PAKISTAN’S COMPULSION
It is known to one and all across the globe that Pakistan is struggling since long to get out of the grey list of Paris-based global terror financing watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as it has caused lot of embarrassment to the rogue nation besides sanctions which are detrimental for the country. It is pertinent to mention that FATF is an inter-governmental body that sets international standards seeking to prevent international financial crimes that aid terrorism. It is a policymaking body that works to generate political will in national jurisdictions for legislative and regulatory reforms in these areas. It is a hard fact that Pakistan is facing lots of troubles due to its tagging in the grey list by FATF and to get a relief from this body, it is taking many steps which otherwise this unprincipled nation would never have taken. In this context, under compulsion the Pakistan has jailed Sajid Majeed Mir, one of India’s most wanted terrorists and the main handler of the deadly 2008 Mumbai attacks who was earlier declared dead by Pakistan, for over 15 years in a terror-financing case by an anti-terrorism court in the country. It is likely that the sentencing comes as Islamabad prepares for an on-site visit by the FATF officials to verify the implementation of Pakistan’s relevant anti-money laundering and terrorism-financing reforms. A positive report may facilitate Pakistan’s exit from the grey list of the FATF. This action by the Pakistan can be taken as cosmetic one because it never paid any heed to act against terrorists in the past rather supported those who intend to join its proxy war in India. It is good that FATF has maintained pressure on Pakistan and under this pressure it is being forced to take some steps which are good for the entire world as the rogue nation has become the breeding ground for the terrorists and the terrorism. Pakistani authorities had in the past claimed that Mir had died, but Western countries remained unconvinced and demanded proof of his death. His conviction therefore is a major achievement that Pakistani officials showcased in their progress report given to FATF on its action plan during the latest plenary. To be pulled out of the grey list, a country has to fulfill the tasks recommended by the FATF, for instance, confiscating properties of individuals associated with terrorist groups. If the FATF is satisfied with the progress, it removes the country from the list and this is the ultimate aim of Pakistan for which it has been taking steps which can be showcased as anti-terror ones.