Pakistan stays on grey list despite lobbying

New Delhi, February 19

India has drawn solace from Pakistan being retained on the grey list of the global Financial Action Task Force (FATF), although it had been pressing for its blacklisting. “Except for one or two countries like Turkey, the rest of the members at the ongoing FATF plenary in Paris were very clear that Pakistan has remained and will remain on the grey list. This means that Pakistan will remain on the hook,” said a senior government source.

They also refuted suggestions that the US had not supported India enough at the FATF plenary. “The US has consistently strengthened India’s position on terrorism and it was in the forefront in supporting India’s campaign to get Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar listed as an international terrorist,” they said.

“We have always felt that counter-terrorism is the strongest area of cooperation. In every sense Pakistan continues to be on the grey list and will be under pressure to perform as per FATF parameters,” they added. The formal decision about Pakistan’s status at FATF will be formally announced on Friday. — TNS