Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Saturday asserted that there is pressure on Pakistan to deliver on Financial Action Task Force (FATF) directions as to be on a 'Grey List'&nbsp;is a setback for any nation.

Speaking to ANI, Rawat said, "Pressure is on them to deliver and they have to take action. It is up to them how much seriously they take it. We would only like them to follow its (FATF) directions and work towards restoring peace. To be on such a 'Grey List'&nbsp;is a setback for any nation."

The reaction comes after the FATF yesterday expressed serious concerns over the lack of progress made by Pakistan to address its terror financing risks.

"Pakistan needs to do more and faster. If by February 2020, Pakistan doesn't make significant progress, it will be put in the 'Black List'," FATF President Xiangmin Liu said while addressing a press conference on the last day of its five-day plenary in Paris.

While Pakistan has escaped the terror blacklist, according to sources, there was a consensus among members in the global watchdog to retain Pakistan in 'grey list'&nbsp;based on its 27-point action plan.A decision on the status of Pakistan will now be taken by FATF in February next year.&nbsp;

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Saturday asserted that there is pressure on Pakistan to deliver on Financial Action Task Force (FATF) directions as to be on a 'Grey List' is a setback for any nation.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Saturday asserted that there is pressure on Pakistan to deliver on Financial Action Task Force (FATF) directions as to be on a 'Grey List' is a setback for any nation. Speaking to ANI, Rawat said, "Pressure is on them to deliver and they have to take action. It is up to them how much seriously they take it. We would only like them to follow its (FATF) directions and work towards restoring peace. To be on such a 'Grey List' is a setback for any nation." The reaction comes after the FATF yesterday expressed serious concerns over the lack of progress made by Pakistan to address its terror financing risks. "Pakistan needs to do more and faster. If by February 2020, Pakistan doesn't make significant progress, it will be put in the 'Black List'," FATF President Xiangmin Liu said while addressing a press conference on the last day of its five-day plenary in Paris. While Pakistan has escaped the terror blacklist, according to sources, there was a consensus among members in the global watchdog to retain Pakistan in 'grey list' based on its 27-point action plan.A decision on the status of Pakistan will now be taken by FATF in February next year.

Pressure on Pakistan to deliver on FATF action plan: Army Chief

Despite Failing To Fulfil 22 Of The 27 Action Points, FATF Gives Pakistan 4 More Months To Act On Terror Pakistan failed to comply to 22 of 27 action points of FATF.

Gravitas: The Farce That Is FATF: Pakistan Still In Grey List

According to the source, Pakistan will remain in FAFT's grey list. Pakistan asked to complete implementation of the action plan.

Pakistan to remain on FATF grey list: WION sources

FATF's stern warning to Pakistan, asked to 'Act or face consequences'. Watch video to know more.

FATF's stern warning to Pakistan, asked to 'act or face consequences'

Pakistan has been given February 2020 deadline to act decisively on terror financing and money laundering or be ready to get blacklisted by the Paris based Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Pakistan has been given February 2020 deadline to act decisively on terror financing and money laundering or be ready to get blacklisted by the Paris based Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Islamabad has just four-and-a-half months to show its resolve in combating anti-terror financing. Xiangmin liu, president, FATF at the end of week-long FATF meet in Paris said "We take Pakistan's failure to fulfil FATF's global standards seriously, as a result, the organisation is giving very clear warning, if by February 2020, the country has not made significant progress, we would consider further action, which will potentially include placing the country on blacklist" ''Pakistan has not made sufficient progress and it has to do more and do it faster," he further said. The country remains on the grey list of the terror financing body as it had addressed only 5 of the 27 action plans it had committed to deal with. All deadlines in the action plans given by Islamabad have now expired, after repeated reminders to act. Asked if there is any interference from any of the member country, FATF president said," I can tell you, every member of FATF has an equal voice and we treat every country equally.'' Pakistan was put on greylist by the FATF last year and it's causing a loss of $10 billion to Pakistani economy annually. A blacklist will further have a detrimental impact on a weak Pakistani economy as investors won't be keen to invest in a country that is prone to terror financing. The country needs votes of just three members to make sure it is not listed on the blacklist in February for which Islamabad is expected to lobby. A five-member Pakistani team led by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar is in Paris for the meet that decided that the country will continue to remain on the grey list. FATF is a technical body, whose main aim is to protect the international financial system. The 30-year-old body works on the consensus of member countries.

Act decisively on terror finance or be ready to get blacklisted by February 2020: FATF to Pakistan  

Pakistan gets a “stern warning” by the financial action task force.

Xiangmin Liu, the president of the global financial watchdog has warned Pakistan to fully comply with all of its parameters.

Islamabad though proudly basks in just having complied with 5 of the 27 parameters.

Imran khan has less than four months failing which Pakistan would be blacklisted in the next plenary in February 2020.&nbsp;

The inter-governmental body has told Islamabad that it could be placed on the blacklist should it fail to tackle terror financing and money laundering.

Both are grievous charges that the Pakistani deep state has over the years, instead of getting its act together, simply managed to hide better.&nbsp;

The financial action task force is seen as a major tool of leverage over Pakistan — encouraging, rather pushing Islamabad to crack down on home-grown terrorists who have peddled their jihad — with the tacit support of the crown jewel of the Pakistani deep state — the ISI.

Hafiz Saeed, the 26/11 mastermind, and Masood Azhar, the Jaish-e-Mohammed chief are UN-designated terrorists who are being feted by successive Pakistani governments.

What is surprising is that despite the sea of evidence against them, why must Pakistan get away with a slap on the wrist?.

And instead of introspecting, Pakistan had no qualms about blaming India for lobbying to have it blacklisted.

As per reports, China, Pakistan's all-weather ally yet again came to Islamabad's rescue.

And countries such as turkey and Malaysia “lauded” Pakistan's efforts to curb terror financing.

The truth, as much as it would sting Imran Khan, remains — that Pakistan's economy can't afford to be blacklisted.

And, given Islamabad's roots in the decades-long business of financing, nurturing and unleashing terrorists across the entirety of the SAARC region and beyond, it looks like an uphill battle that Islamabad isn’t ready for.

Pakistan gets a “stern warning” by the financial action task force. Xiangmin Liu, the president of the global financial watchdog has warned Pakistan to fully comply with all of its parameters.

Pakistan gets a “stern warning” by the financial action task force. Xiangmin Liu, the president of the global financial watchdog has warned Pakistan to fully comply with all of its parameters. Islamabad though proudly basks in just having complied with 5 of the 27 parameters. Imran khan has less than four months failing which Pakistan would be blacklisted in the next plenary in February 2020. The inter-governmental body has told Islamabad that it could be placed on the blacklist should it fail to tackle terror financing and money laundering. Both are grievous charges that the Pakistani deep state has over the years, instead of getting its act together, simply managed to hide better. The financial action task force is seen as a major tool of leverage over Pakistan — encouraging, rather pushing Islamabad to crack down on home-grown terrorists who have peddled their jihad — with the tacit support of the crown jewel of the Pakistani deep state — the ISI. Hafiz Saeed, the 26/11 mastermind, and Masood Azhar, the Jaish-e-Mohammed chief are UN-designated terrorists who are being feted by successive Pakistani governments. What is surprising is that despite the sea of evidence against them, why must Pakistan get away with a slap on the wrist?. And instead of introspecting, Pakistan had no qualms about blaming India for lobbying to have it blacklisted. As per reports, China, Pakistan's all-weather ally yet again came to Islamabad's rescue. And countries such as turkey and Malaysia “lauded” Pakistan's efforts to curb terror financing. The truth, as much as it would sting Imran Khan, remains — that Pakistan's economy can't afford to be blacklisted. And, given Islamabad's roots in the decades-long business of financing, nurturing and unleashing terrorists across the entirety of the SAARC region and beyond, it looks like an uphill battle that Islamabad isn’t ready for.

Pakistan escapes terror blacklisting: Is FATF too easy on Islamabad?

FATF warns and puts Pakistan on notice until Feb 2020; Listen to the experts. Watch video to know more.

FATF warns and puts Pakistan on notice until Feb 2020; Listen to the experts

FATF expresses serious concerns with the lack of progress by Pakistan to address its TF risks. Watch video to know more.

