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

Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has claimed that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-fails-to-complete-points-given-by-terror-financing-watchdog-fatf-report-227563">country is doing its best </a>and utilising all available sources to eliminate terrorism from its soil, adding that Islamabad has been moving towards attaining sustainable peace and stability.

Bajwa, while speaking at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London on Friday, suggested that all countries should come forward and cooperate with each other in "wiping out terrorism" as it is a common enemy for all.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-tells-pakistan-to-take-credible-verifiable-irreversible-measures-on-terror-financing-after-fatf-relief-229407">India tells Pakistan to take 'credible' measures on terror financing after FATF rap&nbsp;</a>

"We are doing our best, utilising all available sources to wipe out the enemies of peace and prosperity but it is fact that peace and stability in South Asia was dependent on the resolution of conflicts and disputes in the region", The Nation quoted Bajwa.

"We suggest to all countries especially our neighbouring nations that come forward and cooperate with each other in wiping out terrorism as it is a common enemy. We have suffered a lot in the past and would not like to be suffered in future. We are pleased to let you know at this platform that Pakistan has been moving towards attaining sustainable peace and stability," Bajwa said while accepting that Pakistan has suffered in the past due to terrorism.

He opined, "Improved security offers foreign investment in Pakistan, a pivot to regional connectivity. However, the future of enduring peace and stability in South Asia hinges on the ability to resolve issues and long pending disputes within the region."

Bajwa, who is on a five-day visit in London, said, "A better security will pave the way for foreign investment in Pakistan and in fact, the foreign investment plays a pivotal role for regional coordination."

The Pakistan Army Chief`s comments come a day after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-gets-fatf-rap-after-failing-to-meet-deadline-twice-stays-on-greylist-229332">Financial Action Task Force (FATF) </a>on told the country to "swiftly" complete its action plan to curb terror financing by October or face consequences. The warning was made in a statement issued by the financial watchdog following a plenary meeting in Orlando.

Pakistan is currently on the "grey list" of countries that have been inadequate in curbing money laundering and terror financing.

The country has already missed two prior deadlines -- in January and May 2019 -- to complete their action plan.

"Pakistan should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address its strategic deficiencies. FATF expresses concern that not only did Pakistan fail to complete its action plan items with January deadlines, it also failed to complete its action plan items due May 2019," a statement issued by FATF outlined.

Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has claimed that the country is doing its best and utilising all available sources to eliminate terrorism from its soil, adding that Islamabad has been moving towards attaining sustainable peace and stability.

Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has claimed that the country is doing its best and utilising all available sources to eliminate terrorism from its soil, adding that Islamabad has been moving towards attaining sustainable peace and stability. Bajwa, while speaking at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London on Friday, suggested that all countries should come forward and cooperate with each other in "wiping out terrorism" as it is a common enemy for all. Also read: India tells Pakistan to take 'credible' measures on terror financing after FATF rap "We are doing our best, utilising all available sources to wipe out the enemies of peace and prosperity but it is fact that peace and stability in South Asia was dependent on the resolution of conflicts and disputes in the region", The Nation quoted Bajwa. "We suggest to all countries especially our neighbouring nations that come forward and cooperate with each other in wiping out terrorism as it is a common enemy. We have suffered a lot in the past and would not like to be suffered in future. We are pleased to let you know at this platform that Pakistan has been moving towards attaining sustainable peace and stability," Bajwa said while accepting that Pakistan has suffered in the past due to terrorism. He opined, "Improved security offers foreign investment in Pakistan, a pivot to regional connectivity. However, the future of enduring peace and stability in South Asia hinges on the ability to resolve issues and long pending disputes within the region." Bajwa, who is on a five-day visit in London, said, "A better security will pave the way for foreign investment in Pakistan and in fact, the foreign investment plays a pivotal role for regional coordination." The Pakistan Army Chief`s comments come a day after the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on told the country to "swiftly" complete its action plan to curb terror financing by October or face consequences. The warning was made in a statement issued by the financial watchdog following a plenary meeting in Orlando. Pakistan is currently on the "grey list" of countries that have been inadequate in curbing money laundering and terror financing. The country has already missed two prior deadlines -- in January and May 2019 -- to complete their action plan. "Pakistan should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address its strategic deficiencies. FATF expresses concern that not only did Pakistan fail to complete its action plan items with January deadlines, it also failed to complete its action plan items due May 2019," a statement issued by FATF outlined.

Day after FATF warning, Pakistan Army Chief claims 'country doing best to wipe out terrorism'

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday briefed his American counterpart Mike Pompeo about the steps taken by Islamabad to address the concerns raised by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), including curbing terror funding activities in the country.

Qureshi, who is on an official visit to the UK, had a telephonic call with Pompeo to discuss bilateral relations and regional peace and security, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office.

Paris-based international terror financing watchdog FATF in June last year placed Pakistan onto its watch list in a bid to push the country to halt support for militant groups.

In February, the FATF decided to continue the 'Grey' listing of Pakistan for its failure to stop funding of terrorist groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jamat ud Dawa (JuD).

A 10-member Pakistani delegation last month attended a two-day meeting of FATF's Asia-Pacific Group (APG) in Guangzhou, China where it defended Pakistan's efforts against money laundering and terror financing.

He also spoke about the steps that Pakistan has been taking for compliance with the FATF action plan. In this context, he highlighted the regulatory mechanisms that have been put in place to curb money laundering and terror financing practices, the statement said.

In March, bowing down to international pressure, Pakistan launched a major crackdown on JeM, JuD, Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation and other banned outfits and took over the control of their assets throughout the country.

Qureshi also briefed Pompeo about the steps being taken by Pakistan in accordance with the National Action Plan to counter terrorism and the initiatives to carry out economic restructuring.

The two sides also discussed the reconciliation process in Afghanistan and expressed commitment to work towards bringing lasting peace in the region.

Underscoring the importance of a peaceful Afghanistan as vital for regional peace and stability, he reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to play a positive role in this process and support an intra-Afghan dialogue.

He also highlighted the Afghanistan Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS) as a mechanism for strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries and to have constructive engagement.

Qureshi underlined the high importance Pakistan attaches to peace with all its neighbours and reiterated the government's priority to resolve all outstanding disputes through dialogue and engagement, the FO statement said without naming any country.

Qureshi is in UK on an official visit and met home secretary Sajid Javid to discuss various bilateral issued. The two sides also on Monday kicked off the first round of long-ranging strategic dialogue to deepen cooperation.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday briefed his American counterpart Mike Pompeo about the steps taken by Islamabad to address the concerns raised by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), including curbing terror funding activities in the country.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday briefed his American counterpart Mike Pompeo about the steps taken by Islamabad to address the concerns raised by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), including curbing terror funding activities in the country. Qureshi, who is on an official visit to the UK, had a telephonic call with Pompeo to discuss bilateral relations and regional peace and security, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office. Paris-based international terror financing watchdog FATF in June last year placed Pakistan onto its watch list in a bid to push the country to halt support for militant groups. In February, the FATF decided to continue the 'Grey' listing of Pakistan for its failure to stop funding of terrorist groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jamat ud Dawa (JuD). A 10-member Pakistani delegation last month attended a two-day meeting of FATF's Asia-Pacific Group (APG) in Guangzhou, China where it defended Pakistan's efforts against money laundering and terror financing. He also spoke about the steps that Pakistan has been taking for compliance with the FATF action plan. In this context, he highlighted the regulatory mechanisms that have been put in place to curb money laundering and terror financing practices, the statement said. In March, bowing down to international pressure, Pakistan launched a major crackdown on JeM, JuD, Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation and other banned outfits and took over the control of their assets throughout the country. Qureshi also briefed Pompeo about the steps being taken by Pakistan in accordance with the National Action Plan to counter terrorism and the initiatives to carry out economic restructuring. The two sides also discussed the reconciliation process in Afghanistan and expressed commitment to work towards bringing lasting peace in the region. Underscoring the importance of a peaceful Afghanistan as vital for regional peace and stability, he reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to play a positive role in this process and support an intra-Afghan dialogue. He also highlighted the Afghanistan Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS) as a mechanism for strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries and to have constructive engagement. Qureshi underlined the high importance Pakistan attaches to peace with all its neighbours and reiterated the government's priority to resolve all outstanding disputes through dialogue and engagement, the FO statement said without naming any country. Qureshi is in UK on an official visit and met home secretary Sajid Javid to discuss various bilateral issued. The two sides also on Monday kicked off the first round of long-ranging strategic dialogue to deepen cooperation.

Pakistan's Qureshi briefs Pompeo about addressing FATF concerns: Foreign Office

Pakistan is certain to stay on the FATF's greylist, an official from FATF member countries told WION on Wednesday. Watch this video to know more.

Pakistan to remain on FATF's greylist

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/time-magazine-does-an-about-face-from-divider-in-chief-to-modi-has-united-india-222490">Time magazine does an about-face: From 'Divider in Chief' to 'Modi has united India'</a>

Weeks after Time magazine featured Narendra Modi on the cover of its international edition with a controversial headline, it has now run an article that says no prime minister has united India in decades the way he has done.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-stay-on-fatfs-grey-list-official-to-wion-222508">Pakistan to stay on FATF's grey list: Official to WION</a>

Pakistan is certain to stay on the grey list in the next meet of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an official from FATF member countries told WION on Wednesday.

FATF which looks into money laundering and terrorism financing will meet from June 16 to 21 in Orlando, Florida.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-mountaineer-ravindra-kumar-speaks-to-wion-explains-why-everest-has-turned-into-death-zone-222486">Indian mountaineer Ravindra Kumar speaks to WION, explains why Everest has turned into 'death zone'</a>

With reports of over 10 people killed recently while trying to scale the world highest peak, Mount Everest, global interest mounts around the ambitious expedition, the traffic on the peak and why has it turned into a 'death zone'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-to-work-closely-with-great-ally-india-state-department-spokesperson-222484">US to work closely with 'great ally' India: State Department spokesperson</a>

India is a "great ally" and "partner" of the US and the Trump administration will work closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his second term on a range of issues, a senior State Department official said Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-wont-attend-modis-swearing-in-says-bjp-using-occasion-to-scare-political-points-222479">Mamata Banerjee won't attend Modi's swearing-in, says BJP using occasion to score political points</a>

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not going to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief announced her decision in a tweet on Wednesday, accusing the BJP of making false claims about political violence in Bengal.

