The global anti-money laundering and terror financing body, the FATF (Financial Action Task Force), on Thursday (Sep 19) launched its much-awaited mutual evaluation report on India, saying the country's systems were "effective" but "major improvements" were required to strengthen prosecution in these cases.

The report said that the country faced "disparate" range of terror threats, most significantly from ISIL (Islamic State or ISIS) or AQ-linked groups (Al Qaeda) active in and around Jammu and Kashmir.

The 368-page report was released after the assessment was adopted by the Paris-headquartered body at its June plenary meeting. The last such review of India's combating of money laundering and terror financing regime was published in 2010.

The report, which comes after an on-site visit of FATF experts to India last November, has placed the country in the "regular follow-up" category, a distinction shared by only four other G20 countries. India will undergo its next evaluation in 2031. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jk-india-alarmed-by-china-made-handsets-used-by-pakistani-terrorists-734717">Watch |&nbsp;J&amp;K: India alarmed by China-made handsets used by Pakistani terrorists</a>

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The report said India implemented such an anti-money laundering (AML) and combating financing of terror (CFT) system that was effective in many respects. It, however, said "major improvements" were required to strengthen the prosecution in money laundering and terror financing cases.

It said improvements in the system were also required to protect the non-profit sector from terror abuse.

"India's main sources of money laundering originate from within, from illegal activities committed within country," it said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fatf-recognises-indias-efforts-to-combat-money-laundering-terrorist-financing-736144">Also read |&nbsp;FATF recognises India's efforts to combat money laundering, terrorist financing</a>

The report analyses the level of compliance with the FATF 40 Recommendations and the level of effectiveness of India's AML/CFT system, and provides recommendations on how the system can be strengthened.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The global anti-money laundering and terror financing body, the FATF (Financial Action Task Force), on Thursday (Sep 19) launched its much-awaited mutual evaluation report on India, saying the country's systems were "effective" but "major improvements" were required to strengthen prosecution in these cases.

The global anti-money laundering and terror financing body, the FATF (Financial Action Task Force), on Thursday (Sep 19) launched its much-awaited mutual evaluation report on India, saying the country's systems were "effective" but "major improvements" were required to strengthen prosecution in these cases. The report said that the country faced "disparate" range of terror threats, most significantly from ISIL (Islamic State or ISIS) or AQ-linked groups (Al Qaeda) active in and around Jammu and Kashmir. The 368-page report was released after the assessment was adopted by the Paris-headquartered body at its June plenary meeting. The last such review of India's combating of money laundering and terror financing regime was published in 2010. The report, which comes after an on-site visit of FATF experts to India last November, has placed the country in the "regular follow-up" category, a distinction shared by only four other G20 countries. India will undergo its next evaluation in 2031. Watch | J&K: India alarmed by China-made handsets used by Pakistani terrorists × The report said India implemented such an anti-money laundering (AML) and combating financing of terror (CFT) system that was effective in many respects. It, however, said "major improvements" were required to strengthen the prosecution in money laundering and terror financing cases. It said improvements in the system were also required to protect the non-profit sector from terror abuse. "India's main sources of money laundering originate from within, from illegal activities committed within country," it said. Also read | FATF recognises India's efforts to combat money laundering, terrorist financing The report analyses the level of compliance with the FATF 40 Recommendations and the level of effectiveness of India's AML/CFT system, and provides recommendations on how the system can be strengthened. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Islamic State, Al Qaeda biggest terrorism threat in India's Jammu and Kashmir: FATF

Financial Action Task Force (FATF),&nbsp;a global watchdog for terror financing and money laundering,&nbsp;will hold its plenary session from June 14 to 17 in Berlin. It was established by the G-7 (Group of Seven) Summit in 1989 and is currently has its headquarters in French capital Paris.

''The inter-governmental body sets international standards that aim to prevent these illegal activities and the harm they cause to society,'' according to its website.

Known as Groupe d'action financière in French, FATF has 35 members and its International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) includes the US, the UK, France, China, and India.

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FATF places those countries in its 'grey list' or "Jurisdictions Under Increased Monitoring” that pose a risk to the global financial system.&nbsp;

Due to its failure to curb funnelling of funds to groups responsible for scores of attacks in India, Pakistan has been placed in FATF’s ‘grey list’.

It was found non-compliant on 32 of 40 compliance parameters related to terror financing and money laundering by the Asia Pacific Group of the FATF.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-looks-to-exit-the-grey-list-faces-new-test-at-fatf-meet-455146">Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan looks to exit the 'grey list', faces new test at FATF meet</a>

Adding to the financial problems of Pakistan, its continuance in the 'Grey List' means its downgrading by the IMF, the World Bank, the ADB, the EU and also a reduction in risk rating by Moody's, S&amp;P and Fitch.

