International Organization FATF Expresses Disdain for Pahalgam Assault, Advocates Joint Effort to Combat Financing of Terrorism
New Delhi: After the brutal Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has let loose a stern statement, condemning the attack and urging a unified global response against terror funding. The incident underscores the fact that such attacks cannot happen without the flow of money between terrorist supporters.
This move appears to open the door for India's renewed efforts to place Pakistan back on the grey list. The FATF has also identified gaps that need to be addressed to combat terrorist funding and has developed guidance on terrorist financing risk.
The FATF further pledged support to over 200 jurisdictions worldwide to fortify the terror-financing crackdown. The statement read, "As terrorism persists in threatening societies and citizens globally, the FATF will continue to work with these jurisdictions within its global network to build and enhance their counter-financing of terrorism (CFT) measures."
Odisha's Energy Sector Reforms
Meanwhile, in a different context, Odisha has inked a pact with the Tony Blair Institute to drive reforms in the energy sector.
Contextual Info:
- While India is not currently under the FATF's increased monitoring or call for action, Pakistan remains under the scanner due to persistent deficiencies in its efforts to counter terrorist financing.
- FATF is an international organization that sets standards to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.
- The FATF Plenary meetings are held to review the progress and compliance of various countries in implementing the FATF Recommendations aimed at improving global cooperation in addressing terrorist financing risks.
[1] FATF Public Documents, "FATF Public Statement", June 2025.[2] FATF, "International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) Complsgn Activity Report on Pakistan", June 2025.[3] FATF, "FATF Recommendations", Accessed June 2025.[4] FATF, "Improving Global AML/CFT Compliance: On-going Process", June 2025.[5] FATF, "High-Risk and Other Monitored Jurisdictions", June 2025.
- Despite ongoing concerns about Pakistan's persistent deficiencies in countering terrorist financing, the general news regarding India's efforts to be reinstated on FATF's grey list continues to dominate headlines, following the Pahalgam attack.
- In a different realm, Odisha's politics have led to an agreement with the Tony Blair Institute for energy sector reforms, which is a stark contrast to the war-and-conflicts-related issues surrounding the FATF's evaluations and India-Pakistan relations.
- The discourse on finance and politics, focused on combating terrorism financing, has evolved globally as a result of events like the Pahalgam attack, with the FATF’s role in crime-and-justice matters becoming increasingly significant, as demonstrated by their continued work with over 200 jurisdictions worldwide.