Time magazine does an about-face: From 'Divider in Chief' to 'Modi has united India' Weeks after Time magazine featured Narendra Modi on the cover of its international edition with a controversial headline, it has now run an article that says no prime minister has united India in decades the way he has done.

Time magazine does an about-face: From 'Divider in Chief' to 'Modi has united India' Weeks after Time magazine featured Narendra Modi on the cover of its international edition with a controversial headline, it has now run an article that says no prime minister has united India in decades the way he has done. Pakistan to stay on FATF's grey list: Official to WION Pakistan is certain to stay on the grey list in the next meet of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an official from FATF member countries told WION on Wednesday. FATF which looks into money laundering and terrorism financing will meet from June 16 to 21 in Orlando, Florida. Indian mountaineer Ravindra Kumar speaks to WION, explains why Everest has turned into 'death zone' With reports of over 10 people killed recently while trying to scale the world highest peak, Mount Everest, global interest mounts around the ambitious expedition, the traffic on the peak and why has it turned into a 'death zone'. US to work closely with 'great ally' India: State Department spokesperson India is a "great ally" and "partner" of the US and the Trump administration will work closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his second term on a range of issues, a senior State Department official said Tuesday. Mamata Banerjee won't attend Modi's swearing-in, says BJP using occasion to score political points West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not going to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief announced her decision in a tweet on Wednesday, accusing the BJP of making false claims about political violence in Bengal.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Pakistan is certain to stay on the greylist when the next meet of Financial Action Task Force or FATF, an official from FATF member countries told WION on Wednesday.

Pakistan to stay on FATF's greylist

Pakistan is certain to stay on the grey list in the next meet of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an official from FATF member countries told WION on Wednesday.

FATF which looks into money laundering and terrorism financing will meet from June 16 to 21 in Orlando, Florida.

The main discussion of the meeting would be Pakistan's listing and whether the country has taken any action to combat terror financing.&nbsp;

FATF's Asia-Pacific Group (APG) which met in China in mid-May was not impressed by Pakistan's action on terror financing.

Pakistan was put on the grey list last year which means the country comes under financial jurisdiction with ''structural deficiencies'' in anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) or simply-- supports financing of terror.

In June 2018, Pakistan had made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and Asia Pacific group to strengthen its AML/CFT regime and to address its strategic counter- terrorist financing-related deficiencies.&nbsp;

Being in FATF’s grey list, it has caused a loss of $10 billion to Islamabad and if Islamabad fails to take any concrete action on terror, it might be put on the blacklist.

The FATF in its February meet had come hard on Pakistan saying it has not demonstrated a proper understanding of the Terror Financing risks posed by "Da’esh, AQ, JuD, FiF, LeT, JeM, HQN, and persons affiliated with the Taliban."

Pakistan is certain to stay on the grey list in the next meet of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an official from FATF member countries told WION on Wednesday.

Pakistan is certain to stay on the grey list in the next meet of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an official from FATF member countries told WION on Wednesday. FATF which looks into money laundering and terrorism financing will meet from June 16 to 21 in Orlando, Florida. The main discussion of the meeting would be Pakistan's listing and whether the country has taken any action to combat terror financing. FATF's Asia-Pacific Group (APG) which met in China in mid-May was not impressed by Pakistan's action on terror financing. Pakistan was put on the grey list last year which means the country comes under financial jurisdiction with ''structural deficiencies'' in anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) or simply-- supports financing of terror. In June 2018, Pakistan had made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and Asia Pacific group to strengthen its AML/CFT regime and to address its strategic counter- terrorist financing-related deficiencies. Being in FATF’s grey list, it has caused a loss of $10 billion to Islamabad and if Islamabad fails to take any concrete action on terror, it might be put on the blacklist. The FATF in its February meet had come hard on Pakistan saying it has not demonstrated a proper understanding of the Terror Financing risks posed by "Da’esh, AQ, JuD, FiF, LeT, JeM, HQN, and persons affiliated with the Taliban."

Pakistan to stay on FATF's grey list: Official to WION

Did India concede ground to ensure China dropped its objection to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) listing Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist? &nbsp;The finger of suspicion points at the imminent proceedings of the Paris-based Financial Action Task force (FATF).&nbsp;

China’s Xiangming Liu takes over as president of the FATF on July 1, 2019 – just in time to save Pakistan from being blacklisted. Did China, Pakistan’s all-weather ally, drive a bargain at the UNSC last week to keep Pakistan out of the blacklist at the FATF’s scheduled October 2019 meeting in return for Masood Azhar’s listing?&nbsp;

The FATF’s Asian affiliate will later this month evaluate the progress Pakistan has made in 29 specific areas of terror financing and money laundering where the FATF says Pakistan is in violation of its guidelines.

The Imran Khan government says “Naya” Pakistan is determined to root out terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil and that most of FATF’s concerns have been taken care of.&nbsp;

No one in the FATF — or in Pakistan itself — believes that. Terror financing continues unabated. Money laundering through routes in Afghanistan and the Middle East to fund terror groups has not reduced. The listing of JeM’s Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC is merely symbolic. The Lashkar-e-Toiba’s Hafiz Saeed was designated a global terrorist by the UNSC way back in 2001. He has been untouched by the Pakistani authorities and continues to preach jihad against India.

Masood Azhar is currently under the protection of the Pakistani army’s ISI. Islamabad says the UNSC listing will be implemented in all key areas, including imposing an arms embargo on Azhar and freezing his assets.&nbsp;

Since the JeM’s weaponry and funds come surreptitiously from the Pakistani Army, neither the arms embargo nor the asset freeze will alter the status quo. For the JeM, it is terror as usual.&nbsp;

Pakistan’s real fear is not the occasional UNSC listing of the terrorists it arms, funds and protects. Its real fear is blacklisting by the FATF. Already on the greylist, Pakistan simply cannot afford to be blacklisted. The only two countries currently on the FATF’s blacklist are Iran and North Korea. Blacklisting of a country cuts off all global financial aid and loans, imposes sanctions on the country’s banks, and cripples its economy. Iran and North Korea are examples of how FATF blacklisting (along with other US-specific sanctions) have devastated their economies.&nbsp;

Pakistan has been warned by the FATF that unless it shows real progress on ending terror financing, blacklisting by the watchdog body at its October 2019 meeting could follow. Pakistan’ fragile economy, already beset by low foreign exchange reserves, a depreciating rupee and a bloated current account deficit, could collapse if FATF blacklisted it. Islamabad has, therefore, spent the past several months working on a strategy to avoid this financial Armaggedon. The strategy has two prongs.&nbsp;

First, package “Naya” Pakistan as a break from the past. Prime Minister Imran Khan has promised action against all terror groups operating from Pakistan. Shortly after Masood Azhar was designated a global terrorist, Pakistan’s foreign office spokesman Mohammad Faisal declared piously: “The UNSC decision entails travel restrictions, asset freeze and arms embargo. Pakistan is a responsible state and we will take responsible action.”&nbsp;

This charm offensive is aimed squarely at the FATF and the United States. Talks between US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalizad and the Pakistan-created Taliban terror organisation have recently run into a wall.&nbsp;

This is the second prong of Pakistan’s strategy: leverage its influence over the Taliban to reboot negotiations and offer US President Donald Trump a rapid exit from Afghanistan he seeks for US and NATO troops.&nbsp;

The two-pronged strategy thus relies on deception and blackmail. Deception because “Naya” Pakistan is a mirage. Blackmail because the Taliban is Pakistan’s bargaining chip with a US President desperate to end the country’s 18-year war in Afghanistan. Will the Pakistani strategy work? In the short term, yes. In the medium and long term, no.&nbsp;

Consider why: China will shortly head the FATF and sell the false “Naya” Pakistan narrative to members of the FATF to ensure Islamabad is not blacklisted in October. This though, will prove a pyrrhic victory for both Pakistan and China. Lulled into complacency by the China-headed FATF’s enforced generosity, terror groups in Pakistan will attack targets in India and Afghanistan with renewed vigour.&nbsp;

The drawdown of US and NATO troops will allow the Taliban free rein. If it is part of the new Afghan government following elections scheduled for later this year, Afghanistan will join a select group of countries ruled by a terror group.&nbsp;

For Pakistan, a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan constitutes the “strategic depth” it craves. But habits die hard. And bad habits die harder. Ordinary Afghans haven’t forgotten the last time the Taliban was part of the government in 1996-2001. They despise the Taliban and Pakistan in equal measure. India hasn’t forgotten Taliban rule either. In 1999, the Taliban played a venal role in helping the ISI-backed Harkat-ul-Mujahideen hijackers of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in Kandahar to free Masood Azhar from an Indian jail. &nbsp;

A return to “old” Pakistan is therefore guaranteed with help from its Taliban terror partners. The reprieve for Pakistan from the FATF could prove both temporary and illusory.&nbsp; 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-fatf-pakistan-s-achilles-heel-2747319">original article)</a>

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Did India concede ground to ensure China dropped its objection to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) listing Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist?