FATF expresses serious concerns with the lack of progress by Pakistan to address its TF risks

Pakistan will remain on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-relief-for-pakistan-from-fatf-formal-statement-expected-on-october-18-256555">FATF's grey list</a> till February 2020 and has been asked to fulfil its commitments by that time period. Most members expressed serious concern on Pakistan's progress on its anti finance terror commitments.

The outcome comes after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-relief-for-pakistan-from-fatf-formal-statement-expected-today-256670">week-long meet of the FATF's plenary in Paris</a> which started on Monday. A five-member Pakistani team, led by Hammad Azhar, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs of Pakistan, is in Paris for the meet.

FATF is a technical body with the aim to protect the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/to-support-terrorism-is-pakistans-state-policy-fatf-has-created-pressure-on-it-ajit-doval-255788"> international financial system</a>. The 30-year-old body works on the consensus of its member countries.

Watch: WION's Kartikay Sharma on FATF's decision on Pakistan

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Pakistan was put on the grey list by the FATF last year and is causing a loss of $10 billion to Pakistani economy annually. A blacklist will further have a detrimental impact on Pakistan's weak economy as investors won't be keen to invest in a country that is prone to terror financing.

Earlier this month, Asia pacific group (APG) of the Financial Action Task Force had released the mutual evaluation report of Pakistan taken up during the August meet in Australia in which the country had not done well. &nbsp;

The report had even said that Islamabad hasn't taken sufficient action to implement sanctions under the United Nation Security Committee of 1267 on 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed and country "faces significant money laundering and terror financing risks".

Pakistan will remain on the FATF's grey list till February 2020 and has been asked to fulfil its commitments by that time period. Most members expressed serious concern on Pakistan's progress on its anti finance terror commitments.

Pakistan will remain on the FATF's grey list till February 2020 and has been asked to fulfil its commitments by that time period. Most members expressed serious concern on Pakistan's progress on its anti finance terror commitments. The outcome comes after a week-long meet of the FATF's plenary in Paris which started on Monday. A five-member Pakistani team, led by Hammad Azhar, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs of Pakistan, is in Paris for the meet. FATF is a technical body with the aim to protect the international financial system. The 30-year-old body works on the consensus of its member countries. Watch: WION's Kartikay Sharma on FATF's decision on Pakistan × Pakistan was put on the grey list by the FATF last year and is causing a loss of $10 billion to Pakistani economy annually. A blacklist will further have a detrimental impact on Pakistan's weak economy as investors won't be keen to invest in a country that is prone to terror financing. Earlier this month, Asia pacific group (APG) of the Financial Action Task Force had released the mutual evaluation report of Pakistan taken up during the August meet in Australia in which the country had not done well. The report had even said that Islamabad hasn't taken sufficient action to implement sanctions under the United Nation Security Committee of 1267 on 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed and country "faces significant money laundering and terror financing risks".

Pakistan remains on FATF grey list, asked to fulfil its commitments by February 2020

There seems to be no relief for Pakistan from the Financial Action Task Force. WION has learnt from sources in Pakistan that the country will remain on the FATF grey list.

The Pakistan government has been asked by the global money-laundering watchdog to complete the implementation of its action plan at the earliest.

For now, the country will reportedly stay on the list till the next plenary session in February 2020.

An official announcement by the body is expected to be made today - the last day of its ongoing session.

Remember, Pakistan was placed on the grey list by the Paris-based watchdog in June last year and was given a plan of action to complete it by October 2019 — or face the risk of being placed on the blacklist along with Iran and North Korea.

Now, if Pakistan continues in the grey list - it would become very tough for the Imran Khan government to get financial aid from the IMF - the World Bank and the European Union - making its existing financial condition more precarious.

There seems to be no relief for Pakistan from the Financial Action Task Force. WION has learnt from sources in Pakistan that the country will remain on the FATF grey list.

There seems to be no relief for Pakistan from the Financial Action Task Force. WION has learnt from sources in Pakistan that the country will remain on the FATF grey list. The Pakistan government has been asked by the global money-laundering watchdog to complete the implementation of its action plan at the earliest. For now, the country will reportedly stay on the list till the next plenary session in February 2020. An official announcement by the body is expected to be made today - the last day of its ongoing session. Remember, Pakistan was placed on the grey list by the Paris-based watchdog in June last year and was given a plan of action to complete it by October 2019 — or face the risk of being placed on the blacklist along with Iran and North Korea. Now, if Pakistan continues in the grey list - it would become very tough for the Imran Khan government to get financial aid from the IMF - the World Bank and the European Union - making its existing financial condition more precarious.

No relief for Pakistan from FATF? Formal statement expected today

There seems to be no relief for Pakistan from the financial action task force. Wion has learnt from sources in Pakistan that the country will remain on the FATF grey list.

The Pakistan government has been asked by the global money-laundering watchdog to complete the implementation of its action plan at the earliest.

But for now - the country will reportedly stay on the list till the next plenary session in February 2020.

An official announcement by the body is expected to be made tomorrow which is the last day of its ongoing session.

Remember Pakistan was placed on the grey list by the Paris-based watchdog in June last year and was given a plan of action to complete it by October 2019 — or face the risk of being placed on the blacklist along with Iran and North Korea.

Now if Pakistan continues in the grey list - it would become very tough for the Imran Khan government to get financial aid from the IMF - the world bank and the European Union - making its existing financial condition more precarious.

There seems to be no relief for Pakistan from the financial action task force. Wion has learnt from sources in Pakistan that the country will remain on the FATF grey list.

There seems to be no relief for Pakistan from the financial action task force. Wion has learnt from sources in Pakistan that the country will remain on the FATF grey list. The Pakistan government has been asked by the global money-laundering watchdog to complete the implementation of its action plan at the earliest. But for now - the country will reportedly stay on the list till the next plenary session in February 2020. An official announcement by the body is expected to be made tomorrow which is the last day of its ongoing session. Remember Pakistan was placed on the grey list by the Paris-based watchdog in June last year and was given a plan of action to complete it by October 2019 — or face the risk of being placed on the blacklist along with Iran and North Korea. Now if Pakistan continues in the grey list - it would become very tough for the Imran Khan government to get financial aid from the IMF - the world bank and the European Union - making its existing financial condition more precarious.

No relief for Pakistan from FATF, formal statement expected on October 18

WION got to know from sources that Pakistan to remain on the grey list of FATF. Pak was placed on this grey list in June 2018. It could remain on this list till Feb. 2020. Formal statements on this are expected tomorrow. Pakistan may lose $10 Bn a year if it stays in the grey list of FATF.

Sources: Pakistan to remain on the 'grey list' of FATF

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

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

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

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

The Financial Action Task Force or FATF is likely to take strong action against Pakistan as it has failed to take sufficient action on terror financing.

FATF's final warning to Pakistan?

The Financial Action Task Force or FATF is likely to take strong action against Pakistan as it has failed to take sufficient action on terror financing. Watch this video to know more.

Pakistan on verge of being in dark grey list

The crucial meet of the Financial action task force(FATF), the global anti-terror financing body will begin today in Paris which will decide if <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-arrests-four-aides-of-hafiz-saeed-ahead-of-fatf-meet-255068">Pakistan will be put</a> on the blacklist or removed from the greylist.

The week-long meet will finish next Friday. It is for the first time a full-fledged plenary meeting is taking place under the new Chinese presidency of Xiangmin Liu.

A five-member Pakistani team led by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-prepares-compliance-report-as-fatf-meeting-approaches-254992">Hammad Azhar, the federal minister </a>for economic affairs of the country has reached Paris for the meet.

In early 2019, the former President of FATF, Marshall Billingslea, had said that the country has to do "significant work to meet the obligations they themselves undertook" as part of there high-level commitments and the country is "lacks in almost every respect of action plan."

FATF is a technical body, whose main aim is to protect the international financial system and the 30-year-old body works on the consensus of member countries.

The meet takes place after the Asia Pacific Group (APG) of the FATF&nbsp;had released the mutual evaluation report of Pakistan taken up during the August meet in Australia in which the country had not done well.

The report had said that Islamabad hasn't taken sufficient action to implement sanctions under the United Nation Security Committee of 1267 on 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed and country "faces significant money laundering and terror financing risks".

Pakistan was put on greylist by the FATF last year and which caused a loss of $10 billion to the Pakistan economy annually.