Pakistan, which has been under the FATF radar for its complicity towards terror groups LeT, JeM and others, was adjudged low on 10 out of 11 &nbsp;"effectiveness parameters" of terror financing and money laundering in its previous plenary session.

This was a result of its bluff of arresting members of terrorist organisations under Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Act which states that a detainee beyond 60 days.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global watchdog for terror financing and money laundering, will hold its plenary session from June 14 to 17 in Berlin. It was established by the G-7 (Group of Seven) Summit in 1989 and is currently has its headquarters in French capital Paris.

Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global watchdog for terror financing and money laundering, will hold its plenary session from June 14 to 17 in Berlin. It was established by the G-7 (Group of Seven) Summit in 1989 and is currently has its headquarters in French capital Paris. ''The inter-governmental body sets international standards that aim to prevent these illegal activities and the harm they cause to society,'' according to its website. Known as Groupe d'action financière in French, FATF has 35 members and its International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) includes the US, the UK, France, China, and India. FATF places those countries in its 'grey list' or "Jurisdictions Under Increased Monitoring” that pose a risk to the global financial system. Due to its failure to curb funnelling of funds to groups responsible for scores of attacks in India, Pakistan has been placed in FATF’s ‘grey list’. It was found non-compliant on 32 of 40 compliance parameters related to terror financing and money laundering by the Asia Pacific Group of the FATF. Also read | Pakistan looks to exit the 'grey list', faces new test at FATF meet Adding to the financial problems of Pakistan, its continuance in the 'Grey List' means its downgrading by the IMF, the World Bank, the ADB, the EU and also a reduction in risk rating by Moody's, S&P and Fitch. Pakistan, which has been under the FATF radar for its complicity towards terror groups LeT, JeM and others, was adjudged low on 10 out of 11 "effectiveness parameters" of terror financing and money laundering in its previous plenary session. This was a result of its bluff of arresting members of terrorist organisations under Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Act which states that a detainee beyond 60 days. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Explainer: What is Financial Action Task Force and why is Pakistan in its 'grey list'?

Pakistan has not mentioned mafia don Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar who according to the UN has links to al Qaeda, in its response to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)body’s ongoing plenary meeting in Paris, where one of the key decisions to be made whether to keep the country on the “grey list”.

Pakistan has not mentioned mafia don Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar who according to the UN has links to al Qaeda, in its response to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)body’s ongoing plenary meeting in Paris, where one of the key decisions to be made whether to keep the country on the “grey list”. Dawood Ibrahim was designated as a global terrorist in November 2003 by United Nations, and his location as Karachi. According to reports, Pakistan in its repose to the body, which was set up to counterterror financing and money laundering, on Tuesday, stated that it has successfully implemented 14 of the 27 action points laid down by FATF, and that it has partly implemented 11 more, but a report quoting senior officials familiar with the country’s submission stated that that the report has no mention of Dawood. A decision by FATF is expected on Friday. According to counterterror operatives based in New Delhi and Mumbai, Dawood is living in Karachi under the protection of the state. The UN statement also lists his latest passport as being issued in Rwalpindi, the twin city of Islamabad where the army headquarters are based. He used to carry Indian and UAE passports in the 1980s and early 1990s. The UN documents are in the public domain.

Pakistan does not mention Dawood Ibrahim in its response to FATF

FATF subgroup on Tuesday recommended Pakistan's continuation on 'Grey List'. The final decision will be taken on Friday when the FATF takes up issues concerning Pakistan.&nbsp;

The International Co-operation Review Group (ICRG), a part of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), evaluated whether or not Pakistan has taken sufficient steps and implemented its plan of action to fight the global menace.

Pakistan was facing the possibility of getting slapped with additional sanctions if it would have "blacklisted". If put on a 'blacklist', Pakistan would have faced isolation from the international banking system, introducing stricter checks and safeguards on transactions involving the country.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jaish-e-mohammeds-masood-azhar-has-gone-missing-with-his-family-pakistan-informs-fatf-280971">Jaish-e-Mohammed's Masood Azhar has gone missing with his family - Pakistan informs FATF</a>

The South Asian nation was to submit a report on action regarding the implementation of the watchdog's plan of action during the Paris meeting.&nbsp;

More than 800 representatives from 205 countries and jurisdictions around the world including the IMF, UN, World Bank, and other organisations were in attendance in the meeting.

The FATF, a global terror financing watchdog, in 2018 placed Pakistan on the grey list and the watchdog has already granted Islamabad an extension till February 2020 during a meeting in October last year.

The FATF's Asia-Pacific Group's meeting, which took place in Beijing last year in October, analyzed Pakistan's situation from a technical point of view.

China, who took over as the chair of the inter-governmental organisation since July 2019, expressed satisfaction over the "visible progress" made by Islamabad, leading to speculations that it could be put in a "white" list from "grey" list, according to Pakistan media reports.

