In the grey

Before the merrymaking over the chance of leaving the FATF’s grey list was over, news arrived that Pakistan may remain on the grey list for another six months to ensure 100 percent compliance. It appears that the FATF is treating Pakistan harshly. So far only Iran and North Korea are on the black list of the FATF, although, complaints are there against Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE for providing avenues for terror financing but no action has been taken against these countries so far.

Pakistan’s fate vis-a-vis the FATF seems more likely to be a result of India’s negative campaigning, as it uses its economic might to influence western countries to take its side. While more stringent rules governing financial transactions are important, Pakistan must also work harder to counter Indian propaganda. Hopefully, it will soon be in the clear.

Iftikhar Mirzah

Islamabad