed Pakistani terrorist groups like the Jaish-e-Muhammad, Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, Harkat-ul-Mujahideen and their leaders being allowed freedom of movement and activity in the country, Jacquard highlighted.

While these groups openly collect fund in the name of jihad, the Pakistan government tries to convince the FATF that its recently passed Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism laws were evidence of its commitment to act against terror groups, he said.&nbsp;

"The FATF, therefore, needs to take a hard and objective look at Pakistan`s attempts to leverage its nuisance value, in the larger interest of preserving its credibility as a global financial watchdog and ensure that Islamabad fully complies with terror financing and money laundering obligations before it can be de-listed In this connection, one is reminded of the case of Iceland that was `greylisted` for lesser infractions and took more than a year to get delisted," he concludes.

(With ANI inputs)

Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global watchdog against terror financing and money laundering is holding its plenary session from October 21. During the session, FATF will take a decision about putting Pakistan in blacklist.

Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global watchdog against terror financing and money laundering is holding its plenary session from October 21. During the session, FATF will take a decision about putting Pakistan in blacklist. Pakistan is already in the grey list. Inclusion in black list will invite great economic sanctions on its already battered economy. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) needs to take a hard and objective look at Pakistan`s attempts to leverage "nuisance value" to ensure that the country fully complies with terror financing and money laundering obligations before it can be de-listed, Global Watch Analysis reported. Early this month, the FATF`s Asia Pacific Group (APG) on Money Laundering has kept Pakistan on "Enhanced Follow-up List" for its slow progress on the technical recommendations of the FATF to fight terror financing. Pakistan`s progress has remained unchanged -- non-compliant on four counts.According to a report by Roland Jacquard, Chairman of Roland Jacquard Global Security Consulting (RJGSC), published in Global Watch Analysis, the APG`s latest report of September 2020, based on the evaluation conducted after a year, Pakistan`s report card remained more or less unchanged with the country being able to move one of its partially compliant parameters to fully compliant. "The APG has a stringent set of monitoring processes while evaluating a country`s compliance with AML/CFT measures. It has a scale of 40 parameters based on which it prepares its evaluation report on any country. These parameters range from the presence of effective laws and supervision to prevent terror financing or money laundering to identifying non-profit organisations that act as fronts for terror groups," he said. "In Pakistan`s case, the APG, in its Mutual Evaluation Report in October 2019 had found the country compliant on 1, non-compliant on 4, partially compliant on 26 and largely compliant on 9 of these 40 parameters. In the APG`s latest report of September 2020, based on the evaluation conducted after a year, Pakistan`s report card remained more or less unchanged with the country being able to move 1 of its partially compliant parameters to fully compliant," he added. Jacquard said that the APG is a non-political body and its opinion is not binding on the final decision of the FATF, adding that the FATF`s Joint Group Progress Report of October 2020 has taken a more "lenient stance" on Pakistan.Pakistan is in the FATF`s grey list since June 2018 and the government was given a final warning in February to complete the remaining action points by June 2020. Another review meeting will be held later this month.The FATF extended the June deadline to September due to the spread of coronavirus that disrupted the FATF plenary meetings.The country is facing the difficult task of clearing its name from the FATF grey list. As things stand, Islamabad is finding it difficult to shield terror perpetrators and implement the FATF action plan at the same time.In recent weeks, Pakistan has been trying to paint a picture that it has started the reforms, including the passing of some Bills in order to prevent blacklisting by the FATF. In late July, Pakistan Financial Monitoring Unit Director-general Lubna Farooq told the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance that the country is yet to comply with 13 conditions out of the 27-point Action Plan of the FATF, including curbing terror financing, enforcement of the laws against the proscribed organisations and improving the legal systems. Jacquard said the reason for the FATF leniency is Trump administration`s hurry to leave Afghanistan and therefore its dependence on Pakistan to convince the Taliban for an honourable exit. "However, since the APG is a non-political body, its opinion is not binding on the final decision of the FATF. As a result, despite APG`s recent evaluation, the FATF`s Joint Group Progress Report of October 2020 has taken a more lenient stance on Pakistan," he writes. "As per this group`s assessment, Pakistan has fully complied with 21 of the 27 action points and more or less complied with the remaining 6, thereby indicating that it was more or less on the path of being de-listed. The reasons for this tempered position on Pakistan can only be speculated. The most obvious reason is the Trump administration`s hurry to leave Afghanistan and therefore its dependence on Pakistan to convince the Taliban for an honourable exit," he adds. Jacquard said that the important institutions like the FATF should not be allowed to be pressured into taking a decision based on political considerations. "Whatever may be the case, important institutions like the FATF should not be allowed to be pressured into taking a decision based on political considerations, especially when the ground situation in Pakistan tells an alarming story," he noted. A closer look at the Pakistan-based social media accounts conveys a different tale of UN proscribed Pakistani terrorist groups like the Jaish-e-Muhammad, Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, Harkat-ul-Mujahideen and their leaders being allowed freedom of movement and activity in the country, Jacquard highlighted. While these groups openly collect fund in the name of jihad, the Pakistan government tries to convince the FATF that its recently passed Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism laws were evidence of its commitment to act against terror groups, he said. "The FATF, therefore, needs to take a hard and objective look at Pakistan`s attempts to leverage its nuisance value, in the larger interest of preserving its credibility as a global financial watchdog and ensure that Islamabad fully complies with terror financing and money laundering obligations before it can be de-listed In this connection, one is reminded of the case of Iceland that was `greylisted` for lesser infractions and took more than a year to get delisted," he concludes. (With ANI inputs)

Pakistan in crosshairs as FATF begins plenary today

Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to start its 3-day virtual plenary on Pakistan today. The meeting will decide on the next course of action against Pakistan with regard to steps taken by the country to crack down on fund raising by terror groups operating on its soil.

FATF to start its 3-day virtual plenary on Pakistan from Oct 21 to 23

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