India wants Pakistan back on anti-terror watchdog grey list, to present dossier

India Today

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India has launched a coordinated diplomatic campaign across several countries to spotlight Pakistan's alleged role in financing and supporting terrorism. As part of this initiative, India is preparing to submit a detailed dossier of verifiable evidence to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), urging the global watchdog to re-list Pakistan on its grey list.The move comes amid concerns that Pakistan has failed to uphold its commitments to curb terror financing after it was removed from the FATF grey list in October 2022.advertisementIndia is also lobbying international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank to reassess their aid to Pakistan, citing concerns that foreign assistance is being diverted to fund terrorism.PAK'S TERROR LINKS
The dossier India plans to present at the upcoming FATF meeting includes financial records, intelligence reports, and international inputs that prove Pakistan's continued support for terror groups targeting India. The document reportedly establishes clear financial links between Pakistan's state-controlled sources and banned terrorist organisations.Officials say the evidence shows systematic, not isolated, instances of support, ranging from direct funding to logistical assistance for terror activities.PAK'S MILITARY SPENDINGIndia's data points to Pakistan allocating nearly 18 per cent of its national budget to defence, significantly above the global average for conflict-affected countries, which typically ranges between 10–14 per cent. India argues that this heavy military expenditure, especially in times of economic crisis, indicates misplaced priorities and undermines Pakistan's claims of peaceful intent.advertisementThere has also been a sharp rise in Pakistan's arms imports during the years it received IMF assistance. Between 1980 and 2023, arms imports rose by 20 per cent in the years when IMF funds were disbursed — suggesting that aid meant for economic reform may have been redirected towards military expansion.MISUSE OF AIDMacroeconomic indicators show a consistent rise in Pakistan's debt levels, even as its defence budget grows. India argues that this growing defence expenditure is not supported by domestic tax revenues but by external borrowing, raising concerns over financial mismanagement and lack of transparency in fund utilisation.India's presentation to the FATF aims to prompt renewed international scrutiny of Pakistan's financial practices, particularly in light of its alleged support for terrorism and the misuse of international financial aid. By bringing these concerns to global forums, India seeks stronger action to prevent the funding of terrorism and uphold global financial integrity.OP SINDOOR DIPLOMACYWhile the government is planning to present its case in front of the FATF, Operation Sindoor delegations are also making the point globally.In Bahrain, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi, part of a delegation led by BJP's Baijayant Panda, referred to Pakistan as a "failed state". He urged Bahrain to support India's efforts to have Pakistan re-listed in the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) grey list, emphasising the misuse of financial systems for terrorist activities.advertisementIn New York, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor described Pakistan as a "revisionist power" during talks with US policy experts. He warned that any aggression from across the border would be met with escalating consequences, asserting that attacks on Indian citizens would no longer go unanswered.Former Minister Salman Khurshid, speaking in Seoul, highlighted the transformation in Jammu and Kashmir, describing it as a region now focused on peace and growth. He argued that this stability threatens Pakistan's interests, prompting efforts to portray the region as unstable through orchestrated attacks.In engagements with leaders from the UAE and Congo, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde conveyed India's uncompromising stance on terrorism. Both nations expressed support for India's position and acknowledged the importance of isolating state-sponsored terrorism on the world stage.Must Watch