Islamabad, March 17, 2026 – Pakistan has launched a major nationwide crackdown on money laundering and illegal money transfer networks, including hawala and hundi operations, in a high-level government meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
The government announced that strict action will be taken against individuals and institutions involved in transferring funds abroad illegally, emphasizing that no leniency would be granted to those engaged in money laundering or unregulated remittance businesses.
Officials stressed that overseas remittances must now flow strictly through official banking channels and legally approved mechanisms, with loopholes in the system being closed to ensure complete transparency. The ministers underlined that all illegal financial channels would be discouraged at every level, aiming to make Pakistan’s foreign remittance system “transparent and foolproof.”
The meeting also approved the formation of a joint working group comprising the State Bank of Pakistan and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). This group will monitor and review progress on curbing illegal financial flows and ensure timely action against offenders.
The session included briefings from the Governor of the State Bank, the Director General of FIA, and the Federal Finance Secretary, who highlighted the current framework for legitimate fund transfers through banking channels.
The ministers expressed a strong resolve to target big money launderers, reaffirming that the business of hawala and hundi will not be tolerated under any circumstances. This move is seen as a decisive step to strengthen Pakistan’s financial system and improve regulatory oversight over cross-border money flows.