New Delhi: In a stern message to Islamabad, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Friday (February 24, 2023) said that Pakistan’s progress in cracking down on terror financing is being monitored. The remarks came in the backdrop of Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin’s public appearance in Pakistan.
Addressing the media after the five-day plenary meeting in Paris, FATF President T Raja Kumar said, “I will not speculate on specific media reports. Pakistan’s progress by the Asia Pacific Group.”
“Pakistan has also taken action to fully or substantially complete 34 action plan items based on the high-level political commitment by Pakistan to continue and maintain these in principle,” he said.
The FATF said, “I would urge Pakistan to continue to address its remaining action plan items to fully meet them, as well as ensure that it maintains its commitment and its anti-money laundering/terrorism measures.” continue to fight the funding of the the president added.
Recently, US State Department listed terrorist Syed Salahuddin was seen offering prayers at the funeral of Hizbul Mujahideen leader Bashir Ahmad Peer. In the viral video, he was seen surrounded by Pakistani soldiers and threatening India.
It is noteworthy that Pakistan was removed from FATF’s gray list last year, but it still needs to complete two action plans as part of its commitments.
While the country has been removed from the gray list, it is being monitored by the Asia Pacific Group (APG).
The APG is a Financial Action Task Force-style Regional Bodies (FSRB) and is the largest in terms of membership numbers and geographic size.