New Delhi, June 21: For the second time, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has issued warning to Pakistan after it failed to meet targets set by the anti-terror watchdog. The FATF warned that the country could be blacklisted unless it fulfils action plan against United Nations designated terrorists operating on its soil by October. FATF meetings are being held in Florida's Orlando from June 16 to 21. Pakistan Could Be Blacklisted by FATF Due to 'Lobbying by India', Says Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
The agency has already listed Pakistan on its "grey list" of nations with insufficient controls over repressing money laundering and terror financing. But if India's neighbouring country is blacklisted it faces a risk of facing global sanctions.
“The FATF expresses concern that not only did Pakistan fail to complete its action plan items within the January deadlines, it also failed to complete the action items due May 2019,” the FATF said in a statement. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Says International Media Will be Taken to IAF Raid Site in Balakot.
"The FATF strongly urges Pakistan to swiftly complete its action plan by October 2019, when the last set of action plan items are set to expire. Otherwise, the FATF will decide the next step at that time for insufficient progress," the agency said.
The FATF member, including India, have accused Pakistan of failing to take swift action against UN designated terrorists such as Maulana Masood Azhar, Hafiz Saeed and others. Several member countries have also said that no cases begin on Saeed and Masood.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 21, 2019 11:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).