Did India concede ground to ensure China dropped its objection to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) listing Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist? The finger of suspicion points at the imminent proceedings of the Paris-based Financial Action Task force (FATF). China’s Xiangming Liu takes over as president of the FATF on July 1, 2019 – just in time to save Pakistan from being blacklisted. Did China, Pakistan’s all-weather ally, drive a bargain at the UNSC last week to keep Pakistan out of the blacklist at the FATF’s scheduled October 2019 meeting in return for Masood Azhar’s listing? The FATF’s Asian affiliate will later this month evaluate the progress Pakistan has made in 29 specific areas of terror financing and money laundering where the FATF says Pakistan is in violation of its guidelines. The Imran Khan government says “Naya” Pakistan is determined to root out terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil and that most of FATF’s concerns have been taken care of. No one in the FATF — or in Pakistan itself — believes that. Terror financing continues unabated. Money laundering through routes in Afghanistan and the Middle East to fund terror groups has not reduced. The listing of JeM’s Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC is merely symbolic. The Lashkar-e-Toiba’s Hafiz Saeed was designated a global terrorist by the UNSC way back in 2001. He has been untouched by the Pakistani authorities and continues to preach jihad against India. Masood Azhar is currently under the protection of the Pakistani army’s ISI. Islamabad says the UNSC listing will be implemented in all key areas, including imposing an arms embargo on Azhar and freezing his assets. Since the JeM’s weaponry and funds come surreptitiously from the Pakistani Army, neither the arms embargo nor the asset freeze will alter the status quo. For the JeM, it is terror as usual. Pakistan’s real fear is not the occasional UNSC listing of the terrorists it arms, funds and protects. Its real fear is blacklisting by the FATF. Already on the greylist, Pakistan simply cannot afford to be blacklisted. The only two countries currently on the FATF’s blacklist are Iran and North Korea. Blacklisting of a country cuts off all global financial aid and loans, imposes sanctions on the country’s banks, and cripples its economy. Iran and North Korea are examples of how FATF blacklisting (along with other US-specific sanctions) have devastated their economies. Pakistan has been warned by the FATF that unless it shows real progress on ending terror financing, blacklisting by the watchdog body at its October 2019 meeting could follow. Pakistan’ fragile economy, already beset by low foreign exchange reserves, a depreciating rupee and a bloated current account deficit, could collapse if FATF blacklisted it. Islamabad has, therefore, spent the past several months working on a strategy to avoid this financial Armaggedon. The strategy has two prongs. First, package “Naya” Pakistan as a break from the past. Prime Minister Imran Khan has promised action against all terror groups operating from Pakistan. Shortly after Masood Azhar was designated a global terrorist, Pakistan’s foreign office spokesman Mohammad Faisal declared piously: “The UNSC decision entails travel restrictions, asset freeze and arms embargo. Pakistan is a responsible state and we will take responsible action.” This charm offensive is aimed squarely at the FATF and the United States. Talks between US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalizad and the Pakistan-created Taliban terror organisation have recently run into a wall. This is the second prong of Pakistan’s strategy: leverage its influence over the Taliban to reboot negotiations and offer US President Donald Trump a rapid exit from Afghanistan he seeks for US and NATO troops. The two-pronged strategy thus relies on deception and blackmail. Deception because “Naya” Pakistan is a mirage. Blackmail because the Taliban is Pakistan’s bargaining chip with a US President desperate to end the country’s 18-year war in Afghanistan. Will the Pakistani strategy work? In the short term, yes. In the medium and long term, no. Consider why: China will shortly head the FATF and sell the false “Naya” Pakistan narrative to members of the FATF to ensure Islamabad is not blacklisted in October. This though, will prove a pyrrhic victory for both Pakistan and China. Lulled into complacency by the China-headed FATF’s enforced generosity, terror groups in Pakistan will attack targets in India and Afghanistan with renewed vigour. The drawdown of US and NATO troops will allow the Taliban free rein. If it is part of the new Afghan government following elections scheduled for later this year, Afghanistan will join a select group of countries ruled by a terror group. For Pakistan, a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan constitutes the “strategic depth” it craves. But habits die hard. And bad habits die harder. Ordinary Afghans haven’t forgotten the last time the Taliban was part of the government in 1996-2001. They despise the Taliban and Pakistan in equal measure. India hasn’t forgotten Taliban rule either. In 1999, the Taliban played a venal role in helping the ISI-backed Harkat-ul-Mujahideen hijackers of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in Kandahar to free Masood Azhar from an Indian jail. A return to “old” Pakistan is therefore guaranteed with help from its Taliban terror partners. The reprieve for Pakistan from the FATF could prove both temporary and illusory. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Pakistan banking on a Chinese incumbent to keep itself off the blacklist

An international terror financing watchdog has asked Pakistan to implement a new set of constraints in its crackdown against terror financing, including documenting and regulating all gold markets, a media report said on Sunday.

The finance ministry has reportedly received a new list of recommendations from the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) which requires documentation of all gold markets and purchase and sale of gold in the country, Geo TV reported.

The FATF has asked Islamabad to collect data of all gold markets in the country and to restrict the sale and purchase of gold items using cash, instead requiring payment to be made with a debit or credit card, it said.

The watchdog has also demanded that the country ensure restriction on supply of gold and jewellery to banned outfits and terrorist organisations.

The FATF has urged Pakistan to collect data of all trusts operating across the country as well as their bank accounts on the district level. It has also asked the country to ensure regulation of thousands of registered trust organisations.

Pakistan is due to submit a third report on the measures being taken by the government in compliance with the recommendations of the FATF and its regional affiliate, the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) till April 15.

The compliance report would be taken up by the FATF review group in its meeting scheduled to be held in May.

In June last year, the FATF had placed Pakistan on the 'grey list' of countries whose domestic laws are considered weak to tackle the challenges of money laundering and terrorism financing.

A group of experts from the FATF recently visited Pakistan to review whether Islamabad has made enough progress on global standards against financial crimes to warrant its exclusion from the watchdog's 'grey list'.&nbsp;

An international terror financing watchdog has asked Pakistan to implement a new set of constraints in its crackdown against terror financing, including documenting and regulating all gold markets, a media report said on Sunday.

An international terror financing watchdog has asked Pakistan to implement a new set of constraints in its crackdown against terror financing, including documenting and regulating all gold markets, a media report said on Sunday. The finance ministry has reportedly received a new list of recommendations from the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) which requires documentation of all gold markets and purchase and sale of gold in the country, Geo TV reported. The FATF has asked Islamabad to collect data of all gold markets in the country and to restrict the sale and purchase of gold items using cash, instead requiring payment to be made with a debit or credit card, it said. The watchdog has also demanded that the country ensure restriction on supply of gold and jewellery to banned outfits and terrorist organisations. The FATF has urged Pakistan to collect data of all trusts operating across the country as well as their bank accounts on the district level. It has also asked the country to ensure regulation of thousands of registered trust organisations. Pakistan is due to submit a third report on the measures being taken by the government in compliance with the recommendations of the FATF and its regional affiliate, the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) till April 15. The compliance report would be taken up by the FATF review group in its meeting scheduled to be held in May. In June last year, the FATF had placed Pakistan on the 'grey list' of countries whose domestic laws are considered weak to tackle the challenges of money laundering and terrorism financing. A group of experts from the FATF recently visited Pakistan to review whether Islamabad has made enough progress on global standards against financial crimes to warrant its exclusion from the watchdog's 'grey list'.

Financial Action Task Force asks Pakistan to track all gold purchases

Pakistan`s former ambassador to the United States, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/imran-khan-government-most-disappointing-in-pakistans-recent-history-ex-diplomat-husain-haqqani-to-wion-191809&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwil4cmln8zhAhU0juYKHUYsAy8QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2YweRD0NlSYv69eYBVrfet">Husain Haqqani</a>, has said that Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent statement promising end of support to militant Jihadi groups are motivated by the fear of blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and does not reflect a change of policy.

Speaking at a conference at Georgetown University, he observed that so far there is no evidence that the Khan government or Pakistan's all-powerful military are dismantling Pakistan's terrorist support infrastructure.

"There is little change in Pakistan's attitude towards militancy, particularly the one directed against Afghanistan and India," Haqqani said, pointing out that Pakistan failed to initiate any action against Jaish-e-Mohammed or its leader, Masood Azhar, after the Pulwama terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to Haqqani, "Islamabad's close ties with Beijing were invoked to ensure that Azhar`s designation as a terrorist by the United Nations was blocked by China at Pakistan's behest."&nbsp;

Such moves are consistent with Islamabad's policies of the last 30 years, he said.

Haqqani, the author of several books, is currently Director for South and Central Asia at the Hudson Institute think tank and is considered an outspoken critic of the Pakistan military`s domestic and foreign policies, especially its support of Jihadi terrorism.

"Although FATF sanctions are not imminent," Haqqani said, "Pakistan is trying to thwart them with public relations moves such as Imran Khan's latest statement. There will be more PR moves as FATF pressures increase."

The former ambassador said that the desire to reassure the world, once again, that Pakistan wants to act against terrorist groups is motivated by economic considerations.

"Pakistan's economy is not doing too well,'&nbsp;he noted, adding that "FATF sanctions would only make Khan's only economic option - more borrowing and financial bailouts by other countries and IMF-- more difficult.

"Husain Haqqani stressed that "Pakistan`s support for militancy is a strategic choice, motivated by the desire to provide a force multiplier for a relatively poor country trying to act as a major regional power without resources comparable to its perceived rival."

Pakistan`s former ambassador to the United States, Husain Haqqani, has said that Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent statement promising end of support to militant Jihadi groups are motivated by the fear of blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and does not reflect a change of policy.

