Experts call for vigorous scrutiny as FATF reviews India

In a seminar titled "Unveiling the Future-FATF’s Impact on South Asia 2023," organised by Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU), prominent speakers from various fields came together to discuss the potential linkages between crime and Indian politics ahead of the on-site evaluation of India by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) scheduled later in November.

The speakers including cabinet members, academicians and intelligentsia on Wednesday highlighting a “strong” nexus between crime and Indian politics, called for strict scrutiny of India’s involvement in state-terrorism, drug trade and illegal weapons to avert adverse impacts on the stability of South Asian region.

The event, organised by the QAU’s School of Politics and International Relations, was a part of the “Universities Outreach – Phase 1,” which brought together an array of noted speakers who delved into the multifaceted challenges and implications surrounding India’s involvement with drugs mafia, illegal weapons, and FATF’s in-depth queries regarding black money.

Citing examples of Indian-sponsored state terrorism through its operative Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan and the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, the speakers drew FATF’s attention, unanimously believing that India’s links to the crimes should be confronted forcefully which otherwise could imperil regional peace.

In his address, Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance Dr Waqar Masood said India was indulging in massive financial irregularities, criminal activities and sponsoring cross-border terrorism.

“Mumbai is operating as a hub of bookies in the world,” he said.

Dr Waqar added Pakistan had met all the 27 conditions imposed by the FATF, while contrary to it India had yet to respond to 330 queries asked by the international financial watchdog. “If India (after the FATF review) is put under the enhanced supervision or in the grey list; it will be earth shaking for India,” he added.

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He said the FATF India’s review was due in 2019 but it was delayed because of Covid-19 restrictions.

The advisor said the task force had raised 330 questions to India about its financial regulatory regime, comparing only 27 questions to Pakistan and the latter had taken all required action to strengthen anti-money and counter-terror refinancing as per FATF’s standards on AML and TFC by Pakistan.

He said that there was a strong nexus between crime and Indian politics and as per Indian parliamentarian Arvind Kejriwal, the Indian industrialist Gautam Adani with around $180 billion net worth was the front man of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

International experts, including Professor Dr Baqir Malik from MIT and Dr Fateh Din B Mahmood from UNODC, underscored the importance of addressing India's financial activities. Dr Malik emphasised the need for transparency in the financial ecosystem, while Dr Mahmood stressed the importance of international cooperation in combating the complex web of drug trafficking and cybercrimes.

Dr Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, the Head of the QAU’s School of Politics and International Relations, emphasised the necessity of addressing the issues raised by FATF, saying “it is the time to confront the issues head-on. The questions raised by FATF regarding black money demand comprehensive answers, and they impact the stability of the entire South Asian region.”

Kamran Saeed Usmani, Advisor to PM for Youth Affairs & President of All Parties Youth Wing, Central Youth President PMLQ, highlighted the social and political consequences of India's involvement in the drug trade and illegal weapons circulation, particularly affecting the youth and the broader political landscape.

Baker Younis, Bureau Chief at Pakistan Almayadeen, Beirut, stressed the vital role of global media in shedding light on the implications of India's actions and the FATF's inquiries, saying “It’s our responsibility to ensure these issues are not swept under the rug.”