Experts weigh in on the preparation made by Pakistan to avoid placement on the Financial Action Task Force ‘Black-List’.
Dr. Mansoor Akbar Kundi (IR Expert):
I would like to appreciate caretaker Prime Minister for chairing high level meeting despite of the fact that he is an interim PM for two months. Pakistan is under no threat to be placed on the Financial Action Task Force’s black list although it will be assigned to the grey list in June this year. The interim PM in collaboration with Ministry of Foreign Affairs should take certain measures to ensure that Pakistan could not be listed in the list. Pakistan remained an ally of United States in war against terror. The FATF had pointed out certain deficiencies in the anti-money laundering and countering of terrorist financing framework of Pakistan. We have taken measures to address those issues, including through enactment of legislation.
Dr. Zahid Anwar Khan (IR Expert):
The past 7 decades of relations between Islamabad and Washington have been full of ups and downs. The strong bilateral relations between US and Pakistan are important to each other due to the geopolitics of the region. Pakistan and the US need each other in dealing with the issues in the region and particularly in Afghanistan. Being a super power, the US always tried to dictate its terms to achieve its interests in the region. But definitely there is limit of anything and relations saw downfall when we were asked to do what was beyond our capacity or when our interests were ignored. United States wanted to give India an important part to play in Afghanistan but Pakistan strictly opposed it as India has already been using Afghan soil for its evil designs against Pakistan.
Dr. Shahid Hassan Siddiqui (Economist):
India and United States have been making joint efforts to sabotage China Pakistan Economic Corridor project and destabilize Pakistan by all means. The move to add Pakistan in grey list is also the part of these efforts. Unfortunately, China and Saudi Arabia also voted against Pakistan in this regard. Now, Islamabad has submitted an Action Plan that needs dialogue with the members. We should have to active our foreign policy in order to get support from the member countries. Pakistan has banned Jamat-ud-Dawa and confiscated its assets as well but conspiracies are still there against Pakistan. The security meeting held with the interim PM in the chair is a good development. India wanted Pakistan into black list rather than grey list but remained failed in its mission.
Lt Gen (Retd) Naeem Khalid Lodhi (Defense Analyst):
Pakistan has always followed international in all aspects. The government has taken strict actions against the culprits involved in money laundering. The members of FATF are under the influence of United States and unfortunately Pakistan is not enjoying sound relations with Washington at the moment. But US Vice President has called our interim Prime Minister and few days back US National Security Advisor has also called COAS which is good development. Induction of Pakistan in grey list will definitely affect the trade of our country. The concerns of the international community is that there should be blockage to financial assistance of the terrorists so there should be no other way of transferring money other than the normal banking channels.