Pakistan`s former ambassador to the United States, Husain Haqqani, has said that Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent statement promising end of support to militant Jihadi groups are motivated by the fear of blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and does not reflect a change of policy. Speaking at a conference at Georgetown University, he observed that so far there is no evidence that the Khan government or Pakistan's all-powerful military are dismantling Pakistan's terrorist support infrastructure. "There is little change in Pakistan's attitude towards militancy, particularly the one directed against Afghanistan and India," Haqqani said, pointing out that Pakistan failed to initiate any action against Jaish-e-Mohammed or its leader, Masood Azhar, after the Pulwama terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. According to Haqqani, "Islamabad's close ties with Beijing were invoked to ensure that Azhar`s designation as a terrorist by the United Nations was blocked by China at Pakistan's behest." Such moves are consistent with Islamabad's policies of the last 30 years, he said. Haqqani, the author of several books, is currently Director for South and Central Asia at the Hudson Institute think tank and is considered an outspoken critic of the Pakistan military`s domestic and foreign policies, especially its support of Jihadi terrorism. "Although FATF sanctions are not imminent," Haqqani said, "Pakistan is trying to thwart them with public relations moves such as Imran Khan's latest statement. There will be more PR moves as FATF pressures increase." The former ambassador said that the desire to reassure the world, once again, that Pakistan wants to act against terrorist groups is motivated by economic considerations. "Pakistan's economy is not doing too well,' he noted, adding that "FATF sanctions would only make Khan's only economic option - more borrowing and financial bailouts by other countries and IMF-- more difficult. "Husain Haqqani stressed that "Pakistan`s support for militancy is a strategic choice, motivated by the desire to provide a force multiplier for a relatively poor country trying to act as a major regional power without resources comparable to its perceived rival."

Pakistan unlikely to change policy on militants, says Husain Haqqani

Pakistan Prime Minister<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-foreign-ministry-submits-proposal-to-pm-imran-khan-to-open-sharada-temple-for-indians-205524&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjWpoXw18zhAhWhguYKHVk5DY8QFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3TFVfZkx7WQNVIsYkMzRyC"> Imran Khan</a>'s recent statement promising an end of support to terror groups does not reflect a change of policy and is motivated by the fear of getting blacklisted by the global terror-financing watchdog FATF, the country's former envoy to the US <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-unlikely-to-change-policy-on-militants-says-husain-haqqani-209997&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiUvMCR2MzhAhXFu48KHSPvDNUQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2PgJsh_5jS5Cg7rad-S2Lt">Husain Haqqani</a> has said.

Amidst intense global pressure to rein in terror outfits, Khan last month said his government will not allow Pakistan's land to be used for any kind of terror activities and promised actions against militant groups operating from the country's soil.

Haqqani, Pakistan's former Ambassador to the US, told a Washington audience on Friday that so far, there is no evidence that the Khan government or the military is dismantling Pakistan's terrorist support infrastructure.

"There is little change in Pakistan's attitude towards militancy, particularly the one directed against Afghanistan and India," he said in his address to the third 'India Ideas Conference' organised by India Initiative of the prestigious Georgetown University.

Haqqani pointed out that Pakistan has failed to initiate any action against the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group or its leader Masood Azhar after the Pulwama terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Islamabad's close ties with Beijing were invoked to ensure that Azhar's designation as a terrorist by the United Nations was blocked by China at Pakistan's behest," he said, adding that such moves are consistent with Islamabad's policies of the last 30 years.

Haqqani, who has authored several books, is currently the Director for South and Central Asia at the Hudson Institute think-tank. He is considered as an outspoken critic of the Pakistan Army's domestic and foreign policies, especially its support of terrorism.

"Although the FATF sanctions are not imminent, Pakistan is trying to thwart them with public relations moves such as Imran Khan's latest statement. There will be more PR moves as FATF pressures increase," he said.

The former ambassador said that the desire to reassure the world once again that Pakistan wants to act against terrorist groups is motivated by economic considerations.

"Pakistan's economy is not doing too well. FATF sanctions would only make Khan's only economic option more borrowing and financial bailouts by other countries and IMF-- more difficult," he said.

Haqqani stressed that "Pakistan's support for militancy is a strategic choice, motivated by the desire to provide a force multiplier for a relatively poor country trying to act as a major regional power without resources comparable to its perceived rival".

Pakistan is under intense global pressure to rein in terrorist outfits operating from its soil after the Pulwama attack.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group JeM killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured its pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.

Paris-headquartered Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on February 22 condemned the Pulwama terror attack and decided to continue the 'Grey' listing of Pakistan for its failure to stop funding of terrorist groups such as JeM, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jamat-ud-Dawa.

The FATF continuing Pakistan with the 'Gray' listing means downgrading of the country by multilateral lenders like the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Union and also a reduction in risk rating by Moody's, S&amp;P and Fitch, according to experts.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent statement promising an end of support to terror groups does not reflect a change of policy and is motivated by the fear of getting blacklisted by the global terror-financing watchdog FATF, the country's former envoy to the US Husain Haqqani has said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent statement promising an end of support to terror groups does not reflect a change of policy and is motivated by the fear of getting blacklisted by the global terror-financing watchdog FATF, the country's former envoy to the US Husain Haqqani has said. Amidst intense global pressure to rein in terror outfits, Khan last month said his government will not allow Pakistan's land to be used for any kind of terror activities and promised actions against militant groups operating from the country's soil. Haqqani, Pakistan's former Ambassador to the US, told a Washington audience on Friday that so far, there is no evidence that the Khan government or the military is dismantling Pakistan's terrorist support infrastructure. "There is little change in Pakistan's attitude towards militancy, particularly the one directed against Afghanistan and India," he said in his address to the third 'India Ideas Conference' organised by India Initiative of the prestigious Georgetown University. Haqqani pointed out that Pakistan has failed to initiate any action against the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group or its leader Masood Azhar after the Pulwama terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. "Islamabad's close ties with Beijing were invoked to ensure that Azhar's designation as a terrorist by the United Nations was blocked by China at Pakistan's behest," he said, adding that such moves are consistent with Islamabad's policies of the last 30 years. Haqqani, who has authored several books, is currently the Director for South and Central Asia at the Hudson Institute think-tank. He is considered as an outspoken critic of the Pakistan Army's domestic and foreign policies, especially its support of terrorism. "Although the FATF sanctions are not imminent, Pakistan is trying to thwart them with public relations moves such as Imran Khan's latest statement. There will be more PR moves as FATF pressures increase," he said. The former ambassador said that the desire to reassure the world once again that Pakistan wants to act against terrorist groups is motivated by economic considerations. "Pakistan's economy is not doing too well. FATF sanctions would only make Khan's only economic option more borrowing and financial bailouts by other countries and IMF-- more difficult," he said. Haqqani stressed that "Pakistan's support for militancy is a strategic choice, motivated by the desire to provide a force multiplier for a relatively poor country trying to act as a major regional power without resources comparable to its perceived rival". Pakistan is under intense global pressure to rein in terrorist outfits operating from its soil after the Pulwama attack. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group JeM killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured its pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1. Paris-headquartered Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on February 22 condemned the Pulwama terror attack and decided to continue the 'Grey' listing of Pakistan for its failure to stop funding of terrorist groups such as JeM, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jamat-ud-Dawa. The FATF continuing Pakistan with the 'Gray' listing means downgrading of the country by multilateral lenders like the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Union and also a reduction in risk rating by Moody's, S&P and Fitch, according to experts.

No evidence of Pakistan dismantling terror infrastructure, says former envoy Haqqani

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-seeks-indias-removal-from-terror-financing-watchdogs-review-body-to-ensure-fair-process-202277">Pakistan seeks India's removal from terror financing watchdog's review body to ensure 'fair process'</a>

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.

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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro told a crowd of government supporters at a Caracas rally on Saturday that a massive blackout that has affected the country since Thursday was caused by "high-level technology that only the United States government has."

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Fourteen people were killed in a plane crash in the Colombian plains province of Meta on Saturday, the country’s civil aviation agency said.

The Special Administrative Unit of Civil Aeronautics said there were no survivors of the crash, which occurred after the DC-3 aircraft made a distress call at 10:40 am local time.

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The Indian Army on Saturday shot down a drone which intruded in Sri Ganganagar sector of Rajasthan.

The Army said that one Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) intruded in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar sector around 7.30 pm on Saturday."The drone was engaged and brought down," the Army added.

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Fifteen Venezuelans with advanced kidney disease have died after being unable to get dialysis during the country's extended power outage, an NGO reported Saturday.

Pakistan seeks India's removal from terror financing watchdog's review body to ensure 'fair process' 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 seeks India's removal from terror financing watchdog's review body to ensure 'fair process' 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. Venezuela's Maduro blames US weapons for massive blackout Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro told a crowd of government supporters at a Caracas rally on Saturday that a massive blackout that has affected the country since Thursday was caused by "high-level technology that only the United States government has." Fourteen dead in Colombia plane crash Fourteen people were killed in a plane crash in the Colombian plains province of Meta on Saturday, the country’s civil aviation agency said. The Special Administrative Unit of Civil Aeronautics said there were no survivors of the crash, which occurred after the DC-3 aircraft made a distress call at 10:40 am local time. Pakistani drone shot down in Sri Ganganagar sector near Indo-Pak border The Indian Army on Saturday shot down a drone which intruded in Sri Ganganagar sector of Rajasthan. The Army said that one Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) intruded in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar sector around 7.30 pm on Saturday."The drone was engaged and brought down," the Army added. At least 15 dialysis patients die in Venezuela's blackout: NGO Fifteen Venezuelans with advanced kidney disease have died after being unable to get dialysis during the country's extended power outage, an NGO reported Saturday.

Pakistan has decided to "upgrade" a group of banned outfits, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), to a "high" risk category and start monitoring and re-examining their activities to comply with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) obligations, according to a media report on Saturday.

The Paris-based global watchdog against financial crimes had expressed dissatisfaction over considering these entities as "low" to "medium" risk by Islamabad, and said Pakistan 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-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) Haqqani network (HQN), and persons affiliated with the Taliban".

The proscribed organisations will be examined under heightened security checks at all layers of legal, administrative, investigative and financial regimes, the Dawn newspaper reported.

At least 40 security personnel were killed when a suicide bomber of the Pakistan-based JeM attacked their convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

"All these entities have now been described as high-risk entities and would be subject to greater scrutiny by all agencies and institutions of the state, starting from their registration to operations and from their fund collection to bank accounts and issuance of suspicious transactions, information sharing and so on," an unnamed official was quoted as saying in the report.

He said these decisions were taken at a meeting of the general council on FATF, led by Finance Secretary Arif Ahmed Khan, as part of a series of meetings to comply with the FATF obligations.