The body warned that Islamabad would be put on the blacklist if it did not comply with the remaining 22 out of 27 points related to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;&nbsp;

FATF subgroup on Tuesday recommended Pakistan's continuation on 'Grey List'. The final decision will be taken on Friday when the FATF takes up issues concerning Pakistan.

FATF subgroup on Tuesday recommended Pakistan's continuation on 'Grey List'. The final decision will be taken on Friday when the FATF takes up issues concerning Pakistan. The International Co-operation Review Group (ICRG), a part of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), evaluated whether or not Pakistan has taken sufficient steps and implemented its plan of action to fight the global menace. Pakistan was facing the possibility of getting slapped with additional sanctions if it would have "blacklisted". If put on a 'blacklist', Pakistan would have faced isolation from the international banking system, introducing stricter checks and safeguards on transactions involving the country. Also read: Jaish-e-Mohammed's Masood Azhar has gone missing with his family - Pakistan informs FATF The South Asian nation was to submit a report on action regarding the implementation of the watchdog's plan of action during the Paris meeting. More than 800 representatives from 205 countries and jurisdictions around the world including the IMF, UN, World Bank, and other organisations were in attendance in the meeting. The FATF, a global terror financing watchdog, in 2018 placed Pakistan on the grey list and the watchdog has already granted Islamabad an extension till February 2020 during a meeting in October last year. The FATF's Asia-Pacific Group's meeting, which took place in Beijing last year in October, analyzed Pakistan's situation from a technical point of view. China, who took over as the chair of the inter-governmental organisation since July 2019, expressed satisfaction over the "visible progress" made by Islamabad, leading to speculations that it could be put in a "white" list from "grey" list, according to Pakistan media reports. The body warned that Islamabad would be put on the blacklist if it did not comply with the remaining 22 out of 27 points related to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing. (With inputs from ANI)

Pakistan to remain on FATF grey list, relieved from additional sanctions; final decision on Friday

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Friday said he would help Pakistan stay off a terrorism financing blacklist at a meeting of a global financial watchdog, a move he suggested would counter "political pressure" from Islamabad's critics.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which tackles money laundering, told Islamabad late last year that it could face blacklisting if it continued to apply inadequate controls over terrorism financing.

The FATF is meeting next week in France, and support from Turkey and longtime allies like China, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia could help Pakistan remain off the blacklist. A minimum of three votes are required for any country to escape the blacklisting.

If it joined the blacklist alongside Iran and North Korea, Islamabad would face sanctions and economic setbacks at a time when its economy is struggling with a balance of payment crisis.

"We will be supporting Pakistan at the Financial Action Task Force meetings, where Pakistan is subject to political pressure," Erdogan told Pakistan's parliament a day after he arrived in Islamabad.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/news-update-breaking-Turkey-President-Erdogan-rakes-up-Kashmir-issue-in-Pakistan-Parliament">Turkey President Erdogan rakes up Kashmir issue in Pakistan Parliament</a>

The FATF already has Pakistan on its "gray-list" of countries with inadequate controls over curbing money laundering and terrorism financing.

But its arch-rival India, which came close to war with its nuclear-armed neighbour last year, wants Pakistan blacklisted.

Of 40 recommendations made by the watchdog, Pakistan had fully complied with only one, largely complied with nine, partially complied with 26, and totally missed four parameters, which were mandatory if Islamabad wanted to be removed from the gray-list, a review by the group last year said.

The FATF says Pakistan should adequately identify, assess and understand risks associated with militant groups operating in Pakistan such as Islamic State group, al-Qaeda, Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD), Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), which continue to raise funds openly.

Pakistan says it has made a significant improvement on the requirements since the last review.

Islamabad says it has seized the groups' assets and put the militants on trials, like the entire leadership of the JuD, including its chief Hafiz Saeed, the alleged mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks in India, which killed 166 people.

In a move praised by Washington as an important step forward, Saeed was jailed for 11 years on Wednesday on terrorism financing charges.

