The Federal Investigation Agency has established Financial Action Task Force desks across all zones and specialised wings to strengthen Pakistan’s preparedness for the upcoming 2027 evaluation. The initiative focuses on improving compliance with global anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing standards ahead of the international review process.
The expansion builds on the existing FATF secretariat operating under the FIA’s Anti-Money Laundering Directorate. Officials say the enhanced structure aims to improve investigation quality, strengthen prosecution outcomes, and ensure faster coordination on financial crimes, including money laundering and terrorism financing cases.
Director General Usman Anwar has directed all FIA zones and specialised wings to set up FATF desks within seven days. Each desk will be led by at least an assistant director level officer and will report directly to a corresponding unit at FIA headquarters for better oversight and coordination.
The newly introduced framework includes seven specialised units designed to improve operational efficiency. These include the Financial Intelligence Unit, Investigation Monitoring Unit, International Cooperation Unit, Inter-Agency Coordination Unit, Risk Assessment Unit, Seizure and Confiscation Unit, and Forensics and Virtual Assets Unit.
The Financial Intelligence Unit will process financial data received from the Financial Monitoring Unit, while the International Cooperation Unit will handle cross-border requests involving asset recovery, fugitive tracking, and terrorism financing investigations. Meanwhile, other units will focus on monitoring, coordination, and risk analysis.
Pakistan established its FATF secretariat in 2021 as part of efforts to address gaps identified under the 27-point action plan. The country was placed on the FATF grey list in 2018 and removed in 2022 after completing required reforms, improving its global financial standing and supporting engagement with institutions such as the International Monetary Fund.