FO denies Indian minister’s remarks over its FATF listing

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office (FO) has denied the remark of the Indian defence minister that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) could blacklist Pakistan for terror financing.

In a statement, FO spokesperson Dr. Muhammad Faisal said that the statement reinforces Pakistan’s concerns about Indian attempts to politicize the FATF proceedings to further its narrow exclusive objectives.

The spokesperson said that India’s incessant smear against Pakistan and blatant partisanship also call into question its credentials to be co-chair of the Asia-Pacific Joint Group that reviews Pakistan’s progress to implement the FATF Action Plan.

He said that our concerns in the regard have been previously brought to the attention of FATF members.

The spokesperson hoped the broader FATF membership would take notice of India’s continuing malicious campaign against Pakistan and reject any attempt aimed at politicizing the FATF proceedings.

Dr. Muhammad Faisal said it was important for FATF to ensure that the process remained fair and unbiased.

Earlier on 1st October, the Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the FATF could blacklist Pakistan for terror financing at any time.