Khan had led the Pakistani delegation to Paris during the February 18-22 meetings of the FATF plenary and its group reviews.&nbsp;

During the course of these meetings, Pakistan had banned the FIF and JuD on February 21.

The official said based on revised risk profile to "high" from "medium", all the government institutions, including the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, the State Bank of Pakistan, the National Counter-Terrorism Authority, the Financial Monitoring Unit and intelligence agencies, would separately review records, databanks and procedures and methodologies regarding the proscribed entities and their representatives.

Based on this review exercise and re-evaluation of risk indicators, fresh suspected transaction reports would originate and run through the banking sector, while law enforcement agencies would continue their ongoing tough actions against the banned entities, including confiscation of their assets and accounts, the official said.

"All these institutions would complete the exercise within two weeks so as to present a compliance report to a delegation of the Asia-Pacific Joint Group -- a regional associate of the FATF --due to visit Islamabad on March 24.&nbsp;

"The delegation would review Pakistan's performance on the basis of Islamabad's fresh exercise over the next two days (March 25-26) and submit its assessment report to the FATF headquarters," the report said.

The FATF would then make a fresh review the progress and compliance with the remaining targets by May by Pakistan and conclude in June review meetings, whether the country should be moved out of the "grey list" or kept in this list in case of minor shortcomings or be downgraded to the "blacklist" having serious financial and economic repercussions in case of serious shortcomings.

Pakistan has been placed on the grey list by the FATF for failing to curb anti-terror financing in June last year, despite Islamabad's diplomatic efforts to avert the decision.

Officials said that defining these banned entities as high-risk meant the investigation agencies, supervisory and regulatory organisations and related institutions would be more alert and proactive to assessments of risk indicators, red flags, guidance and advisories.

They would be required to adopt the heightened level of inter-agency coordination for information sharing and actions to combat terror financing and money laundering, considered the risk to the global economy, the report said.

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."

Pakistan has decided to "upgrade" a group of banned outfits, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), to a "high" risk category and start monitoring and re-examining their activities to comply with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) obligations, according to a media report on Saturday.

Pakistan has decided to "upgrade" a group of banned outfits, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), to a "high" risk category and start monitoring and re-examining their activities to comply with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) obligations, according to a media report on Saturday. The Paris-based global watchdog against financial crimes had expressed dissatisfaction over considering these entities as "low" to "medium" risk by Islamabad, and said Pakistan 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-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) Haqqani network (HQN), and persons affiliated with the Taliban". The proscribed organisations will be examined under heightened security checks at all layers of legal, administrative, investigative and financial regimes, the Dawn newspaper reported. At least 40 security personnel were killed when a suicide bomber of the Pakistan-based JeM attacked their convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. "All these entities have now been described as high-risk entities and would be subject to greater scrutiny by all agencies and institutions of the state, starting from their registration to operations and from their fund collection to bank accounts and issuance of suspicious transactions, information sharing and so on," an unnamed official was quoted as saying in the report. He said these decisions were taken at a meeting of the general council on FATF, led by Finance Secretary Arif Ahmed Khan, as part of a series of meetings to comply with the FATF obligations. Khan had led the Pakistani delegation to Paris during the February 18-22 meetings of the FATF plenary and its group reviews. During the course of these meetings, Pakistan had banned the FIF and JuD on February 21. The official said based on revised risk profile to "high" from "medium", all the government institutions, including the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, the State Bank of Pakistan, the National Counter-Terrorism Authority, the Financial Monitoring Unit and intelligence agencies, would separately review records, databanks and procedures and methodologies regarding the proscribed entities and their representatives. Based on this review exercise and re-evaluation of risk indicators, fresh suspected transaction reports would originate and run through the banking sector, while law enforcement agencies would continue their ongoing tough actions against the banned entities, including confiscation of their assets and accounts, the official said. "All these institutions would complete the exercise within two weeks so as to present a compliance report to a delegation of the Asia-Pacific Joint Group -- a regional associate of the FATF --due to visit Islamabad on March 24. "The delegation would review Pakistan's performance on the basis of Islamabad's fresh exercise over the next two days (March 25-26) and submit its assessment report to the FATF headquarters," the report said. The FATF would then make a fresh review the progress and compliance with the remaining targets by May by Pakistan and conclude in June review meetings, whether the country should be moved out of the "grey list" or kept in this list in case of minor shortcomings or be downgraded to the "blacklist" having serious financial and economic repercussions in case of serious shortcomings. Pakistan has been placed on the grey list by the FATF for failing to curb anti-terror financing in June last year, despite Islamabad's diplomatic efforts to avert the decision. Officials said that defining these banned entities as high-risk meant the investigation agencies, supervisory and regulatory organisations and related institutions would be more alert and proactive to assessments of risk indicators, red flags, guidance and advisories. They would be required to adopt the heightened level of inter-agency coordination for information sharing and actions to combat terror financing and money laundering, considered the risk to the global economy, the report said. 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."

Pakistan to put group of banned outfits including  Jaish-e-Mohammed in high-risk category, monitor their activities: Report

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-confiscates-seminaries-assets-of-hafiz-saeed-led-jamaat-ud-dawa-falah-e-insaniat-foundation-201505">Pakistan must take strict measures</a>, including action against banned outfits by May, to avoid economic sanctions over the non-implementation of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations, the finance secretary has warned.

Last year, the Paris-based FATF, an international terror financing watchdog, finalised a report with 40 recommendations for de-listing Islamabad from its 'grey list'. Pakistan was placed on the list for failing to curb anti-terror financing.

Arif Ahmed Khan was talking to reporters after attending a meeting of a sub-committee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday.

Dawn reported that he said "the country had to proceed against the banned outfits in the light of FATF recommendations.''

Khan expressed apprehensions that Pakistan might face economic sanctions if the FATF recommendations were ignored and not implemented.

The finance secretary said Pakistan had to take strict measures to implement the FATF recommendations.

The International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) of the FATF that reviewed Pakistan's action plan in recent meetings was not satisfied with the progress on milestones set for January 2019.

This was despite "improvements" in the anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime and integrated database for currency declaration arrangements, the report said.

It expressed concern over Pakistani authorities' inability to demonstrate why they considered eight proscribed entities to be low risk as opposed to the high-risk view of the Asia Pacific Group (APG) and the ICRG.

Therefore, the FATF urged "Pakistan to swiftly complete its action plan, particularly those with timelines of May 2019" to address strategic deficiencies, the report said.

The FATF will undertake the next review of Pakistan's progress in June 2019, which will be preceded by a face-to-face meeting with the Joint Group in May.

In June 2018, Pakistan made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to strengthen its AML/CFT regime and to address its strategic counterterrorism financing-related deficiencies by implementing an action plan to accomplish these objectives.

The successful implementation of the action plan and its physical verification by the APG will lead the FATF to clear Pakistan out of its 'grey list' or move it into the 'blacklist' by September.

The FATF blacklist means the country concerned is "non-cooperative" in the global fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. If the FATF blacklists Pakistan, it may lead to downgrading of the country by multilateral lenders like the IMF, World Bank, ADB, EU and also a reduction in risk rating by Moodys, S&amp;P and Fitch.

Pakistan has been put on the grey list of the anti-terror finance watchdog in July 2018. The FATF currently has 35 members and two regional organisations &nbsp;European Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council. North Korea and Iran are in the FATF blacklist.

Pakistan must take strict measures, including action against banned outfits by May, to avoid economic sanctions over the non-implementation of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations, the finance secretary has warned.

Pakistan must take strict measures, including action against banned outfits by May, to avoid economic sanctions over the non-implementation of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations, the finance secretary has warned. Last year, the Paris-based FATF, an international terror financing watchdog, finalised a report with 40 recommendations for de-listing Islamabad from its 'grey list'. Pakistan was placed on the list for failing to curb anti-terror financing. Arif Ahmed Khan was talking to reporters after attending a meeting of a sub-committee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday. Dawn reported that he said "the country had to proceed against the banned outfits in the light of FATF recommendations.'' Khan expressed apprehensions that Pakistan might face economic sanctions if the FATF recommendations were ignored and not implemented. The finance secretary said Pakistan had to take strict measures to implement the FATF recommendations. The International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) of the FATF that reviewed Pakistan's action plan in recent meetings was not satisfied with the progress on milestones set for January 2019. This was despite "improvements" in the anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime and integrated database for currency declaration arrangements, the report said. It expressed concern over Pakistani authorities' inability to demonstrate why they considered eight proscribed entities to be low risk as opposed to the high-risk view of the Asia Pacific Group (APG) and the ICRG. Therefore, the FATF urged "Pakistan to swiftly complete its action plan, particularly those with timelines of May 2019" to address strategic deficiencies, the report said. The FATF will undertake the next review of Pakistan's progress in June 2019, which will be preceded by a face-to-face meeting with the Joint Group in May. In June 2018, Pakistan made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to strengthen its AML/CFT regime and to address its strategic counterterrorism financing-related deficiencies by implementing an action plan to accomplish these objectives. The successful implementation of the action plan and its physical verification by the APG will lead the FATF to clear Pakistan out of its 'grey list' or move it into the 'blacklist' by September. The FATF blacklist means the country concerned is "non-cooperative" in the global fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. If the FATF blacklists Pakistan, it may lead to downgrading of the country by multilateral lenders like the IMF, World Bank, ADB, EU and also a reduction in risk rating by Moodys, S&P and Fitch. Pakistan has been put on the grey list of the anti-terror finance watchdog in July 2018. The FATF currently has 35 members and two regional organisations European Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council. North Korea and Iran are in the FATF blacklist.

Pakistan finance secretary warns of sanctions if FATF recommendations not complied with

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-pakistan-will-face-major-economic-loss-after-fatf-puts-it-on-grey-list-of-terror-financing-34131">Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has come hard on Pakistan </a>saying it has not demonstrated a proper understanding of the terror financing risks posed by "Da’esh, AQ, JuD, FiF, LeT, JeM, HQN, and persons affiliated with the Taliban. "

The FATF asked Pakistan should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address its strategic deficiencies and said, "Given the limited progress on action plan items due in January 2019, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-will-fatf-grey-listing-impact-pakistan-148048">FATF</a> urges Pakistan to swiftly complete its action plan, particularly those with timelines of May 2019."