Pakistan remained committed to the earliest completion of its FATF action plan, Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar tweeted on Wednesday.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Friday said he would help Pakistan stay off a terrorism financing blacklist at a meeting of a global financial watchdog, a move he suggested would counter "political pressure" from Islamabad's critics.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Friday said he would help Pakistan stay off a terrorism financing blacklist at a meeting of a global financial watchdog, a move he suggested would counter "political pressure" from Islamabad's critics. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which tackles money laundering, told Islamabad late last year that it could face blacklisting if it continued to apply inadequate controls over terrorism financing. The FATF is meeting next week in France, and support from Turkey and longtime allies like China, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia could help Pakistan remain off the blacklist. A minimum of three votes are required for any country to escape the blacklisting. If it joined the blacklist alongside Iran and North Korea, Islamabad would face sanctions and economic setbacks at a time when its economy is struggling with a balance of payment crisis. "We will be supporting Pakistan at the Financial Action Task Force meetings, where Pakistan is subject to political pressure," Erdogan told Pakistan's parliament a day after he arrived in Islamabad. Also read: Turkey President Erdogan rakes up Kashmir issue in Pakistan Parliament The FATF already has Pakistan on its "gray-list" of countries with inadequate controls over curbing money laundering and terrorism financing. But its arch-rival India, which came close to war with its nuclear-armed neighbour last year, wants Pakistan blacklisted. Of 40 recommendations made by the watchdog, Pakistan had fully complied with only one, largely complied with nine, partially complied with 26, and totally missed four parameters, which were mandatory if Islamabad wanted to be removed from the gray-list, a review by the group last year said. The FATF says Pakistan should adequately identify, assess and understand risks associated with militant groups operating in Pakistan such as Islamic State group, al-Qaeda, Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD), Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), which continue to raise funds openly. Pakistan says it has made a significant improvement on the requirements since the last review. Islamabad says it has seized the groups' assets and put the militants on trials, like the entire leadership of the JuD, including its chief Hafiz Saeed, the alleged mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks in India, which killed 166 people. In a move praised by Washington as an important step forward, Saeed was jailed for 11 years on Wednesday on terrorism financing charges. Pakistan remained committed to the earliest completion of its FATF action plan, Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar tweeted on Wednesday.

Turkey to oppose Pakistan blacklisting at anti-terrorism finance meet

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  

In a big blow to Pakistan, Islamabad has been given a warning by Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) subgroup Asia Pacific Group (APG) for failing to meet its commitments on the issue of dealing with the financing of terror.

Pakistan has been put on "Enhanced Expedited Follow Up List" for its inability to take actions as defined in the ''Mutual Evaluation Action Plan'', which is an annual process.

On 40 compliance parameters, Pakistan failed on 32 counts and its actions will be observed for one year now.

Friday was the last day of the six-day APG meeting in Canberra, Australia.&nbsp;

A release from FATF said," The reports - for China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, China, Pakistan, the Philippines and the Solomon Islands - were analysed and discussed in detail over two full days and will now be subject to post-plenary quality and consistency review prior to publication."

Currently, two simultaneous action plans are underway to evaluate&nbsp;Pakistan's commitments on acting against terror financing --Mutual Evaluation and Plenary. This review was on the Mutual Evaluation Action Plan, the release added.

Friday's development makes it more difficult for the South Asian country to leave FATF's grey list and can expedite its process of blacklisting in October's FATF plenary.&nbsp;

After being greylisted in June 2018, Pakistan had made high-level political commitments to address its counter-terrorist financing-related deficiencies which basically means to act on the financing of terrorism.

Financial Action Task Force or the FATF kept Pakistan on grey list in its June meeting, after failing to meet deadline two times --January and May 2019.

Being on the greylist impacts the Pakistani economy which loses $10 billion annually.

In a big blow to Pakistan, Islamabad has been given a warning by Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) subgroup Asia Pacific Group (APG) for failing to meet its commitments on the issue of dealing with the financing of terror.

In a big blow to Pakistan, Islamabad has been given a warning by Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) subgroup Asia Pacific Group (APG) for failing to meet its commitments on the issue of dealing with the financing of terror. Pakistan has been put on "Enhanced Expedited Follow Up List" for its inability to take actions as defined in the ''Mutual Evaluation Action Plan'', which is an annual process. On 40 compliance parameters, Pakistan failed on 32 counts and its actions will be observed for one year now. Friday was the last day of the six-day APG meeting in Canberra, Australia. A release from FATF said," The reports - for China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, China, Pakistan, the Philippines and the Solomon Islands - were analysed and discussed in detail over two full days and will now be subject to post-plenary quality and consistency review prior to publication." Currently, two simultaneous action plans are underway to evaluate Pakistan's commitments on acting against terror financing --Mutual Evaluation and Plenary. This review was on the Mutual Evaluation Action Plan, the release added. Friday's development makes it more difficult for the South Asian country to leave FATF's grey list and can expedite its process of blacklisting in October's FATF plenary. After being greylisted in June 2018, Pakistan had made high-level political commitments to address its counter-terrorist financing-related deficiencies which basically means to act on the financing of terrorism. Financial Action Task Force or the FATF kept Pakistan on grey list in its June meeting, after failing to meet deadline two times --January and May 2019. Being on the greylist impacts the Pakistani economy which loses $10 billion annually.

Pakistan pulled up by FATF's sub-group for failing to meet terror financing commitment

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-considering-appointing-nsa-to-resume-backchannel-diplomacy-sources-220011">Pakistan needs to launch</a> an aggressive diplomatic effort to secure enough support to come out of the greylist or prevent itself from falling into the blacklist of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) next month, a senior government official has said.

