FATF expresses satisfaction with measures taken by Pakistan

 ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has expressed satisfaction on the measures taken by Pakistan and its progress in various areas. The meeting of the FATF started in Paris on Sunday will continue till Friday next. A Pakistani delegation led by Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar told the FATF meeting that Pakistan has made positive progress in 20 out of twenty-seven points. According to the report received by 92 News, inquiries were held against 2,420 people from 2013 to 2018. “As many as 354 people were challaned. Moreover, investigations into money laundering and terrorist financing were held against 448 people,” it said. “In Punjab, 120 counterterrorism cases were registered and 166 people were arrested while 49 accused were convicted. In Sindh, 24 cases were registered and five people were convicted. In Balochistan, 228 cases were registered while 58 people were convicted.” The report says that 116 accused were sentenced, while 10 recommendations will be implemented by February 2020. Sources in the Finance Ministry said that Pakistan will seek time for implementing recommendations till June 2021. Representatives from 205 countries and jurisdictions around the world, the IMF, UN, World Bank and other organizations are attending the meeting. Six days of meetings will focus on disrupting financial flows linked to crime and terrorism and discuss ways to contribute to global safety and security.

China, Turkey, Malaysia hail steps taken by Pakistan

China, Turkey and Malaysia appreciated the steps taken by Pakistan. Meanwhile, representatives from 205 countries and jurisdictions around the world, the IMF, UN, World Bank and other organizations are attending the meeting. Six days of meetings will focus on disrupting financial flows linked to crimes and terrorism and discuss ways to contribute to global safety and security. On September 11, Hammad Azhar said that Pakistan had submitted a reply to 125 questions asked by Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) Asia Pacific Group. Talking exclusively to 92 News, he had said that they had also briefed the FATF APG about four-month performance of Pakistan. “Pakistan has made a significant progress in 4-5 months. The decision on removing Pakistan from grey list will be made on the report about our performance next month,” he said.