A blacklist will have a further detrimental impact on a weak Pakistani economy as investors won't be keen to invest in a country that is prone to terror financing.

The crucial meet of the Financial action task force(FATF), the global anti-terror financing body will begin today in Paris which will decide if Pakistan will be put on the blacklist or removed from the greylist.

The crucial meet of the Financial action task force(FATF), the global anti-terror financing body will begin today in Paris which will decide if Pakistan will be put on the blacklist or removed from the greylist. The week-long meet will finish next Friday. It is for the first time a full-fledged plenary meeting is taking place under the new Chinese presidency of Xiangmin Liu. A five-member Pakistani team led by Hammad Azhar, the federal minister for economic affairs of the country has reached Paris for the meet. In early 2019, the former President of FATF, Marshall Billingslea, had said that the country has to do "significant work to meet the obligations they themselves undertook" as part of there high-level commitments and the country is "lacks in almost every respect of action plan." FATF is a technical body, whose main aim is to protect the international financial system and the 30-year-old body works on the consensus of member countries. The meet takes place after the Asia Pacific Group (APG) of the FATF had released the mutual evaluation report of Pakistan taken up during the August meet in Australia in which the country had not done well. The report had said that Islamabad hasn't taken sufficient action to implement sanctions under the United Nation Security Committee of 1267 on 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed and country "faces significant money laundering and terror financing risks". Pakistan was put on greylist by the FATF last year and which caused a loss of $10 billion to the Pakistan economy annually. A blacklist will have a further detrimental impact on a weak Pakistani economy as investors won't be keen to invest in a country that is prone to terror financing.

FATF meet to begin in Paris today; outcome to decide Pak's fate on terror listing

A delegation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-arrests-four-aides-of-hafiz-saeed-ahead-of-fatf-meet-255068">Pakistani officials</a> on Sunday evening left for Paris to attend a crucial session of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in the French capital where the global terror financing watchdog is due to announce its decision on the country's 'Grey List' status. 
 
The delegation, headed by Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar, comprised Additional Secretary, Finance, Sohail Rajput along with the representatives of National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), who will be attending the meeting on October 14 and 15, Geo News reported. 
 
The watchdog had placed Pakistan on its Grey List in June 2018 and came up with a 27-point Action Plan for graduating it within a year period. 
 
It included safeguards against money-laundering and terror-financing by banned outfits and non-government entities through banking and non-banking jurisdictions, capital markets, corporate and non-corporate sectors like chartered accountancy, financial advisory services, cost and management accountancy firm, jewellery and similar related services. 
 
Sources revealed that a compliance report prepared by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan will be scrutinised in the presence of Azhar. 
According to FATF, if Pakistan fails to meet the implementation of the 27-point plan, the country could be blacklisted. 
 
In August 2019, the Asia Pacific Joint Group (APJG) of the FATF had placed Pakistan in the Enhanced Follow up list for failure to meet its standards. This was based on its technical compliance being rated as satisfactory on only 10 points out of 40. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fatf-meet-to-begin-in-paris-today-outcome-to-decide-paks-fate-on-terror-listing-255569">Of the 40 technical compliance parameters, Pakistan was 'non-compliant' on 30 parametres</a>. And, of the 11 effectiveness parametres, Pakistan was adjudged as 'low' on 10. 
 
Diplomatic sources, other than those in India and Pakistan, are abuzz on what to do with Pakistan at the FATF. Pakistan has reached out to all member nations stating that it was progressing in completing its Action Plan and placing it on the Black List would push it into an economic quagmire, slowing down its transactions and trade, which would impact its ability to repay the IMF loans. 
 
Some diplomats, especially from the USA and from Europe, are of the view that blacklisting, if unaccompanied by countermeasures, would not, significantly impact the Pakistani economy, while it would surely push the country to complete the Action Plan must faster. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-prepares-compliance-report-as-fatf-meeting-approaches-254992">Pakistan has been on the Grey List since 2008</a>. Therefore, giving it more time would make a mockery of FATF procedures, especially when Iran is on the verge of being moved to countermeasures. 
 
According to reports, Islamabad has been engaged in hectic lobbying in a last-ditch bid to influence the outcome in its favour. This year, Pakistan's all-weather ally China holds the presidency of the FATF. 
 
It is highly anticipated that Islamabad will ask Beijing to stridently back it at the plenary meeting to prevent it from blacklisting.

A delegation of Pakistani officials on Sunday evening left for Paris to attend a crucial session of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in the French capital where the global terror financing watchdog is due to announce its decision on the country's 'Grey List' status.

A delegation of Pakistani officials on Sunday evening left for Paris to attend a crucial session of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in the French capital where the global terror financing watchdog is due to announce its decision on the country's 'Grey List' status. The delegation, headed by Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar, comprised Additional Secretary, Finance, Sohail Rajput along with the representatives of National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), who will be attending the meeting on October 14 and 15, Geo News reported. The watchdog had placed Pakistan on its Grey List in June 2018 and came up with a 27-point Action Plan for graduating it within a year period. It included safeguards against money-laundering and terror-financing by banned outfits and non-government entities through banking and non-banking jurisdictions, capital markets, corporate and non-corporate sectors like chartered accountancy, financial advisory services, cost and management accountancy firm, jewellery and similar related services. Sources revealed that a compliance report prepared by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan will be scrutinised in the presence of Azhar. According to FATF, if Pakistan fails to meet the implementation of the 27-point plan, the country could be blacklisted. In August 2019, the Asia Pacific Joint Group (APJG) of the FATF had placed Pakistan in the Enhanced Follow up list for failure to meet its standards. This was based on its technical compliance being rated as satisfactory on only 10 points out of 40. Of the 40 technical compliance parameters, Pakistan was 'non-compliant' on 30 parametres. And, of the 11 effectiveness parametres, Pakistan was adjudged as 'low' on 10. Diplomatic sources, other than those in India and Pakistan, are abuzz on what to do with Pakistan at the FATF. Pakistan has reached out to all member nations stating that it was progressing in completing its Action Plan and placing it on the Black List would push it into an economic quagmire, slowing down its transactions and trade, which would impact its ability to repay the IMF loans. Some diplomats, especially from the USA and from Europe, are of the view that blacklisting, if unaccompanied by countermeasures, would not, significantly impact the Pakistani economy, while it would surely push the country to complete the Action Plan must faster. Pakistan has been on the Grey List since 2008. Therefore, giving it more time would make a mockery of FATF procedures, especially when Iran is on the verge of being moved to countermeasures. According to reports, Islamabad has been engaged in hectic lobbying in a last-ditch bid to influence the outcome in its favour. This year, Pakistan's all-weather ally China holds the presidency of the FATF. It is highly anticipated that Islamabad will ask Beijing to stridently back it at the plenary meeting to prevent it from blacklisting.

Pakistan delegation leaves for Paris to attend Financial Action Task Force meeting

Pak delegation has arrived in Paris for the FATF meeting. This will be a week-long meeting and it will end on 18th Oct. In this meeting FATF will review if Pakistan has taken any action against terror funding or not. Also, know what are the powers that FATF keep. Watch this video to know in detail.

FATF meet begins today, will review Pakistan's action against terror funding

Pakistani authorities on Thursday arrested four aides of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-pakistans-heart-bleeds-for-hafiz-saeed-252370">terrorist Hafiz Saeed</a>, the suspected mastermind of the 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai in 2008.

The aides have been arrested on the charges of terrorism financing, counter-terrorism police said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-must-account-for-basic-expenses-being-given-to-hafiz-saeed-us-252624">Saeed</a>, arrested on the same charges, has been on judicial remand since July, a move welcomed by US President Donald Trump who wants Pakistan to do more to crack down on militancy.

But Saeed`s arrest came just ahead of a visit to Washington by Prime Minister Imran Khan and was seen by India as a ploy to smooth the way before a meeting with Trump.

Thursday`s arrests come ahead of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-prepares-compliance-report-as-fatf-meeting-approaches-254992">Financial Action Task Force meeting</a> which is scheduled for next week.

The global watchdog FATF will review progress made by Pakistan in controlling terror financing and money laundering.

Pakistan, included on a so-called grey list compiled by the FATF, has been under increasing pressure to stop the financing of terror groups.

The four aides will appear before a trial court on Friday, police said in a statement.

