The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) affiliated Asia Pacific Group (APG) seems unimpressed by Pakistan’s recent efforts to crack down on militant groups, citing insufficient actions on the ground against proscribed organisations (POs) to block flow of funds and activities. The press has been told that though the government seemed to have all of its paperwork in order regarding the crackdown on POs, enough has not been done at the provincial and district levels where such groups operate, as this means that they can still raise funds and hold rallies. However, it seems the FATF affiliate is satisfied with measures taken to curb money laundering, including State Bank controls and regulations set by the Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, as well as action taken against currency dealers.
The APG delegation which has been in Pakistan for three days is leaving the country today, and is likely to issue a stern warning to Islamabad before it’s departure. It should be noted that Pakistan is already on the FATF grey list and had previously been warned that if sufficient action is not taken against the financial activities of POs then it could be issued a new plan of action.
Groups that have been banned by the United Nations have for long enjoyed the freedom to operate as they please in this country. As such, their roots run deep, especially the networks they use to fund their activities. Taking this into account, it is not surprising that a crackdown against these groups which was only initiated in the first week of this month has not been completely successful. That will require a sustained effort, and an honest zero-tolerance policy against armed militant groups of every hue and colour. Groups such as Hafiz Saeed’s Jamaat-ud-Dawa have been cracked down on by previous governments as well. However, they always proved to be short-lived.
Therefore, rather than taking the APG’s statement as a failure, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government must keep its eye on the ball, and ensure that the space such groups have in this country continues to shrink, until it is completely finished. This is a process that could take months, if not years. Regardless of how long it will take, the state must remain committed in this initiative, otherwise Pakistan’s economy will continue to lag behind due to restrictions from financial watchdogs and it’s image will never recover from the stigma of being associated with international terrorist groups. *