Pakistan was put on the greylist last year which meant the country came under financial jurisdiction with “structural deficiencies” in anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) or simply - supports financing of terror.

Even as Financial Action Task Force (FATF) came hard on Pakistan on for not doing enough on terror financing, the president of the anti-terror financing group Marshall Billingslea has said that the multilateral group will hold Islamabad accountable if the country does not fulfil its commitments.&nbsp;

Replying to WION's question that is Pakistan serious on acting on terror, in briefing post the week-long FATF plenary, Billingslea said, "I have engaged in my capacity as the president of FATF...I believe when they issue high-level commitment that they well understood what they were committing too and again as I have said we will hold them to it and we expect time table to be met and action plan to be fully implemented in line with FATF standards"

A high-level delegation from the government&nbsp;of Pakistan attended the FATF plenary.

In June 2018, Pakistan had made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and Asia Pacific group to strengthen its AML/CFT regime and to address its strategic counter- terrorist financing-related deficiencies.

FATF said, "Pakistan has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by operationalising the integrated database for its currency declaration regime."

FATF has listed ten points including "demonstrating effective implementation of targeted financial sanctions against all 1267 and 1373 designated terrorists" for Pakistan to act on.&nbsp;

The development comes shot in the arm for New Delhi which has been focusing in global isolation of Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack which was claimed by Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM).

&nbsp;

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has come hard on Pakistan saying it has not demonstrated a proper understanding of the terror financing risks posed by "Da’esh, AQ, JuD, FiF, LeT, JeM, HQN, and persons affiliated with the Taliban.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has come hard on Pakistan saying it has not demonstrated a proper understanding of the terror financing risks posed by "Da’esh, AQ, JuD, FiF, LeT, JeM, HQN, and persons affiliated with the Taliban. " The FATF asked Pakistan should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address its strategic deficiencies and said, "Given the limited progress on action plan items due in January 2019, the FATF urges Pakistan to swiftly complete its action plan, particularly those with timelines of May 2019." Pakistan was put on the greylist last year which meant the country came under financial jurisdiction with “structural deficiencies” in anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) or simply - supports financing of terror. Even as Financial Action Task Force (FATF) came hard on Pakistan on for not doing enough on terror financing, the president of the anti-terror financing group Marshall Billingslea has said that the multilateral group will hold Islamabad accountable if the country does not fulfil its commitments. Replying to WION's question that is Pakistan serious on acting on terror, in briefing post the week-long FATF plenary, Billingslea said, "I have engaged in my capacity as the president of FATF...I believe when they issue high-level commitment that they well understood what they were committing too and again as I have said we will hold them to it and we expect time table to be met and action plan to be fully implemented in line with FATF standards" A high-level delegation from the government of Pakistan attended the FATF plenary. In June 2018, Pakistan had made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and Asia Pacific group to strengthen its AML/CFT regime and to address its strategic counter- terrorist financing-related deficiencies. FATF said, "Pakistan has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by operationalising the integrated database for its currency declaration regime." FATF has listed ten points including "demonstrating effective implementation of targeted financial sanctions against all 1267 and 1373 designated terrorists" for Pakistan to act on. The development comes shot in the arm for New Delhi which has been focusing in global isolation of Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack which was claimed by Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM).

Pakistan hasn't demonstrated proper understanding of terror financing: FATF

Union Home Minister<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/matter-was-crystal-clear-from-the-beginning-rajnath-singh-on-rafale-jets-deal-verdict-183966http://www.wionews.com/india-news/matter-was-crystal-clear-from-the-beginning-rajnath-singh-on-rafale-jets-deal-verdict-183966"> Rajnath Singh</a> has said that the internal security situation in the country has vastly improved, particularly in the North-East and the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected states.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Conference of Director Generals and Inspector General's of Police here on Thursday, Singh noted with satisfaction the improving security scenario in the North-East, particularly the peaceful <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nrc-will-be-limited-to-assam-for-now-hansraj-ahir-185187">rollout of NRC in Assam</a> including publication of the final draft NRC list on July 30, 2018.

"<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/indias-once-great-rivers-are-victims-of-ecological-violence-179472">Security scenario in the North-East </a>region has witnessed steady improvement in recent years. All parameters of violence have improved in 2018 in comparison to the corresponding period of 2017. There is a 17 per cent decline in total incidents and a 38 per cent reduction in the casualties of civilians," said Singh.

He added, "AFSPA was selectively relaxed in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, inviting a positive public response. Besides, to encourage the militants to join the mainstream, GoI has revised the Surrender-Cum-Rehabilitation Policy by enhancing financial benefits to the surrendering militants."

Also read: C<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-court-issues-non-bailable-warrant-against-all-bulandshahr-violence-accused-183716">ourt issues </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-court-issues-non-bailable-warrant-against-all-bulandshahr-violence-accused-183716">non-bailable</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-court-issues-non-bailable-warrant-against-all-bulandshahr-violence-accused-183716"> warrant against all Bulandshahr violence accused</a>

The Union Home Minister further said that India's security concerns have been conveyed to Myanmar even as efforts are on to harness the trade potential with the Eastern neighbour and beyond.

"A number of our militant groups are operating from the territories of neighbouring countries, particularly <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-myanmar-friendship-driven-by-quest-for-mutual-peace-progress-prosperity-president-ram-nath-kovind-183403">Myanmar</a>. Our concerns have been highlighted in the bilateral meetings with these countries. In order to plug the gaps on the Indo-Myanmar border, an Inter-Ministerial Committee headed by MHA has formulated a revised protocol for effective implementation of Free Movement Regime."

Singh said violence in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-24-maoists-insurgents-killed-in-police-encounter-in-odisha-7900"> Left Wing Extremist (LWE) affected areas</a> continues to improve since the last eight years.

"We achieved major operational successes in core areas of CPI/Maoist in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha. Coordination among different State Police Forces and CAPFs, and generation of regular actionable intelligence was among the main factors which led to an almost two-fold increase in the losses suffered by LWEs this year," he said.

"Reflecting on these successes and the upper hand of the government over the Maoists, after a comprehensive review the number of districts covered under SRE scheme was reduced from 126 to 90," he added.

The Union Home Minister said the communal situation has also remained under control this year to date.

Singh said terrorism in the hinterland has also been stamped out.

"Law enforcement agencies, through concerted action coordinated by Intelligence Bureau, have managed to overcome the first tide of propaganda and mobilization by Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Consequently, India witnessed very few incidents of IS inspired violence. In concerted counter-terrorism operations, Law enforcement agencies have arrested nearly 125 terrorist suspects as against 117 arrested in 2017," Singh said."

The new phase of Islamic State propaganda emanating from Afghanistan-Pakistan region is also being countered effectively," he added.

The Union Home Minister commended the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for clamping down on terror activities.

The Union Home Minister said Pakistan is perpetrating terrorist activities on Indian soil from J&amp;K to Punjab and the hinterland.

Shri Rajnath Singh said the security situation in J&amp;K continues to be vitiated even though the stone pelting incidents have declined.

"Attempts by militants to infiltrate in large numbers, intermittent attacks by militants and efforts at local recruitment continue. Terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK remains in the form of training camps, launching pads and communication control stations. Financing from across for militants and separatists is a cause of concern. The separatists also exploit every possible situation to agitate the people to fan further anti-India sentiments which lead to law and order situation."

The Union Home Minister directed the security establishment to check efforts to revive terrorism in Punjab.

"In Punjab, recent terror incidents and related interdictions indicate concerted efforts on part of Pak-establishment and Sikh extremist elements based in Pakistan to revive terrorism in Punjab with the active support of other Sikh radical/extremist entities based abroad, especially Europe and America. Pakistan-establishment is also seeking to forge an understanding between Sikh extremist groups and Pak-based Islamist outfits as well as Kashmir-centric terrorist groups for targeting Indian interests," he said.

"Pakistan continues to abet terrorism and during the period January 01, 2017 to November 29, 2018, 17 ISI backed espionage modules have been neutralized in the country resulting in the arrest of 25 espionage agents which include 02 Pakistanis. Various sensitive organisations, including the Indian Army, Air Force, Navy, ITBP, DRDO, BSF, CRPF, MEA, Airport Authority of India, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Indian Railways, etc. have been targeted by PIOs from across the border through spoofed / crank calls to elicit sensitive information," he said.

He said the Government is simultaneously pursuing diplomatic efforts to stop terror emanating from Pakistan.&nbsp;

"India is a Member of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an inter-Governmental Body, which makes recommendations relating to Combating of Financing of Terrorism, Money Laundering, etc. Efforts on this platform by India have ensured that Pakistan is rightly put on the grey list."

The Union Home Minister meanwhile asked officials to be cautious in their dealings with foreigners.

"National Security has economic underpinning. In this area, two aspects become important. Firstly, the interface of various foreign entities with the political and administrative structure increase manifold. Here, I would like to advise police and administration officials not to bypass prescribed procedure for interaction with officials of foreign missions which requires communication to be routed through Ministry of Home or External Affairs, except in cases where such contact is permitted according to the Protocol Hand Book," he said.

Singh complimented the security establishment for continuously striving to make the country secure and safe.