Saeed, designated a terrorist by the United States and the United Nations, is the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, or Army of the Pure, the militant group blamed by the United States and India for the Mumbai attacks, which killed more than 160 people.

The United States has offered a $10 million reward for information leading to Saeed`s conviction. 
&nbsp;

Pakistani authorities on Thursday arrested four aides of terrorist Hafiz Saeed, the suspected mastermind of the 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai in 2008. The aides have been arrested on the charges of terrorism financing, counter-terrorism police said.

Pakistani authorities on Thursday arrested four aides of terrorist Hafiz Saeed, the suspected mastermind of the 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai in 2008. The aides have been arrested on the charges of terrorism financing, counter-terrorism police said. Saeed, arrested on the same charges, has been on judicial remand since July, a move welcomed by US President Donald Trump who wants Pakistan to do more to crack down on militancy. But Saeed`s arrest came just ahead of a visit to Washington by Prime Minister Imran Khan and was seen by India as a ploy to smooth the way before a meeting with Trump. Thursday`s arrests come ahead of Financial Action Task Force meeting which is scheduled for next week. The global watchdog FATF will review progress made by Pakistan in controlling terror financing and money laundering. Pakistan, included on a so-called grey list compiled by the FATF, has been under increasing pressure to stop the financing of terror groups. The four aides will appear before a trial court on Friday, police said in a statement. Saeed, designated a terrorist by the United States and the United Nations, is the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, or Army of the Pure, the militant group blamed by the United States and India for the Mumbai attacks, which killed more than 160 people. The United States has offered a $10 million reward for information leading to Saeed`s conviction.

Pakistan arrests four aides of Hafiz Saeed ahead of FATF meet

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/with-threats-to-women-and-children-pakistani-taliban-resurfaces-254971">Pakistan</a> has prepared its compliance report for the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-fate-hangs-in-balance-amid-crucial-fatf-review-meet-in-bangkok-today-248745">crucial plenary meeting</a> that is scheduled to be held in Paris from October 12 to October 15, during which the global anti-money laundering watchdog will give its decision on the country's 'grey list' status.

FATF had placed Pakistan on its 'grey list' in June 2018, giving it a 15-month action plan to complete implementation of a 27-point action plan, failing which the country could be placed in the Black List.

The forthcoming review of its performance will determine if it stays on the grey list or moved on the blacklist or given a clean chit.

Watch:&nbsp;

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In its latest report titled Mutual Evaluation Report of Pakistan, the Asia Pacific Group (APG) of the FATF on Saturday had said chances are high that Pakistan will be retained on the 'grey list'&nbsp;as the country had failed to take sufficient measures to fully implement UNSCR 1267 obligations against 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed and other individuals associated with LeT, JuD, FIF, among other terror groups.

"Pakistan should adequately identify, assess and understand its ML (Money Laundering)/TF (Terror Financing) risks including transnational risks and risks associated with terrorist groups operating in Pakistan such as Da'esh, AQ, JuD, FiF, LeT, JeM, HQN, and this should be used to implement a comprehensive and coordinated risk-based approach to combating ML and TF," the report stated.

The Pakistani delegation, led by Minister for Economic Affairs Division Hammad Azhar, is scheduled to leave for France on October 13 as Pakistan's case will be taken up on October 14 and 15, the Dawn reported.

Pakistani authorities have insisted that they made constructive efforts for improving compliance level by the regulated entities.

A report finalised by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) on Wednesday has said that the comprehensive guideline developed by the Commission has helped financial institutions to generate 219 Suspicious Transactions Reports (STRs) in one year, as compared to 13 STRs in eight years.

To align itself with the FATF`s standards and its 40 recommendations, the Commission developed a set of regulations in June 2018.

The SECP has conducted 167 inspections, focusing on anti-money laundering, combating the financing of terrorism compliance in the cases of 72 securities brokers, 27 non-banking financial companies, 13 insurance companies and 55 high-risk non-profit organisations.

The report added that apart from penalties imposed for non-compliances with the said regulations, the financial institutions have also undertaken remedial measures to ensure effective compliance with the regulations.

It said automated screening software has been deployed by many financial institutions to screen the proscribed persons and the regulated entities now also have access to the Go AML system of the State Bank of Pakistan`s (SBP) Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU) for online filing of STRs.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday morning arrived in China for a three-day visit, a week ahead of the FATF plenary meeting.

Islamabad has been engaged in hectic lobbying in a last-ditch bid to influence the outcome in its favour. This year, Pakistan all-weather ally China holds the presidency of the FATF.

It is highly anticipated that Islamabad will ask Beijing to stridently back it at the plenary meeting to prevent it from blacklisting.

Pakistan has prepared its compliance report for the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) crucial plenary meeting that is scheduled to be held in Paris from October 12 to October 15, during which the global anti-money laundering watchdog will give its decision on the country's 'grey list' status.

Pakistan has prepared its compliance report for the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) crucial plenary meeting that is scheduled to be held in Paris from October 12 to October 15, during which the global anti-money laundering watchdog will give its decision on the country's 'grey list' status. FATF had placed Pakistan on its 'grey list' in June 2018, giving it a 15-month action plan to complete implementation of a 27-point action plan, failing which the country could be placed in the Black List. The forthcoming review of its performance will determine if it stays on the grey list or moved on the blacklist or given a clean chit. Watch: In its latest report titled Mutual Evaluation Report of Pakistan, the Asia Pacific Group (APG) of the FATF on Saturday had said chances are high that Pakistan will be retained on the 'grey list' as the country had failed to take sufficient measures to fully implement UNSCR 1267 obligations against 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed and other individuals associated with LeT, JuD, FIF, among other terror groups. "Pakistan should adequately identify, assess and understand its ML (Money Laundering)/TF (Terror Financing) risks including transnational risks and risks associated with terrorist groups operating in Pakistan such as Da'esh, AQ, JuD, FiF, LeT, JeM, HQN, and this should be used to implement a comprehensive and coordinated risk-based approach to combating ML and TF," the report stated. The Pakistani delegation, led by Minister for Economic Affairs Division Hammad Azhar, is scheduled to leave for France on October 13 as Pakistan's case will be taken up on October 14 and 15, the Dawn reported. Pakistani authorities have insisted that they made constructive efforts for improving compliance level by the regulated entities. A report finalised by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) on Wednesday has said that the comprehensive guideline developed by the Commission has helped financial institutions to generate 219 Suspicious Transactions Reports (STRs) in one year, as compared to 13 STRs in eight years. To align itself with the FATF`s standards and its 40 recommendations, the Commission developed a set of regulations in June 2018. The SECP has conducted 167 inspections, focusing on anti-money laundering, combating the financing of terrorism compliance in the cases of 72 securities brokers, 27 non-banking financial companies, 13 insurance companies and 55 high-risk non-profit organisations. The report added that apart from penalties imposed for non-compliances with the said regulations, the financial institutions have also undertaken remedial measures to ensure effective compliance with the regulations. It said automated screening software has been deployed by many financial institutions to screen the proscribed persons and the regulated entities now also have access to the Go AML system of the State Bank of Pakistan`s (SBP) Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU) for online filing of STRs. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday morning arrived in China for a three-day visit, a week ahead of the FATF plenary meeting. Islamabad has been engaged in hectic lobbying in a last-ditch bid to influence the outcome in its favour. This year, Pakistan all-weather ally China holds the presidency of the FATF. It is highly anticipated that Islamabad will ask Beijing to stridently back it at the plenary meeting to prevent it from blacklisting.

Pakistan prepares FATF compliance report as it awaits decision on 'grey list' status

An annual mutual evaluation report, October 2019 of the Asia-Pacific group of FATF got released which mentioned that 'Pak not acting against terror outfits & No action against JuD & Hafiz Saeed'. This report may lead to a great role in the blacklisting of Pak in FATF.

FATF's Mutual Evaluation Report: 'Pak not acting against terror outfits'

The Asia-Pacific group of FATF released the report on Pakistan. Watch this video to know more.

Asia-Pacific FATF report on Pakistan released

US has said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-goofs-up-at-unga-calls-pm-modi-indian-president-252548">Pakistan</a> must account for "basic expenses" being given to 26/11 mastermind and UN sanctions terrorist Hafiz Saeed. Islamabad had gone to the United Nations Security Council to allow pension of Pakistani rupees 150,000 to Saeed.

