The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Friday removed Pakistan from its grey list, acknowledging the country’s progress to fully comply with the plan of action.
The decision was made in a meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global money laundering and terrorism financing watchdog, which starts a two-day meeting in Paris and is expected to take up the removal of Pakistan from a list of countries under “increased monitoring”.
In a meeting in June, the FATF said it was keeping Pakistan on the list – also known as the “grey list” – but said it might be removed after an on-site visit to verify progress.
Last month, Pakistan s foreign office said a FATF technical team had conducted a “successful” visit and Islamabad was expecting a “logical conclusion” of the evaluation process in October.
“Global recognition of Pakistan’s anti-terror efforts”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while expressing gratitude over Pakistan’s removal from the FATF grey list, said that the decision was the vindication of the country’s determined and sustained efforts, and sacrifices against terrorism.
The prime minister, in a statement issued after the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), announced Pakistan’s removal from its grey list, congratulated the nation over the revival of the country’s credibility and dignity internationally.
“Thanks to Allah Almighty as Pakistan got the deliverance from the FATF grey list. I bow before Allah Almighty over the honour earned by Pakistan,” he said.
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Calling it a recognition of Pakistan’s huge sacrifices against terrorism, the prime minister also thanked the FATF countries who accepted Pakistan’s viewpoint on the platform of the terror-financing watchdog.
He also congratulated Foreign Minister Bilawal Zardari, the foreign ministry, armed forces, the Director General of Military Operations, and all relevant ministries and departments. He also thanked Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa for playing a key role in the process.
The prime minister also expressed gratitude to the coalition parties and their leadership for extending their support to help Pakistan exit the FATF grey list.
“Alhamdulillah, we once again succeeded to get Pakistan off the FATF grey list just like Nawaz Sharif had achieved in the past. Even while being in opposition, we also extended all-out cooperation, despite facing the allegations of NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance),” he commented.
“We always gave priority to the national and state interests, and that is why Allah Almighty blessed Pakistan with the success,” Prime Minister Shehbaz said.
He said the removal from the FATF grey list would cast positive impacts on Pakistan’s economy, diplomacy, and politics.
“More glad tidings are in the offing for the country and the nation in the time to come,” he remarked.