"It is undeniable that the Police forces give a sense of confidence to people and allay their fears over security. I also acknowledge that the Police Forces are working in the difficult environment. I attribute the credit for India`s success in the area of security to her Intelligence Agencies, State Police Forces and Central Armed Police Forces," he said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has said that the internal security situation in the country has vastly improved, particularly in the North-East and the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected states.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has said that the internal security situation in the country has vastly improved, particularly in the North-East and the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected states. Addressing the inaugural session of the Conference of Director Generals and Inspector General's of Police here on Thursday, Singh noted with satisfaction the improving security scenario in the North-East, particularly the peaceful rollout of NRC in Assam including publication of the final draft NRC list on July 30, 2018. "Security scenario in the North-East region has witnessed steady improvement in recent years. All parameters of violence have improved in 2018 in comparison to the corresponding period of 2017. There is a 17 per cent decline in total incidents and a 38 per cent reduction in the casualties of civilians," said Singh. He added, "AFSPA was selectively relaxed in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, inviting a positive public response. Besides, to encourage the militants to join the mainstream, GoI has revised the Surrender-Cum-Rehabilitation Policy by enhancing financial benefits to the surrendering militants." Also read: Court issues non-bailable warrant against all Bulandshahr violence accused The Union Home Minister further said that India's security concerns have been conveyed to Myanmar even as efforts are on to harness the trade potential with the Eastern neighbour and beyond. "A number of our militant groups are operating from the territories of neighbouring countries, particularly Myanmar. Our concerns have been highlighted in the bilateral meetings with these countries. In order to plug the gaps on the Indo-Myanmar border, an Inter-Ministerial Committee headed by MHA has formulated a revised protocol for effective implementation of Free Movement Regime." Singh said violence in the Left Wing Extremist (LWE) affected areas continues to improve since the last eight years. "We achieved major operational successes in core areas of CPI/Maoist in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha. Coordination among different State Police Forces and CAPFs, and generation of regular actionable intelligence was among the main factors which led to an almost two-fold increase in the losses suffered by LWEs this year," he said. "Reflecting on these successes and the upper hand of the government over the Maoists, after a comprehensive review the number of districts covered under SRE scheme was reduced from 126 to 90," he added. The Union Home Minister said the communal situation has also remained under control this year to date. Singh said terrorism in the hinterland has also been stamped out. "Law enforcement agencies, through concerted action coordinated by Intelligence Bureau, have managed to overcome the first tide of propaganda and mobilization by Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Consequently, India witnessed very few incidents of IS inspired violence. In concerted counter-terrorism operations, Law enforcement agencies have arrested nearly 125 terrorist suspects as against 117 arrested in 2017," Singh said." The new phase of Islamic State propaganda emanating from Afghanistan-Pakistan region is also being countered effectively," he added. The Union Home Minister commended the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for clamping down on terror activities. The Union Home Minister said Pakistan is perpetrating terrorist activities on Indian soil from J&K to Punjab and the hinterland. Shri Rajnath Singh said the security situation in J&K continues to be vitiated even though the stone pelting incidents have declined. "Attempts by militants to infiltrate in large numbers, intermittent attacks by militants and efforts at local recruitment continue. Terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK remains in the form of training camps, launching pads and communication control stations. Financing from across for militants and separatists is a cause of concern. The separatists also exploit every possible situation to agitate the people to fan further anti-India sentiments which lead to law and order situation." The Union Home Minister directed the security establishment to check efforts to revive terrorism in Punjab. "In Punjab, recent terror incidents and related interdictions indicate concerted efforts on part of Pak-establishment and Sikh extremist elements based in Pakistan to revive terrorism in Punjab with the active support of other Sikh radical/extremist entities based abroad, especially Europe and America. Pakistan-establishment is also seeking to forge an understanding between Sikh extremist groups and Pak-based Islamist outfits as well as Kashmir-centric terrorist groups for targeting Indian interests," he said. "Pakistan continues to abet terrorism and during the period January 01, 2017 to November 29, 2018, 17 ISI backed espionage modules have been neutralized in the country resulting in the arrest of 25 espionage agents which include 02 Pakistanis. Various sensitive organisations, including the Indian Army, Air Force, Navy, ITBP, DRDO, BSF, CRPF, MEA, Airport Authority of India, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Indian Railways, etc. have been targeted by PIOs from across the border through spoofed / crank calls to elicit sensitive information," he said. He said the Government is simultaneously pursuing diplomatic efforts to stop terror emanating from Pakistan. "India is a Member of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an inter-Governmental Body, which makes recommendations relating to Combating of Financing of Terrorism, Money Laundering, etc. Efforts on this platform by India have ensured that Pakistan is rightly put on the grey list." The Union Home Minister meanwhile asked officials to be cautious in their dealings with foreigners. "National Security has economic underpinning. In this area, two aspects become important. Firstly, the interface of various foreign entities with the political and administrative structure increase manifold. Here, I would like to advise police and administration officials not to bypass prescribed procedure for interaction with officials of foreign missions which requires communication to be routed through Ministry of Home or External Affairs, except in cases where such contact is permitted according to the Protocol Hand Book," he said. Singh complimented the security establishment for continuously striving to make the country secure and safe. "It is undeniable that the Police forces give a sense of confidence to people and allay their fears over security. I also acknowledge that the Police Forces are working in the difficult environment. I attribute the credit for India`s success in the area of security to her Intelligence Agencies, State Police Forces and Central Armed Police Forces," he said.

Internal security situation has vastly improved: Rajnath Singh

A global financial watchdog on Friday warned Iran to clamp down on terrorism financing by February or face a deeper squeeze on its sanctions-hit economy.

The Islamic republic, already hurt by a resumption of US sanctions over its past nuclear programme, this month approved one bill to help meet demands imposed by the international Financial Action Task Force (FATF).&nbsp;

FATF, following a meeting at its Paris headquarters this week, welcomed the legislation and extended a suspension of counter-measures that has allowed Iran to escape further isolation from international finance.

But nine of the 10 "action plan" items needed to remove Iran from an FATF blacklist have yet to be adopted by Tehran, according to Marshall Billingslea, the US assistant treasury secretary for terrorist financing.

"In our plenary, here in Paris, we expressed our disappointment that the majority of the action plan remains outstanding," said Billingslea, who currently chairs the FATF, told a news conference.

"We expect that they will have adopted all these measures by February," he said.

Billingslea said if measures were not adopted by February next year, the FATF will take further steps to protect against the risks from Iran's lack of action.

Pressing finance needs

For Iran, access to finance has become particularly pressing since the United States walked out of a 2015 nuclear deal earlier this year and began reimposing sanctions.&nbsp;

The other parties to the deal -- Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia -- have sought to salvage the agreement and maintain trade with Iran, but have demanded that it accede to the FATF.&nbsp;

Among the further steps demanded by the FATF, originally an initiative of the G7 nations, was for Iran to identify and freeze extremist assets in line with UN Security Council resolutions.&nbsp;

Another was for Tehran to remove an exemption from its legislation that allows financing towards groups deemed to be attempting to end "foreign occupation, colonialism and racism".

Iran has long been accused by the United States, Israel and regional rivals such as Saudi Arabia of financing a web of extremist groups, including the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon.

In a statement, the FATF said it will review Iran's remaining legislation once it is in place to determine whether Tehran had met its demands.

It urged FATF members to exercise heightened checks on transactions involving Iranian businesses and nationals.&nbsp;

Iran is one of only two countries on the FATF blacklist.

The other is North Korea, and Friday's statement reiterated "serious concerns" about the Asian country's illicit activities to finance its missile and nuclear programmes.

A global financial watchdog on Friday warned Iran to clamp down on terrorism financing by February or face a deeper squeeze on its sanctions-hit economy. The Islamic republic, already hurt by a resumption of US sanctions over its past nuclear programme, this month approved one bill to help meet demands imposed by the international Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

A global financial watchdog on Friday warned Iran to clamp down on terrorism financing by February or face a deeper squeeze on its sanctions-hit economy. The Islamic republic, already hurt by a resumption of US sanctions over its past nuclear programme, this month approved one bill to help meet demands imposed by the international Financial Action Task Force (FATF). FATF, following a meeting at its Paris headquarters this week, welcomed the legislation and extended a suspension of counter-measures that has allowed Iran to escape further isolation from international finance. But nine of the 10 "action plan" items needed to remove Iran from an FATF blacklist have yet to be adopted by Tehran, according to Marshall Billingslea, the US assistant treasury secretary for terrorist financing. "In our plenary, here in Paris, we expressed our disappointment that the majority of the action plan remains outstanding," said Billingslea, who currently chairs the FATF, told a news conference. "We expect that they will have adopted all these measures by February," he said. Billingslea said if measures were not adopted by February next year, the FATF will take further steps to protect against the risks from Iran's lack of action. Pressing finance needs For Iran, access to finance has become particularly pressing since the United States walked out of a 2015 nuclear deal earlier this year and began reimposing sanctions. The other parties to the deal -- Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia -- have sought to salvage the agreement and maintain trade with Iran, but have demanded that it accede to the FATF. Among the further steps demanded by the FATF, originally an initiative of the G7 nations, was for Iran to identify and freeze extremist assets in line with UN Security Council resolutions. Another was for Tehran to remove an exemption from its legislation that allows financing towards groups deemed to be attempting to end "foreign occupation, colonialism and racism". Iran has long been accused by the United States, Israel and regional rivals such as Saudi Arabia of financing a web of extremist groups, including the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon. In a statement, the FATF said it will review Iran's remaining legislation once it is in place to determine whether Tehran had met its demands. It urged FATF members to exercise heightened checks on transactions involving Iranian businesses and nationals. Iran is one of only two countries on the FATF blacklist. The other is North Korea, and Friday's statement reiterated "serious concerns" about the Asian country's illicit activities to finance its missile and nuclear programmes.

Iran gets February deadline to fix terror financing: Watchdog

A second team of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is in Pakistan to hold meetings with top officials to discuss the measures taken by the country to counter money laundering and terror financing after it was added in the 'grey list' for providing monetary assistance to terrorists.

The nine-member delegation, comprising members of FATF's Asia Pacific Group (APG), arrived in Islamabad on Sunday on a 12-day visit to see the implementation of the action plan Pakistan had issued earlier this year, official sources said.

The team includes experts from British Scotland Yard, US Department of Treasury, Financial Intelligence Unit of Maldives, Indonesian Ministry of Finance, Peoples' Bank of China and Justice Department of Turkey.