Alice Wells, US' Acting Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, said,"Countries are required under the obligations of the listings that for any UN-designated individual that you account for whatever money flow is permitted, such as the family’s expenses of Hafiz Saeed."

Calling Pakistan action to go to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-request-to-disperse-monthly-expenses-for-global-terrorist-hafiz-saeed-gets-unscs-nod-252219">UNSC "counterintuitive"</a> but a "positive step", Alice wells said, "So actually having these submissions indicates a level of transparency and a fulfilment of a key requirement of FATF. So we welcome this step."

The United Nations Security Council's 1267 sanctions committee under which global terrorists are listed has approved Pakistani request to allow "basic expenses" to Hafiz Saeed. Islamabad's request got no objection until the deadline of August 15 at 3 pm New York time leading to approval by UNSC.&nbsp;

Pakistan has said that such "an exemption was in line with the established procedures and practices of the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee".

Pakistan government in its request had said Saeed is the sole supporter of his four member family and is responsible for food, drink and clothing expenses for all the family members. The development came just a day before Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed to United Nations General Assembly.

Saeed who worked as an assistant professor in University of engineering technology in Lahore retired in 1999 and was drawing a pension of Pakistani RS 45,700 through Habib Bank. However, his bank account was blocked after UNSC listed him, freezing his assets.

Saeed was put on the UN sanctions list in 2008 after the Mumbai terror attacks. There is a $10 million bounty on Saeed by the US on him. Saeed is currently in jail and faces trial for allegedly being involved in terror financing.

US has said that Pakistan must account for "basic expenses" being given to 26/11 mastermind and UN sanctions terrorist Hafiz Saeed. Islamabad had gone to the United Nations Security Council to allow pension of Pakistani rupees 150,000 to Saeed.

US has said that Pakistan must account for "basic expenses" being given to 26/11 mastermind and UN sanctions terrorist Hafiz Saeed. Islamabad had gone to the United Nations Security Council to allow pension of Pakistani rupees 150,000 to Saeed. Alice Wells, US' Acting Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, said,"Countries are required under the obligations of the listings that for any UN-designated individual that you account for whatever money flow is permitted, such as the family’s expenses of Hafiz Saeed." Calling Pakistan action to go to UNSC "counterintuitive" but a "positive step", Alice wells said, "So actually having these submissions indicates a level of transparency and a fulfilment of a key requirement of FATF. So we welcome this step." The United Nations Security Council's 1267 sanctions committee under which global terrorists are listed has approved Pakistani request to allow "basic expenses" to Hafiz Saeed. Islamabad's request got no objection until the deadline of August 15 at 3 pm New York time leading to approval by UNSC. Pakistan has said that such "an exemption was in line with the established procedures and practices of the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee". Pakistan government in its request had said Saeed is the sole supporter of his four member family and is responsible for food, drink and clothing expenses for all the family members. The development came just a day before Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed to United Nations General Assembly. Saeed who worked as an assistant professor in University of engineering technology in Lahore retired in 1999 and was drawing a pension of Pakistani RS 45,700 through Habib Bank. However, his bank account was blocked after UNSC listed him, freezing his assets. Saeed was put on the UN sanctions list in 2008 after the Mumbai terror attacks. There is a $10 million bounty on Saeed by the US on him. Saeed is currently in jail and faces trial for allegedly being involved in terror financing.

Pakistan must account for basic expenses being given to Hafiz Saeed: US

Pakistan continues to play hide and seek game with the international community as far as Mumbai terror attack mastermind and Jammat-ud-Dawah chief Hafiz Saeed is concerned. Within a month of Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) arresting Saeed in connection with a terrorism financing case on July 17 this year, Pakistani authorities moved swiftly to move the United Nations to allow him to use his bank account for his family's basic monthly expenses.&nbsp;

It is baffling to figure out the purpose behind Pakistan writing a letter to the United Nations Security Council, which though approved its request as no objections were raised by member countries by the deadline of August 15. Pakistan seems to have scored a self-goal by approaching the United Nations, which shows its apathy for a terrorist. Does Saeed really need access to his bank account to meet his daily expenses when he is hosted by the Pakistani authorities? Couldn’t Pakistan bear his expenses covertly as it has been doing for the last several decades?&nbsp;

The recent development has not only put Pakistani foreign policy mandarins shamefaced but also exposed their shady character. This comes at a time when Prime Minister Imran Khan is besieging the international community on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly against possible blacklisting of his almost bankrupt country by the inter-governmental Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Pakistan, which has been placed on the grey list of countries whose domestic laws are considered weak to tackle challenges of money laundering and terror&nbsp;financing, has time till October to get the decision revoked. The Paris-based body is holding its week-long plenary meeting from October 13 when Pakistan’s fate will be sealed. Pakistan, which has been reeling under double-digit inflation, high-interest rates and massive discontentment as unemployment rises, will be dealt a major body blow if it is blacklisted by FATF.

It should be recalled that the Asia Pacific Group (APG) under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) during its last month meeting in Bangkok had placed Pakistan in the Enhanced Expedited Follow Up List (Blacklist) for its failure to meet 21 of the 27 action parameters. Out of 118 UN-designated terrorists, Pakistan could show action against only five, including Hafiz Saeed. The agency noted that no demonstrable action could be shown against individuals like Masood Azhar, Rauf Azhar and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi or groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Falah-e-Insaniat, Haqqani network or Daesh (Islamic State).

Last year also, Pakistan had made a mockery of its so-called avowed commitment to the implementation of the United Nations Security Council 1267 sanctions regime on terrorists when it freed Saeed from the purported “house arrest” with the lame excuse that the Lahore court did not merit his detention. If that was not enough, Pakistan allowed Saeed to open the first office of his political group Milli Muslim League (MML) in Lahore. Ironically, according to Pakistani government records, the MML is the offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and JuD.

What makes Saeed such a formidable force that Pakistan wants to protect the UN-designated terrorist, who carries a $10 million American bounty on his head for terror activities. Saeed is an important asset for Pakistani establishment which uses his influence to carry out terror activities in Kashmir and elsewhere. Whilst LeT remains banned in Pakistan, the political arm of the group, Jamat-ud-Dawah (JuD) continues to function unhindered. LeT has been accused of attacking military and civilian targets in India, most notably the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2019 Pulwama attack on armed forces. Despite the ban, Pakistan's main intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), continues to offer LeT help and protection. Not only the ISI, but Saeed also enjoys the support of the powerful army as well. In fact, Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa had come in full support of him when he appeared before a parliament forum last year and said that Saeed, like every other Pakistani, had the right to raise the Kashmir issue.

Approaching the UN Security Council is nothing but a false show by Pakistan that it has choked all funds to Saeed who desperately needed money to meet his expenses. In the letter, Pakistan has described Saeed, a designated global terrorist, as an assistant professor of engineering and technology in Lahore. In its overzealousness in garnering support for Saeed, Pakistani foreign ministry officials convincingly forgot that the establishment had only a few months ago arrested him on charges of terror financing. The latest development is another concrete proof of Pakistan’s deepening nexus between the establishment and the terrorists and terrorist organisations.

Pakistan’s steadfast support to terrorists like Saeed, that too when the FATF meet is scheduled next month, is something hard to digest. Either it is not aware of the impending dangers or is it confident that it will manage to extricate out of the mess. In the event of Pakistan downgraded further and blacklisted by FATF, not only will it lose its power to approach major international banks for loans, no country or institution will be permitted to invest in Pakistan. Can Pakistan afford this? In the 36-member FATF, Pakistan needs at least 15 votes to escape the humiliation and getting blacklisted, which looks highly unlikely.

It is high time the global community sees through the shenanigans of Pakistan whose Prime Minister Imran Khan has proudly claimed to be hosting 30,000 to 40,000 terrorists and threatening nuclear war with India. Khan also boasted that "40 different militant groups" were operating from Pakistan. What more evidence does the international community need when an elected prime minister of Pakistan himself claims that his country is the hub of terrorists! The world’s major powers have time and again failed to practice what they preach the so-called war against terrorism. The problem is every country looks at terrorism through its only prism. For example, Iran is a ‘number one nation of terror’ according to President Donald Trump who carefully avoids a question on Pakistan as a terrorist country. For President Trump, Pakistan can still prove its worthiness whenever he takes a U-turn, as has been his forte, and wants to reopen talks with the Taliban so as to pull out his forces from Afghanistan before he bids for re-election next year.