The official's remarks came after a 10-member Pakistani delegation attended a two-day meeting of the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) of the Paris-based global watchdog FATF in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou where it defended Pakistan's efforts against money laundering and terror financing.

The senior official, who participated in the APG meeting in Guangzhou last week, told the Dawn newspaper that the coming FATF Plenary and Working Group meetings in Orlando, Florida, scheduled for June 16-21, would be crucial for Pakistan to get rid of the greylist or falling into the blacklist and having serious economic repercussions.

The Orlando plenary will actually set the stage for Pakistan's future even though a formal announcement would come out at the next FATF plenary due in Paris on October 18-23, he said.

Hence, an aggressive diplomatic effort over the next four weeks is required to secure enough support and votes to exit the grey list, the report said.

Pakistan was now fully compliant with the related United Nations resolutions, the official said.

Pakistan has taken aggressive steps over the last two months in terms of regulatory and monitoring mechanism to meet the FATF requirements and its legal system is generally up to the mark, except some amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) 2010 pending before the National Assembly's standing committee on finance and revenue, the report said.

"We believe we have generally delivered on the technical side I,e legal and administrative action, regulations, monitoring, enforcement and inter-agency and stakeholder coordination and now require more of the diplomatic push to counter the adversaries," said the official.

He said Prime Minister Imran Khan was expected to get a briefing on the Guangzhou meeting and on the way forward on Monday.

The official said it was expected Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mehmood Qureshi would now coordinate with stakeholders on a strategy to reach out to the world capitals in a difficult diplomatic environment where the US-India grouping has greater influence and non-aligned members of the FATF prefer to abstain than siding with Pakistan.

According to the report, Pakistan required about 15-16 votes to move out of the greylist and a minimum of three votes to avoid falling into the blacklist.

The FATF currently comprises 36 members with voting powers and two regional organisations, representing most of the major financial centres in all parts of the globe.

The FATF plenary had formally placed Pakistan in the grey list in June 2018 after the country could not secure a minimum of three votes.

On May 3, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaitley-wonders-how-rahul-could-damage-modis-image-215704">Finance Minister Arun Jaitley</a> said India will ask the FATF to put Pakistan on a blacklist of countries that fail to meet international standards in stopping financial crime.

China is set to secure the FATF presidency next year while Saudi Arabia representing the Gulf Cooperation Council is to become a full FATF member.

Turkey was the only member that stood by Pakistan despite a strong campaign launched by the US, the UK, India and Europe.

Pakistan's seriousness to act against proscribed terror outfits and its efforts to curb money laundering and terror financing was questioned by members of a regional affiliate of the FATF at the Guangzhou meeting.

The official said the Pakistani delegation presented a robust case before the APG panel on the country's progress on the 10-point action plan committed with the global watchdog despite tough questioning from some participants.

The APG would now submit its findings, based on Pakistan's report and question-answer session, to the FATF in its June 16-21 Plenary and Working Group meetings in the United States.

Pakistan needs to launch an aggressive diplomatic effort to secure enough support to come out of the greylist or prevent itself from falling into the blacklist of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) next month, a senior government official has said.

Pakistan needs to launch an aggressive diplomatic effort to secure enough support to come out of the greylist or prevent itself from falling into the blacklist of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) next month, a senior government official has said. The official's remarks came after a 10-member Pakistani delegation attended a two-day meeting of the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) of the Paris-based global watchdog FATF in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou where it defended Pakistan's efforts against money laundering and terror financing. The senior official, who participated in the APG meeting in Guangzhou last week, told the Dawn newspaper that the coming FATF Plenary and Working Group meetings in Orlando, Florida, scheduled for June 16-21, would be crucial for Pakistan to get rid of the greylist or falling into the blacklist and having serious economic repercussions. The Orlando plenary will actually set the stage for Pakistan's future even though a formal announcement would come out at the next FATF plenary due in Paris on October 18-23, he said. Hence, an aggressive diplomatic effort over the next four weeks is required to secure enough support and votes to exit the grey list, the report said. Pakistan was now fully compliant with the related United Nations resolutions, the official said. Pakistan has taken aggressive steps over the last two months in terms of regulatory and monitoring mechanism to meet the FATF requirements and its legal system is generally up to the mark, except some amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) 2010 pending before the National Assembly's standing committee on finance and revenue, the report said. "We believe we have generally delivered on the technical side I,e legal and administrative action, regulations, monitoring, enforcement and inter-agency and stakeholder coordination and now require more of the diplomatic push to counter the adversaries," said the official. He said Prime Minister Imran Khan was expected to get a briefing on the Guangzhou meeting and on the way forward on Monday. The official said it was expected Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mehmood Qureshi would now coordinate with stakeholders on a strategy to reach out to the world capitals in a difficult diplomatic environment where the US-India grouping has greater influence and non-aligned members of the FATF prefer to abstain than siding with Pakistan. According to the report, Pakistan required about 15-16 votes to move out of the greylist and a minimum of three votes to avoid falling into the blacklist. The FATF currently comprises 36 members with voting powers and two regional organisations, representing most of the major financial centres in all parts of the globe. The FATF plenary had formally placed Pakistan in the grey list in June 2018 after the country could not secure a minimum of three votes. On May 3, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said India will ask the FATF to put Pakistan on a blacklist of countries that fail to meet international standards in stopping financial crime. China is set to secure the FATF presidency next year while Saudi Arabia representing the Gulf Cooperation Council is to become a full FATF member. Turkey was the only member that stood by Pakistan despite a strong campaign launched by the US, the UK, India and Europe. Pakistan's seriousness to act against proscribed terror outfits and its efforts to curb money laundering and terror financing was questioned by members of a regional affiliate of the FATF at the Guangzhou meeting. The official said the Pakistani delegation presented a robust case before the APG panel on the country's progress on the 10-point action plan committed with the global watchdog despite tough questioning from some participants. The APG would now submit its findings, based on Pakistan's report and question-answer session, to the FATF in its June 16-21 Plenary and Working Group meetings in the United States.

