The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has issued a stern warning to Pakistan, cautioning that its removal from the grey list in October 2022 does not make it immune to scrutiny over terror financing. FATF President Elisa de Anda Madrazo emphasized that countries exiting the grey list remain vulnerable to criminal actions, including money laundering and terrorist financing.
The warning comes amid fresh reports that Pakistan-based terror outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammad, led by Masood Azhar, are reportedly using digital wallets to fund their operations. Despite repeated international pressure, UN-sanctioned terrorists, including Hafiz Saeed, continue to operate from Pakistan, keeping the nation under close monitoring by global financial watchdogs.
Madrazo noted, “Any country that is in the grey list but that also exits the grey list is not bulletproof for the actions of criminals, either money launderers or terrorists.”
The FATF’s caution highlights that Pakistan must strengthen anti-money laundering measures, crack down on terror financing, and ensure full compliance with international financial regulations to avoid future sanctions.
Pakistan’s grey list exit was seen as a positive step by some international observers, but the FATF’s latest statement underscores that global scrutiny continues, especially given the persistent presence of terror groups and emerging digital funding channels.
The international community continues to watch Pakistan closely, emphasizing that regulatory reforms must translate into tangible action against terrorism financing to maintain credibility on the world stage.
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