Until and unless the world comes round the view that terrorism offers the biggest challenge to mankind and requires concerted action, the war against terrorism is not going to succeed. Or one to understand that some powerful countries don’t really want an end to terrorism so that they can continue selling their military hardware to countries afflicted with terrorism and make capital out of it! &nbsp;&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Pakistan continues to play hide and seek game with the international community as far as Mumbai terror attack mastermind and Jammat-ud-Dawah chief Hafiz Saeed is concerned.

Pakistan continues to play hide and seek game with the international community as far as Mumbai terror attack mastermind and Jammat-ud-Dawah chief Hafiz Saeed is concerned. Within a month of Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) arresting Saeed in connection with a terrorism financing case on July 17 this year, Pakistani authorities moved swiftly to move the United Nations to allow him to use his bank account for his family's basic monthly expenses. It is baffling to figure out the purpose behind Pakistan writing a letter to the United Nations Security Council, which though approved its request as no objections were raised by member countries by the deadline of August 15. Pakistan seems to have scored a self-goal by approaching the United Nations, which shows its apathy for a terrorist. Does Saeed really need access to his bank account to meet his daily expenses when he is hosted by the Pakistani authorities? Couldn’t Pakistan bear his expenses covertly as it has been doing for the last several decades? The recent development has not only put Pakistani foreign policy mandarins shamefaced but also exposed their shady character. This comes at a time when Prime Minister Imran Khan is besieging the international community on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly against possible blacklisting of his almost bankrupt country by the inter-governmental Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Pakistan, which has been placed on the grey list of countries whose domestic laws are considered weak to tackle challenges of money laundering and terror financing, has time till October to get the decision revoked. The Paris-based body is holding its week-long plenary meeting from October 13 when Pakistan’s fate will be sealed. Pakistan, which has been reeling under double-digit inflation, high-interest rates and massive discontentment as unemployment rises, will be dealt a major body blow if it is blacklisted by FATF. It should be recalled that the Asia Pacific Group (APG) under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) during its last month meeting in Bangkok had placed Pakistan in the Enhanced Expedited Follow Up List (Blacklist) for its failure to meet 21 of the 27 action parameters. Out of 118 UN-designated terrorists, Pakistan could show action against only five, including Hafiz Saeed. The agency noted that no demonstrable action could be shown against individuals like Masood Azhar, Rauf Azhar and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi or groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Falah-e-Insaniat, Haqqani network or Daesh (Islamic State). Last year also, Pakistan had made a mockery of its so-called avowed commitment to the implementation of the United Nations Security Council 1267 sanctions regime on terrorists when it freed Saeed from the purported “house arrest” with the lame excuse that the Lahore court did not merit his detention. If that was not enough, Pakistan allowed Saeed to open the first office of his political group Milli Muslim League (MML) in Lahore. Ironically, according to Pakistani government records, the MML is the offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and JuD. What makes Saeed such a formidable force that Pakistan wants to protect the UN-designated terrorist, who carries a $10 million American bounty on his head for terror activities. Saeed is an important asset for Pakistani establishment which uses his influence to carry out terror activities in Kashmir and elsewhere. Whilst LeT remains banned in Pakistan, the political arm of the group, Jamat-ud-Dawah (JuD) continues to function unhindered. LeT has been accused of attacking military and civilian targets in India, most notably the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2019 Pulwama attack on armed forces. Despite the ban, Pakistan's main intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), continues to offer LeT help and protection. Not only the ISI, but Saeed also enjoys the support of the powerful army as well. In fact, Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa had come in full support of him when he appeared before a parliament forum last year and said that Saeed, like every other Pakistani, had the right to raise the Kashmir issue. Approaching the UN Security Council is nothing but a false show by Pakistan that it has choked all funds to Saeed who desperately needed money to meet his expenses. In the letter, Pakistan has described Saeed, a designated global terrorist, as an assistant professor of engineering and technology in Lahore. In its overzealousness in garnering support for Saeed, Pakistani foreign ministry officials convincingly forgot that the establishment had only a few months ago arrested him on charges of terror financing. The latest development is another concrete proof of Pakistan’s deepening nexus between the establishment and the terrorists and terrorist organisations. Pakistan’s steadfast support to terrorists like Saeed, that too when the FATF meet is scheduled next month, is something hard to digest. Either it is not aware of the impending dangers or is it confident that it will manage to extricate out of the mess. In the event of Pakistan downgraded further and blacklisted by FATF, not only will it lose its power to approach major international banks for loans, no country or institution will be permitted to invest in Pakistan. Can Pakistan afford this? In the 36-member FATF, Pakistan needs at least 15 votes to escape the humiliation and getting blacklisted, which looks highly unlikely. It is high time the global community sees through the shenanigans of Pakistan whose Prime Minister Imran Khan has proudly claimed to be hosting 30,000 to 40,000 terrorists and threatening nuclear war with India. Khan also boasted that "40 different militant groups" were operating from Pakistan. What more evidence does the international community need when an elected prime minister of Pakistan himself claims that his country is the hub of terrorists! The world’s major powers have time and again failed to practice what they preach the so-called war against terrorism. The problem is every country looks at terrorism through its only prism. For example, Iran is a ‘number one nation of terror’ according to President Donald Trump who carefully avoids a question on Pakistan as a terrorist country. For President Trump, Pakistan can still prove its worthiness whenever he takes a U-turn, as has been his forte, and wants to reopen talks with the Taliban so as to pull out his forces from Afghanistan before he bids for re-election next year. Until and unless the world comes round the view that terrorism offers the biggest challenge to mankind and requires concerted action, the war against terrorism is not going to succeed. Or one to understand that some powerful countries don’t really want an end to terrorism so that they can continue selling their military hardware to countries afflicted with terrorism and make capital out of it! (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why Pakistan’s heart bleeds for Hafiz Saeed?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-strong-message-on-climate-change-pm-modi-to-inaugurate-gandhi-solar-park-251609">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> has called for the need to avoid politicisation of UN listings and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), stating that the only way to defeat terror is through development.&nbsp;

Speaking at the United Nations, the prime minister said that terrorists should not be allowed to get funds and arms for this objective to be realised. "We need to avoid the politicisation of mechanisms like the UN listings and the FATF and these mechanisms should be enforced and strengthened," he said. &nbsp;

This is an important development given the fact that Islamabad has been saying that New Delhi is pushing the country to blacklist that will impact the economy.

Sharing India's experience, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/time-for-talks-is-over-world-needs-to-act-now-pm-modi-at-un-climate-change-summit-251563">PM said</a>, "democratic values, diversity and inclusive development were the most important weapons against ideologies that promote terrorism, extremism and radicalisation."&nbsp;

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Briefing the media on the meeting led by Jordan and New Zealand, secretary west Gitesh Sarma said, "the PM called for global solidarity and readiness against terrorism in the same way as the world has shown solidarity against challenges like climate change... and terrorist act anywhere should be considered as terrorism and not good or bad terrorism".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was attending leaders' dialogue to discuss 'strategic responses to terrorist and violent extremist narrative' which took stock of Christchurch's call to eliminate terrorists and violent extremist content online.

India has supported Christchurch's call to sanitize cyberspace from contents that promote terrorism, hate and violence.

PM Modi also called for the need to institutionalise counter-terror cooperation at a multilateral level and help in capacity building of friendly countries in the region.