Pakistan needs aggressive diplomacy to exit FATF greylist: Official

India will ask the global money laundering and terror finance watchdog to put Pakistan on a blacklist of countries that fail to meet international standards in stopping financial crime, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Thursday.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) already has Pakistan on its "grey list" of countries with inadequate controls over curbing money laundering and terrorism financing.

But India wants Pakistan blacklisted, which would likely result in sanctions, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said last month.

"We want Pakistan downgraded on the FATF list," Jaitley told reporters, adding that the Paris-based FATF was due to meet in mid-May and India would make its request then.

The call came a day after India claimed a diplomatic victory with a UN Security Council committee blacklisting the founder of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) militant group, Masood Azhar.

His group claimed responsibility for a February suicide bombing that killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary police in the Indian-controlled part of the disputed Kashmir region, an attack that brought the nuclear-armed neighbours to the brink of war.

Pakistan's ally China had repeatedly opposed efforts at the United Nations by Western powers to directly sanction Azhar, even though the group had already been blacklisted by the UN Security Council in 2001.

Azhar's freedom within Pakistan has been a sore point in the relationship between Western countries and Pakistan, and has led to repeated accusations by India that Islamabad uses and harbours militant groups to further its foreign policy agenda. Pakistan denies such accusations.

India's foreign ministry welcomed the sanctioning of Azhar as "a step in the right direction to demonstrate the international community's resolve to fight against terrorism and its enablers".

"The core issue is that he has been declared an international terrorist," Jaitley said, referring to Azhar.

"He and his country now face the consequences of that."

In February, the Paris-based FATF had said that Pakistan "does not demonstrate a proper understanding" of terrorism financing risks posed by militant groups, including the JeM.

The organisation can make recommendations to any of the countries that have signed a membership charter, as well as other nations, but it has no power to impose sanctions.

India will ask the global money laundering and terror finance watchdog to put Pakistan on a blacklist of countries that fail to meet international standards in stopping financial crime, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Thursday.

India will ask the global money laundering and terror finance watchdog to put Pakistan on a blacklist of countries that fail to meet international standards in stopping financial crime, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Thursday. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) already has Pakistan on its "grey list" of countries with inadequate controls over curbing money laundering and terrorism financing. But India wants Pakistan blacklisted, which would likely result in sanctions, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said last month. "We want Pakistan downgraded on the FATF list," Jaitley told reporters, adding that the Paris-based FATF was due to meet in mid-May and India would make its request then. The call came a day after India claimed a diplomatic victory with a UN Security Council committee blacklisting the founder of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) militant group, Masood Azhar. His group claimed responsibility for a February suicide bombing that killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary police in the Indian-controlled part of the disputed Kashmir region, an attack that brought the nuclear-armed neighbours to the brink of war. Pakistan's ally China had repeatedly opposed efforts at the United Nations by Western powers to directly sanction Azhar, even though the group had already been blacklisted by the UN Security Council in 2001. Azhar's freedom within Pakistan has been a sore point in the relationship between Western countries and Pakistan, and has led to repeated accusations by India that Islamabad uses and harbours militant groups to further its foreign policy agenda. Pakistan denies such accusations. India's foreign ministry welcomed the sanctioning of Azhar as "a step in the right direction to demonstrate the international community's resolve to fight against terrorism and its enablers". "The core issue is that he has been declared an international terrorist," Jaitley said, referring to Azhar. "He and his country now face the consequences of that." In February, the Paris-based FATF had said that Pakistan "does not demonstrate a proper understanding" of terrorism financing risks posed by militant groups, including the JeM. The organisation can make recommendations to any of the countries that have signed a membership charter, as well as other nations, but it has no power to impose sanctions.

