Some powers want FATF sword hanging, says Qureshi

By News Desk

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Saturday questioned whether the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) decision to keep Pakistan in its “grey list” was political and said “some powers wanted FATF’s sword hanging on our heads”.

In a press statement, the foreign minister expressed his wonder over the FATF decision of still keeping Pakistan in its grey list. Out of 27 technical items of FATF action plan, Pakistan had already achieved 26 points, whereas substantial progress was made on the remaining target. “In my view, under such a situation, there is no need to keep Pakistan in the grey list,” he added.

Qureshi said it would be judged whether the FATF was a “technical forum or political one” and whether it was used for any political purposes.

The FATF itself admitted that Pakistan had achieved 26 points in the plan of action, he said, adding the country was committed to fully implement the remaining one. “Some powers wanted FATF’s sword hanging on our heads,” he said.

He further categorically maintained that they had taken all the steps in their interests, which include the elimination of money laundering and financing of terrorism. The foreign minister reiterated that Pakistan was committed to take steps which are in its interest.

The FATF, in its meeting on Friday, announced that Pakistan had largely complied with 26 of the 27 items on the action plan, but kept the country on the grey list. It also suggested Pakistan focus on six new areas primarily dealing with money laundering.