Interestingly, India was mentioned by French President Emmanuel Macron during his opening speech at the conference. Macron expressed his appreciation for its association for the Christchurch call.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the need to avoid politicisation of UN listings and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), stating that the only way to defeat terror is through development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the need to avoid politicisation of UN listings and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), stating that the only way to defeat terror is through development. Speaking at the United Nations, the prime minister said that terrorists should not be allowed to get funds and arms for this objective to be realised. "We need to avoid the politicisation of mechanisms like the UN listings and the FATF and these mechanisms should be enforced and strengthened," he said. This is an important development given the fact that Islamabad has been saying that New Delhi is pushing the country to blacklist that will impact the economy. Sharing India's experience, PM said, "democratic values, diversity and inclusive development were the most important weapons against ideologies that promote terrorism, extremism and radicalisation." × Briefing the media on the meeting led by Jordan and New Zealand, secretary west Gitesh Sarma said, "the PM called for global solidarity and readiness against terrorism in the same way as the world has shown solidarity against challenges like climate change... and terrorist act anywhere should be considered as terrorism and not good or bad terrorism". Prime Minister Narendra Modi was attending leaders' dialogue to discuss 'strategic responses to terrorist and violent extremist narrative' which took stock of Christchurch's call to eliminate terrorists and violent extremist content online. India has supported Christchurch's call to sanitize cyberspace from contents that promote terrorism, hate and violence. PM Modi also called for the need to institutionalise counter-terror cooperation at a multilateral level and help in capacity building of friendly countries in the region. Interestingly, India was mentioned by French President Emmanuel Macron during his opening speech at the conference. Macron expressed his appreciation for its association for the Christchurch call.

India says avoid politicisation of UN listing, FATF during anti-terror meet at United Nations 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called for global solidarity and readiness against terrorism in the same way the world has shown solidarity against challenges like climate change.&nbsp;

"A terrorist attack, anywhere in the world should be considered as terrorism, not good or bad terrorist," PM Modi said while speaking at the '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-attends-leaderss-dialogue-on-strategic-responses-to-terrorist-violent-extremist-narratives-in-new-york-251613">Leaders' Dialogue on Strategic Responses to Terrorist and Violent Extremist Narratives</a>' at the UN headquarters in New York.

PM Modi also suggested institutionalising counter-terrorism cooperation at the multilateral level and said that terrorists should not be allowed to get funds an arms, Gitesh Sharma, Ministery of External Affairs Secretary informed in a press conference in Delhi.&nbsp;

"For this objective to be realised we need to avoid politicisation of mechanisms like UN listings and Financial Action Task Force," PM Modi said in the conference.

He also called for qualitative upgradation in the ongoing cooperation and intelligence sharing through bilateral and regional frameworks.

Earlier in the day, the PM addressed the high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage and Climate Action Summit.

Watch: Young climate activists keep pressure on world leaders

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At the Climate Action Summit, Modi said that the time for talking is over as he announced plans to increase India's renewable energy capacity to 450 GW from 175 GW and invited countries to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure being launched by India.

Besides the two important summits, the Prime Minister held a flurry of bilateral meetings with several world leaders and reviewed bilateral ties. He also met UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore.

On Tuesday, PM Modi will hold third bilateral meet of this year with US President Donald Trump at the sideline of the United Nations General Assembly.

He is also scheduled to inaugurate the Gandhi Solar Park which is built with India's help on the roof of the United Nations' headquarters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called for global solidarity and readiness against terrorism in the same way the world has shown solidarity against challenges like climate change.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called for global solidarity and readiness against terrorism in the same way the world has shown solidarity against challenges like climate change. "A terrorist attack, anywhere in the world should be considered as terrorism, not good or bad terrorist," PM Modi said while speaking at the 'Leaders' Dialogue on Strategic Responses to Terrorist and Violent Extremist Narratives' at the UN headquarters in New York. PM Modi also suggested institutionalising counter-terrorism cooperation at the multilateral level and said that terrorists should not be allowed to get funds an arms, Gitesh Sharma, Ministery of External Affairs Secretary informed in a press conference in Delhi. "For this objective to be realised we need to avoid politicisation of mechanisms like UN listings and Financial Action Task Force," PM Modi said in the conference. He also called for qualitative upgradation in the ongoing cooperation and intelligence sharing through bilateral and regional frameworks. Earlier in the day, the PM addressed the high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage and Climate Action Summit. Watch: Young climate activists keep pressure on world leaders × At the Climate Action Summit, Modi said that the time for talking is over as he announced plans to increase India's renewable energy capacity to 450 GW from 175 GW and invited countries to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure being launched by India. Besides the two important summits, the Prime Minister held a flurry of bilateral meetings with several world leaders and reviewed bilateral ties. He also met UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. On Tuesday, PM Modi will hold third bilateral meet of this year with US President Donald Trump at the sideline of the United Nations General Assembly. He is also scheduled to inaugurate the Gandhi Solar Park which is built with India's help on the roof of the United Nations' headquarters.

To disarm terrorists, avoid politicisation of UN listings, FATF: PM Modi in New York

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has decided to shortly approve a loan worth US $350 million for reforms and financial sustainability programmes that aims to address fiscal, governance, technical and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-is-facing-economic-woes-due-to-fiscal-mismanagement-general-bajwa-231287">policy deficits in Pakistan</a>`s energy sector.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-economic-crisis-countrys-debts-liabilities-exceed-the-size-of-its-gdp-245554">Pakistan economic crisis: Country's debts, liabilities exceed the size of its GDP</a>

These deficits have adversely impacted the sector's quality and efficiency of services, and the sustainability of energy infrastructure and finances, thereby challenging Pakistan`s fiscal balance and macroeconomic stability, Dawn reported.

According to the project documents released by the ADB on Friday, the bank will start loan negotiations with the government next month, and it is expected that the loan signing and effectiveness of the loan will take place in November this year.

Out of the total amount, the ADB will provide US $300 million while the rest of US $50 million will be provided by the Export-Import Bank of Korea.Pakistan`s Ministry of Finance will execute the project in collaboration with ADB, while the Ministry of Energy will be the implementing agency.

The programmatic approach and policy-based loan will finance three sub-programmes in 2019-23, and through interlinked policy actions, reform areas of the three sequenced sub-programmes are underpinned on securing financial sustainability, strengthening governance, and reinforcing infrastructure improvements.

The programme is conceived in close coordination with key development partners and underpins the International Monetary Fund`s recently approved US $6 billion extended fund facility to curtail the sector`s burden on the annual budget and associated negative impact on the economic growth of the cash-strapped country.&nbsp;

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has decided to shortly approve a loan worth US $350 million for reforms and financial sustainability programmes that aims to address fiscal, governance, technical and policy deficits in Pakistan`s energy sector.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has decided to shortly approve a loan worth US $350 million for reforms and financial sustainability programmes that aims to address fiscal, governance, technical and policy deficits in Pakistan`s energy sector. Also read: Pakistan economic crisis: Country's debts, liabilities exceed the size of its GDP These deficits have adversely impacted the sector's quality and efficiency of services, and the sustainability of energy infrastructure and finances, thereby challenging Pakistan`s fiscal balance and macroeconomic stability, Dawn reported. According to the project documents released by the ADB on Friday, the bank will start loan negotiations with the government next month, and it is expected that the loan signing and effectiveness of the loan will take place in November this year. Out of the total amount, the ADB will provide US $300 million while the rest of US $50 million will be provided by the Export-Import Bank of Korea.Pakistan`s Ministry of Finance will execute the project in collaboration with ADB, while the Ministry of Energy will be the implementing agency. The programmatic approach and policy-based loan will finance three sub-programmes in 2019-23, and through interlinked policy actions, reform areas of the three sequenced sub-programmes are underpinned on securing financial sustainability, strengthening governance, and reinforcing infrastructure improvements. The programme is conceived in close coordination with key development partners and underpins the International Monetary Fund`s recently approved US $6 billion extended fund facility to curtail the sector`s burden on the annual budget and associated negative impact on the economic growth of the cash-strapped country.

Asian Development Bank to approve $350m loan for Pakistan's energy sector reforms

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-fate-hangs-in-balance-amid-crucial-fatf-review-meet-in-bangkok-today-248745">Pakistan</a> has spent billions of rupees on proscribed terror outfit Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD), admitted the country's interior minister on national television.

Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmed Shah said that the Imran Khan government has spent billions of Rupees on the terror outfit to attach them to the mainstream.

Speaking to journalist Nadeem Malik, during a talk show aired on a Pakistani private news channel Hum News, the minister said, "We have spent millions of rupees on JuD. We need to demotivate the members of the proscribed organisation and bring them down to the mainstream."

Earlier, during his maiden visit to the United States in July, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had made a similar revelation that his country still has about 30,000 to 40,000 militants "who have been trained and fought in some part of Afghanistan or Kashmir."

Khan had also said that before his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government came into power, the governments did not have the "political will" to disarm militant groups operating on their soil. During a separate event, the Pakistani Prime Minister also said that they had 40 different militant groups operating within its borders.