Pakistan was formally added to the 'grey list' of countries involved in providing monetary assistance to terrorists and related causes after a FATF meeting in Paris in June.

The FATF is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.

Sources in the finance ministry said that "Pakistan has done its homework" and the delegation will be briefed about the measures to curb terror financing through money laundering and illegal remittances.

 
The team will carry out on-site inspections in order to see the systems and mechanisms put in place while its three members will stay for longer period to review progress on the 10-point action plan agreed with Pakistan.

Pakistan and FATF negotiated a 10-point action plan to be implemented by September 2019 to get out of the grey list.

Earlier, a team of FATF visited Islamabad in August to identify deficiencies in Pakistan's anti-money laundering/counter-terror financing laws and mechanisms.

During the current visit, the experts will meet officials from ministries of Interior, Finance, Foreign affairs and Law.

They are also likely to meet officials of State Bank of Pakistan, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, National Counter-Terrorism Authority, Federal Investigation Agency, Federal Board of Revenue, National Accountability Bureau, Anti-Narcotics Force, Financial Monitoring Unit, Central Directorate of National Savings and provincial counter-terrorism departments.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A second team of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is in Pakistan to hold meetings with top officials to discuss the measures taken by the country to counter money laundering and terror financing after it was added in the 'grey list' for providing monetary assistance to terrorists.

A second team of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is in Pakistan to hold meetings with top officials to discuss the measures taken by the country to counter money laundering and terror financing after it was added in the 'grey list' for providing monetary assistance to terrorists. The nine-member delegation, comprising members of FATF's Asia Pacific Group (APG), arrived in Islamabad on Sunday on a 12-day visit to see the implementation of the action plan Pakistan had issued earlier this year, official sources said. The team includes experts from British Scotland Yard, US Department of Treasury, Financial Intelligence Unit of Maldives, Indonesian Ministry of Finance, Peoples' Bank of China and Justice Department of Turkey. Pakistan was formally added to the 'grey list' of countries involved in providing monetary assistance to terrorists and related causes after a FATF meeting in Paris in June. The FATF is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system. Sources in the finance ministry said that "Pakistan has done its homework" and the delegation will be briefed about the measures to curb terror financing through money laundering and illegal remittances. The team will carry out on-site inspections in order to see the systems and mechanisms put in place while its three members will stay for longer period to review progress on the 10-point action plan agreed with Pakistan. Pakistan and FATF negotiated a 10-point action plan to be implemented by September 2019 to get out of the grey list. Earlier, a team of FATF visited Islamabad in August to identify deficiencies in Pakistan's anti-money laundering/counter-terror financing laws and mechanisms. During the current visit, the experts will meet officials from ministries of Interior, Finance, Foreign affairs and Law. They are also likely to meet officials of State Bank of Pakistan, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, National Counter-Terrorism Authority, Federal Investigation Agency, Federal Board of Revenue, National Accountability Bureau, Anti-Narcotics Force, Financial Monitoring Unit, Central Directorate of National Savings and provincial counter-terrorism departments.

International delegation in Pak to hold meet on terror financing

The Intergovernmental agency Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has placed Pakistan on its grey list for terror financing on Thursday, sources said on Thursday.

The FATF is an international policy-making and standard-setting body dedicated to combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

At the Financial Action Task Force, a lot of countries have come together and they look at various nations who we believe and those other countries believe are not doing enough to crack down on terror financing.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Financial Action Task Force(FATF) has taken decision to put Pakistan on grey list for terror financing: Sources <a href="https://t.co/KC50KRSXs4">pic.twitter.com/KC50KRSXs4</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/966950568802439168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

In a big blow to Pakistan, even China didn&#39;t support its all-weather-friend as only Turkey voted against the US&#39; motion.

Earlier, Pakistani Foreign Minister had tweeted that the country has been given three-month reprieve over the US-led motion in FATF. &ldquo;Our efforts paid, FATF Paris 20 Feb meeting conclusion on the US-led motion to put Pakistan on a watch list - no consensus for nominating Pakistan, proposing 3months pause &amp; asking APG for another report to be considered in June. Grateful to friends who helped,&rdquo; he said.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Our efforts paid,FATF Paris 20Feb meeting conclusion on US led motion to put Pakistan on watch list 
-No consensus for nominating Pakistan 
-proposing 3months pause &amp;asking APG for another report to b considered in June الحمداللہ 
Grateful to friends who helped
&mdash; Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) <a href="https://twitter.com/KhawajaMAsif/status/966030847949398016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The FATF is an international policy-making and standard-setting body dedicated to combating money laundering and terrorist financing

The Intergovernmental agency Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has placed Pakistan on its grey list for terror financing on Thursday, sources said on Thursday. The FATF is an international policy-making and standard-setting body dedicated to combating money laundering and terrorist financing. At the Financial Action Task Force, a lot of countries have come together and they look at various nations who we believe and those other countries believe are not doing enough to crack down on terror financing. Financial Action Task Force(FATF) has taken decision to put Pakistan on grey list for terror financing: Sources pic.twitter.com/KC50KRSXs4 — ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2018 × In a big blow to Pakistan, even China didn't support its all-weather-friend as only Turkey voted against the US' motion. Earlier, Pakistani Foreign Minister had tweeted that the country has been given three-month reprieve over the US-led motion in FATF. “Our efforts paid, FATF Paris 20 Feb meeting conclusion on the US-led motion to put Pakistan on a watch list - no consensus for nominating Pakistan, proposing 3months pause & asking APG for another report to be considered in June. Grateful to friends who helped,” he said. Our efforts paid,FATF Paris 20Feb meeting conclusion on US led motion to put Pakistan on watch list -No consensus for nominating Pakistan -proposing 3months pause &asking APG for another report to b considered in June الحمداللہ Grateful to friends who helped — Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) February 20, 2018 ×

Financial action task force puts Pakistan in the terror financing watch list: Sources

Increasingly frequent terrorist attacks are becoming a growing threat to the global economy, finance chiefs from the world&#39;s leading economies said today. 
 
Earlier this month, 84 people were killed in Nice when a Tunisian truck driver - suspected to be inspired by the Islamic State jihadist group - ploughed a 19-tonne vehicle through a holiday crowd. That followed Paris attacks last year which left 130 dead. 
 
Kabul mourned today after its deadliest attack for 15 years killed 80 people and left hundreds maimed the previous day, reigniting concern that Islamic State was seeking to expand its foothold in Afghanistan. 
 
Last week a German-Iranian gunman - believed not to be connected to the Islamic State group but&nbsp;&quot;obsessed&quot; with mass killers - shot dead nine people in the German city of Munich before killing himself. 
 
&quot;We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the recent terrorist attacks,&quot; G20 finance chiefs said in a communique after meeting in the Chinese city of Chengdu, adding that terrorism was one of the issues that &quot;complicate&quot; the economic environment. 
 
France&#39;s finance minister Michel Sapin said the concept of terrorism as an economic risk itself was new, but its inclusion in economic analyses was now &quot;normal&quot;. 
 
&quot;The world has already experienced terrorist attacks, the world experiences regional destabilisations,&quot; he told AFP. 
 
&quot;But today the frequency of attacks creates a new situation of uncertainty, which is at least as damaging as regional destabilisations or a regional conflict.&nbsp;That can have economic consequences that are just as important,&quot; he said. 
 
The G20 has long promoted efforts to combat financing of terrorist activities, particularly the work of the Financial Action Task Force. US treasury secretary Jacob Lew told reporters the meeting &quot;reaffirmed our solidarity and resolve to fight terrorism in all its forms and wherever it occurs, and strengthening our efforts to prevent financing of terrorism&quot;. 
 
Sapin pointed out that funding for what he called &quot;low-cost terrorism&quot;, carried out domestically using methods that cost attackers relatively little, must also be addressed. 
 
In a report ahead of the G20 meeting, IMF staff cited terrorism as an &quot;ongoing concern&quot;, among others including geopolitical tensions, climate-related factors and diseases. 
 
(AFP)

The frequency of attacks has created a situation of uncertainty which is as damaging as regional conflicts, France's finance minister said

Increasingly frequent terrorist attacks are becoming a growing threat to the global economy, finance chiefs from the world's leading economies said today. Earlier this month, 84 people were killed in Nice when a Tunisian truck driver - suspected to be inspired by the Islamic State jihadist group - ploughed a 19-tonne vehicle through a holiday crowd. That followed Paris attacks last year which left 130 dead. Kabul mourned today after its deadliest attack for 15 years killed 80 people and left hundreds maimed the previous day, reigniting concern that Islamic State was seeking to expand its foothold in Afghanistan. Last week a German-Iranian gunman - believed not to be connected to the Islamic State group but "obsessed" with mass killers - shot dead nine people in the German city of Munich before killing himself. "We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the recent terrorist attacks," G20 finance chiefs said in a communique after meeting in the Chinese city of Chengdu, adding that terrorism was one of the issues that "complicate" the economic environment. France's finance minister Michel Sapin said the concept of terrorism as an economic risk itself was new, but its inclusion in economic analyses was now "normal". "The world has already experienced terrorist attacks, the world experiences regional destabilisations," he told AFP. "But today the frequency of attacks creates a new situation of uncertainty, which is at least as damaging as regional destabilisations or a regional conflict. That can have economic consequences that are just as important," he said. The G20 has long promoted efforts to combat financing of terrorist activities, particularly the work of the Financial Action Task Force. US treasury secretary Jacob Lew told reporters the meeting "reaffirmed our solidarity and resolve to fight terrorism in all its forms and wherever it occurs, and strengthening our efforts to prevent financing of terrorism". Sapin pointed out that funding for what he called "low-cost terrorism", carried out domestically using methods that cost attackers relatively little, must also be addressed. In a report ahead of the G20 meeting, IMF staff cited terrorism as an "ongoing concern", among others including geopolitical tensions, climate-related factors and diseases. (AFP)

Frequent terror attacks growing threat to global economy, say G20 ministers

financial-action-task-force

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Frequent terror attacks growing threat to global economy, say G20 ministers