ISLAMABAD: The Indian government has submitted remarks made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), presenting them as evidence to support its claim that Pakistan continues to provide support to terrorist elements.
This was confirmed by officials affiliated with the global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing watchdog.
According to FATF sources, India formally submitted Gandapur’s recent controversial statement, framing it as a reflection of Pakistan’s institutional failure to sever ties with militant groups.
The statement in question, which has already sparked criticism within Pakistan, was made publicly by the KP Chief Minister: “We arrest the Taliban, but our own institutions get them released, claiming they are their people.”
Indian authorities have cited this statement as a significant and public admission, arguing that it clearly illustrates how state institutions in Pakistan continue to provide shelter or support to terrorist elements. India is now calling on FATF to place Pakistan back on its “increased monitoring” list, commonly referred to as the grey list.
FATF officials noted that India’s submission was framed as a kind of “charge sheet” against Islamabad, pointing to ongoing issues in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which remains one of the areas most affected by terrorism and militant violence.
Indian representatives contend that Gandapur’s statement contradicts Pakistan’s previous assurances to the FATF about eliminating institutional tolerance for terror financing and support networks.
Pakistan had been removed from the FATF grey list in 2022 after remaining under increased monitoring from 2018 to 2022. Its removal was seen as a significant diplomatic win and a step toward restoring investor confidence and international financial support—especially crucial for Pakistan’s struggling economy.
Being placed on the grey list implies that a country is under close scrutiny by the FATF for strategic deficiencies in countering money laundering and terror financing. Such a designation can hinder access to global financial systems and deter foreign investment, making FATF’s assessments especially critical for economically vulnerable nations.
India’s latest move is being seen as part of its broader diplomatic campaign to keep pressure on Pakistan by leveraging international platforms. Pakistan has yet to officially respond to India’s submission, though the development is expected to fuel political and diplomatic tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