Minister Shah's comments seem to be a face-saving measure ahead of the upcoming meeting of the Paris-based <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-lobbies-for-support-ahead-of-fatf-plenary-action-248089">Financial Action Task Force</a>&nbsp;(FATF) in October.

The watchdog is expected to submit its final evaluation report on Islamabad's action plan to curb terror financing next month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-efforts-to-act-against-terror-groups-money-laundering-questioned-at-asia-pacific-group-meet-in-china-219422">Last month</a>, the FATF's regional affiliate Asia-Pacific Group (APG) had put Pakistan in the enhanced expedited follow-up list, a category reserved for countries having major deficiencies in their anti-money-laundering and counter-financing of terrorism framework and implementation.

In another major embarrassing admission during the talk show, the minister also stated that Islamabad has failed to get support from the international community over its stand on the Kashmir issue.

Shah, in his remarks, blamed Pakistan "ruling elite" including Khan for "destroying" the image of the country, a day after Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, during the 42nd UNHRC session in Geneva, claimed that India has transformed Jammu and Kashmir into the largest "caged prison in this planet" after the abrogation of Article 370 and that the human rights were being "trampled with impunity" there.

Pakistan has spent billions of rupees on proscribed terror outfit Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD), admitted the country's interior minister on national television. Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmed Shah said that the Imran Khan government has spent billions of Rupees on the terror outfit to attach them to the mainstream.

Pakistan has spent billions of rupees on proscribed terror outfit Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD), admitted the country's interior minister on national television. Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmed Shah said that the Imran Khan government has spent billions of Rupees on the terror outfit to attach them to the mainstream. Speaking to journalist Nadeem Malik, during a talk show aired on a Pakistani private news channel Hum News, the minister said, "We have spent millions of rupees on JuD. We need to demotivate the members of the proscribed organisation and bring them down to the mainstream." Earlier, during his maiden visit to the United States in July, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had made a similar revelation that his country still has about 30,000 to 40,000 militants "who have been trained and fought in some part of Afghanistan or Kashmir." Khan had also said that before his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government came into power, the governments did not have the "political will" to disarm militant groups operating on their soil. During a separate event, the Pakistani Prime Minister also said that they had 40 different militant groups operating within its borders. Minister Shah's comments seem to be a face-saving measure ahead of the upcoming meeting of the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in October. The watchdog is expected to submit its final evaluation report on Islamabad's action plan to curb terror financing next month. Last month, the FATF's regional affiliate Asia-Pacific Group (APG) had put Pakistan in the enhanced expedited follow-up list, a category reserved for countries having major deficiencies in their anti-money-laundering and counter-financing of terrorism framework and implementation. In another major embarrassing admission during the talk show, the minister also stated that Islamabad has failed to get support from the international community over its stand on the Kashmir issue. Shah, in his remarks, blamed Pakistan "ruling elite" including Khan for "destroying" the image of the country, a day after Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, during the 42nd UNHRC session in Geneva, claimed that India has transformed Jammu and Kashmir into the largest "caged prison in this planet" after the abrogation of Article 370 and that the human rights were being "trampled with impunity" there.

Pakistan has spent billions of rupees on JuD, admits its minister

Islamabad is all set to raise the Jammu and Kashmir issue when both India and Pakistan speak at the United Nations Human Rights Council on Tuesday. The two nuclear-armed neighbours will be speaking as part of the 42nd session of the UNHRC, which is underway in Geneva.

Pakistan to rake up J&K issue in UNHRC

Pakistan has been lobbying with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pulled-up-by-fatss-sub-group-for-failing-to-meet-terror-financing-commitment-244967">Financial Action Task Force (FATF)</a> which is due to present, by October, its evaluation report on Islamabad`s action plan to curb terror financing.

Last month, the FATF`s regional affiliate Asia-Pacific Group (APG) had put Pakistan in the enhanced expedited follow-up list, a category reserved for countries having major deficiencies in their anti-money-laundering and counter-financing of terrorism framework and implementation.

Pakistan has been under the FATF radar for its complicity towards terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) among others.&nbsp;

In addition, terrorists like Hafiz Saeed are regularly seen ranting anti-India rhetoric and collecting so-called donations.

The FATF recently gave a stern message to Pakistan to expedite its action plan for curbing terror financing by October or face the prospect of getting blacklisted, which could aggravate problems for its stagnant economy.

One of the constant themes of Pakistani propaganda has been that various countries -- primarily India -- were politicising FATF`s proceedings.

However, the reality is different. In a run-up to the FATF Plenary scheduled to be held in Paris from October 13 to 18 where Pakistan`s compliance with the action plan will be assessed, Islamabad has been engaged in hectic lobbying in a desperate bid to influence the outcome in its favour.&nbsp;

In addition, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will meet leaders from Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa, Turkey, France, Germany, Britain and Canada on the sidelines of 74th session of United Nations General Assembly in New York from September 17 to 20.

Khan`s meetings have also been proposed with the leaders of Indonesia, Australia, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, the United States, Mexico and Argentina to muster support on issues related to FATF and grey-listing process.

Pakistan`s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi is also scheduled to seek support from Kuwait, Sweden, South Korea, China, Oman, Qatar, UAE, Russia, Greece Austria, Spain, Luxembourg, Ireland, Brazil and other countries on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

During recent assessments, Pakistan has been rated low on 10 out of 11 FATF immediate outcomes, and partially or non-compliant on 30 out of 40 FATF recommendations as per its mutual evaluation report.

Under the FATF action plan, Pakistan has nothing substantial to show by way of terror-related seizures in the list of over 900 seized properties of various terror organisations. Nor were formal terror financing cases lodged or investigations completed since February 2018.

Thus, Pakistan has been largely non-compliant on all parameters stipulated by the FATF.&nbsp;

Pakistan has been lobbying with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) which is due to present, by October, its evaluation report on Islamabad`s action plan to curb terror financing.

Pakistan has been lobbying with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) which is due to present, by October, its evaluation report on Islamabad`s action plan to curb terror financing. Last month, the FATF`s regional affiliate Asia-Pacific Group (APG) had put Pakistan in the enhanced expedited follow-up list, a category reserved for countries having major deficiencies in their anti-money-laundering and counter-financing of terrorism framework and implementation. Pakistan has been under the FATF radar for its complicity towards terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) among others. In addition, terrorists like Hafiz Saeed are regularly seen ranting anti-India rhetoric and collecting so-called donations. The FATF recently gave a stern message to Pakistan to expedite its action plan for curbing terror financing by October or face the prospect of getting blacklisted, which could aggravate problems for its stagnant economy. One of the constant themes of Pakistani propaganda has been that various countries -- primarily India -- were politicising FATF`s proceedings. However, the reality is different. In a run-up to the FATF Plenary scheduled to be held in Paris from October 13 to 18 where Pakistan`s compliance with the action plan will be assessed, Islamabad has been engaged in hectic lobbying in a desperate bid to influence the outcome in its favour. In addition, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will meet leaders from Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa, Turkey, France, Germany, Britain and Canada on the sidelines of 74th session of United Nations General Assembly in New York from September 17 to 20. Khan`s meetings have also been proposed with the leaders of Indonesia, Australia, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, the United States, Mexico and Argentina to muster support on issues related to FATF and grey-listing process. Pakistan`s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi is also scheduled to seek support from Kuwait, Sweden, South Korea, China, Oman, Qatar, UAE, Russia, Greece Austria, Spain, Luxembourg, Ireland, Brazil and other countries on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. During recent assessments, Pakistan has been rated low on 10 out of 11 FATF immediate outcomes, and partially or non-compliant on 30 out of 40 FATF recommendations as per its mutual evaluation report. Under the FATF action plan, Pakistan has nothing substantial to show by way of terror-related seizures in the list of over 900 seized properties of various terror organisations. Nor were formal terror financing cases lodged or investigations completed since February 2018. Thus, Pakistan has been largely non-compliant on all parameters stipulated by the FATF.

Pakistan lobbies for support ahead of FATF Plenary action

Pakistan now faces the challenge of avoiding being placed under FATF's overall black list in October. It was earlier placed in the 'grey list' by FATF.

Big Setback for 'NAYA' Pakistan as FATF's Asia-Pacific Group blacklists Pakistan

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