India calls for Pakistan's blacklisting by terror finance watchdog

Pakistan has asked the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-finance-secretary-warns-of-sanctions-over-fatf-non-compliance-201542">Financial Action Task Force (FATF)</a>, an international terror financing watchdog, to remove India as co-chair of its Asia-Pacific Joint Group, its Finance Ministry said on Saturday.

Currently placed on the FATF's 'grey list', <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-airspace-to-remain-closed-till-march-11-202255">Pakistan has been</a> 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 Paris-based FATF, a measure that officials here fear could further hurt its economy.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistani-drone-shot-down-in-sri-ganganagar-sector-near-indo-pak-border-202262">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistani drone shot down in Sri Ganganagar sector near Indo-Pak border</a>

In a letter addressed to FATF President Marshall Billingslea, Pakistan Finance Minister Asad Umar asked him to appoint any other member country besides India as co-chair of the Asia-Pacific Joint Group "to ensure that (the) FATF review process is fair, unbiased and objective", the finance ministry said in a statement.

The Joint Group is a sub-body of the FATF's International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) of the Asia Pacific Group. Pakistan is a member of the APG and its case is being presented before the FATF by the APG. India's Financial Intelligence Unit's (FIU) director general is the co-chair of the Joint Group.

Referring to India's efforts of isolating Pakistan globally and call for the country's blacklisting during the ICRG meeting on February 18, Umar said, "Indian presence among the evaluators and as Co-chair of the Joint Group would undermine the impartiality and spirit of the 'peer review' process." "We firmly believe that India's involvement in the ICRG process will not be fair towards Pakistan," he wrote.

During the February 18-22 plenary and review meetings, the FATF had noted "limited progress" by Pakistan on targets set for January 2019, and urged the country "to swiftly complete its action plan, particularly those with timelines of May 2019."&nbsp;

It had expressed dissatisfaction over Pakistan's action and said the country did "not demonstrate a proper understanding of the terror financing risks posed by Daesh (ISIS), Al Qaeda, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-confiscates-seminaries-assets-of-hafiz-saeed-led-jamaat-ud-dawa-falah-e-insaniat-foundation-201505">Jamaat-</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-confiscates-seminaries-assets-of-hafiz-saeed-led-jamaat-ud-dawa-falah-e-insaniat-foundation-201505">ud</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-confiscates-seminaries-assets-of-hafiz-saeed-led-jamaat-ud-dawa-falah-e-insaniat-foundation-201505">-Dawa (Jud)</a>, Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) Haqqani network (HQN), and persons affiliated with the Taliban".

Assuring the FATF president of implementing the Action Plan, the Pakistani finance minister said, "The ICRG and FATF meetings must not be allowed to be used as a platform by India to make political speeches against Pakistan."&nbsp;

The FATF continuing Pakistan with the 'Gray' listing means downgrading of the country by multilateral lenders like IMF, World Bank, ADB, EU and also a reduction in risk rating by Moody's, S&amp;P and Fitch.&nbsp;

Pakistan was nominated for a detailed review of its "serious deficiencies" in countering terror financing in February 2018. This nomination was supported by the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and India.

Pakistan has asked the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an international terror financing watchdog, to remove India as co-chair of its Asia-Pacific Joint Group, its Finance Ministry said on Saturday.

Pakistan has asked the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an international terror financing watchdog, to remove India as co-chair of its Asia-Pacific Joint Group, its Finance Ministry said on Saturday. Currently placed on the FATF's 'grey list', 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 Paris-based FATF, a measure that officials here fear could further hurt its economy. Also read: Pakistani drone shot down in Sri Ganganagar sector near Indo-Pak border In a letter addressed to FATF President Marshall Billingslea, Pakistan Finance Minister Asad Umar asked him to appoint any other member country besides India as co-chair of the Asia-Pacific Joint Group "to ensure that (the) FATF review process is fair, unbiased and objective", the finance ministry said in a statement. The Joint Group is a sub-body of the FATF's International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) of the Asia Pacific Group. Pakistan is a member of the APG and its case is being presented before the FATF by the APG. India's Financial Intelligence Unit's (FIU) director general is the co-chair of the Joint Group. Referring to India's efforts of isolating Pakistan globally and call for the country's blacklisting during the ICRG meeting on February 18, Umar said, "Indian presence among the evaluators and as Co-chair of the Joint Group would undermine the impartiality and spirit of the 'peer review' process." "We firmly believe that India's involvement in the ICRG process will not be fair towards Pakistan," he wrote. During the February 18-22 plenary and review meetings, the FATF had noted "limited progress" by Pakistan on targets set for January 2019, and urged the country "to swiftly complete its action plan, particularly those with timelines of May 2019." It had expressed dissatisfaction over Pakistan's action and said the country did "not demonstrate a proper understanding of the terror financing risks posed by Daesh (ISIS), Al Qaeda, Jamaat-ud-Dawa (Jud), Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) Haqqani network (HQN), and persons affiliated with the Taliban". Assuring the FATF president of implementing the Action Plan, the Pakistani finance minister said, "The ICRG and FATF meetings must not be allowed to be used as a platform by India to make political speeches against Pakistan." The FATF continuing Pakistan with the 'Gray' listing means downgrading of the country by multilateral lenders like IMF, World Bank, ADB, EU and also a reduction in risk rating by Moody's, S&P and Fitch. Pakistan was nominated for a detailed review of its "serious deficiencies" in countering terror financing in February 2018. This nomination was supported by the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and India.

