Pakistan urges FATF to take action against Indian plot

Pakistan urges FATF to take action against Indian plot

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has formally requested the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to take immediate action against what it alleges to be India’s concerted efforts to politicize the international watchdog and influence decisions to place Pakistan on the grey list.

The call for action comes in response to a statement made by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on July 18, in which he reportedly admitted that “the Narendra Modi government ensured that Pakistan remained on the grey list of FATF.”

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed deep concern over India’s confession, stating that it validates Pakistan’s longstanding claims of India’s politicization of FATF. In a tweet, Qureshi called the Indian government’s actions “disgraceful but not surprising,” accusing it of manipulating a crucial technical forum for narrow political objectives against Pakistan.

The Foreign Office Spokesperson, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhry, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that India’s statement not only reveals its true colors but also affirms Pakistan’s consistent stance on India’s negative role within FATF. Chaudhry asserted that Pakistan has consistently informed the international community about India’s attempts to politicize FATF and undermine its processes.

“While Pakistan has been sincerely and constructively engaged with FATF during the implementation of the Action Plan, India had left no stone unturned in casting doubts on Pakistan’s progress through disgraceful means,” said Chaudhry.

He highlighted Pakistan’s substantial progress in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) domains, acknowledged by FATF through concrete, tangible, and verifiable actions. Chaudhry affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to sustaining this momentum and trajectory with the support of international partners, dismissing India’s attempts to exert pressure as delusional and unfulfilled.

Despite distractions and attempts to politicize FATF processes, Pakistan reiterated its dedication to bringing its AML/CFT systems to international standards for its own benefit and to fulfill international obligations and commitments.

The Pakistani Foreign Office Spokesperson concluded by stating that Pakistan will bring India’s recent confession to the attention of FATF and the broader international community, seeking appropriate action against what it perceives as India’s misuse of the watchdog for political ends.