Pakistan seeks India's removal from terror financing watchdog's review body to ensure 'fair process'

Pakistan's interim Prime Minister Nasir-ul-Mulk reviewed on Friday the measures taken by the country to meet the requirement of the global watchdog Financial Action Task Force over terrorism financing.

Based in Paris, Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the global watchdog on money laundering and terrorism financing. The FATF has placed Pakistan on the global terror financing watch-list.

Pakistan was listed as grey in 2012 but was removed in 2015 after strenuous efforts to address the concerns of the group.

Nasir chaired his first National Security Committee meeting at the Prime Minister's House.

Minister for Finance Shamshad Akhtar gave a detailed presentation to the meeting about the upcoming FATF in Paris and the administrative and legal measures taken so far to meet the global watchdog's requirements, said a statement by the PMO.&nbsp

"While reviewing various actions taken towards fulfilling country's international responsibilities under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) framework, the meeting expressed satisfaction over the progress made so far," it said.

Pakistan Foreign Office confirmed in February that the country would go on a 'grey-list' from June this year.

"Pakistan will be assigned to the 'grey-list' in June, once an Action Plan has been mutually negotiated," Foreign Office spokesperson Muhammad Faisal was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune.

He, however, said that it was not true that the country would be transferred from the 'grey' to 'black' list in June this year.

The National Security Committee noted that the progress should be shared with the FATF Secretariat in the upcoming meeting.

It reaffirmed the commitment of the country to work with FATF and other international organisations in achieving common goals and shared objectives.

The Prime Minister also shared with the Committee members contents of his telephonic discussion with US Vice President Mike Pence on June 7, the statement said.

The meeting reviewed overall security situation in the country, it said.

FATF was set up in 1989 with a primary aim to set standards to combat money laundering, but in 2001 its mandate was expanded to include countering terror financing.

It can take action against any country by including a country in black or grey lists.

Nasir was named as the caretaker prime minister last month until the general elections on July 25 to oversee the second-ever democratic transition of power in Pakistan ruled by the powerful army for much of its life since it gained independence 70 years ago.&nbsp

Based in Paris, Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the global watchdog on money laundering and terrorism financing. The FATF has placed Pakistan on the global terror financing watch-list

Pakistan's interim Prime Minister Nasir-ul-Mulk reviewed on Friday the measures taken by the country to meet the requirement of the global watchdog Financial Action Task Force over terrorism financing. Based in Paris, Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the global watchdog on money laundering and terrorism financing. The FATF has placed Pakistan on the global terror financing watch-list. Pakistan was listed as grey in 2012 but was removed in 2015 after strenuous efforts to address the concerns of the group. Nasir chaired his first National Security Committee meeting at the Prime Minister's House. Minister for Finance Shamshad Akhtar gave a detailed presentation to the meeting about the upcoming FATF in Paris and the administrative and legal measures taken so far to meet the global watchdog's requirements, said a statement by the PMO. "While reviewing various actions taken towards fulfilling country's international responsibilities under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) framework, the meeting expressed satisfaction over the progress made so far," it said. Pakistan Foreign Office confirmed in February that the country would go on a 'grey-list' from June this year. "Pakistan will be assigned to the 'grey-list' in June, once an Action Plan has been mutually negotiated," Foreign Office spokesperson Muhammad Faisal was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune. He, however, said that it was not true that the country would be transferred from the 'grey' to 'black' list in June this year. The National Security Committee noted that the progress should be shared with the FATF Secretariat in the upcoming meeting. It reaffirmed the commitment of the country to work with FATF and other international organisations in achieving common goals and shared objectives. The Prime Minister also shared with the Committee members contents of his telephonic discussion with US Vice President Mike Pence on June 7, the statement said. The meeting reviewed overall security situation in the country, it said. FATF was set up in 1989 with a primary aim to set standards to combat money laundering, but in 2001 its mandate was expanded to include countering terror financing. It can take action against any country by including a country in black or grey lists. Nasir was named as the caretaker prime minister last month until the general elections on July 25 to oversee the second-ever democratic transition of power in Pakistan ruled by the powerful army for much of its life since it gained independence 70 years ago.

Pak interim PM reviews FATF requirements on terror financing