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First Post
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- Business
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FATF considering to put Pakistan back on grey list, or is it ‘too early' to talk about it?
Pakistan could be placed back on the FATF 'grey list' for the fourth time in the coming weeks due to its continued failure to curb terror financing, according to a report, citing sources familiar with the matter read more Pakistan's national flag at the Mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi, Pakistan on August 14, 2022. Reuters File Pakistan could be placed back on the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) 'grey list' for the fourth time in the coming weeks due to its continued failure to curb terror financing, according to a Moneycontrol report, citing sources familiar with the matter. The global financial watchdog is expected to release an evaluation report by late June or early July which is likely to highlight Pakistan's shortcomings in addressing terror financing, potentially leading to its reclassification under enhanced monitoring, commonly referred to as the grey list, added the report. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At a FATF plenary held in France's Strasbourg last week, India reportedly raised concerns over Pakistan's terror networks and the alleged support they receive from the Pakistani government, further influencing deliberations on Islamabad's compliance status. 'The exact details and outcome of the meeting is confidential but there is a possibility that Pakistan could be grey listed again,' Moneycontrol quoted one of the sources as saying. Moneycontrol reported on May 23 that India was preparing to raise Pakistan's terror record at the FATF meeting, as part of a broader push to highlight Islamabad's links to terrorism following the April 22 attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. In what was one of the deadliest terror attacks in recent years, 26 people, most tourists, were killed in a mass shooting. According to the Indian government, two of the attackers were Pakistani nationals. The FATF 'grey list,' officially termed 'jurisdictions under increased monitoring,' includes countries with strategic deficiencies in their frameworks to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing. These countries are placed under closer scrutiny by the FATF to ensure they are making measurable progress on agreed action plans. Pakistan has previously appeared on the grey list three times — in 2008–2009, 2012–2015, and most recently from 2018 to 2022. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the FATF has already begun monitoring Pakistan's activities, a formal decision on whether to return the country to the grey list is still pending. 'That decision would be known in the coming weeks,' Moneycontrol quoted a government official as saying. FATF condemns Pahalgam attack On June 16, FATF condemned the 'brutal terrorist attack' in Pahalgam and said, 'This, and other recent attacks, could not occur without money and the means to move funds between terrorist supporters.' 'In addition to setting out the framework for combating terrorist financing, the FATF has enhanced its focus on the effectiveness of measures countries have put in place,' the statement said. 'That is how, through our mutual evaluations, we have identified gaps that need to be addressed. The FATF has developed guidance on terrorist financing risk to support experts that contribute to evaluations of the 200+ jurisdictions in the Global Network,' it added. Although countries on the grey list are not usually subjected to sanctions or heightened due diligence requirements, their inclusion can still carry significant economic consequences, according to sources, adding, these may include a drop in foreign direct investment and increased compliance costs for businesses due to stricter financial monitoring. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'The June 16 statement is not common for FATF. The attribution to Pulwama indicates India's diplomatic strength and the recognition of Pakistan's role in supporting terrorism on the global platform,' another official told Moneycontrol. 'Enhancing focus on 'effectiveness of measures' put by countries (to counter terror financing) is a change in their way of analysing nations… they never emphasised on effectiveness earlier.' After the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, India dispatched seven diplomatic delegations to key countries to highlight Pakistan's continued support for terrorism and reinforce its global stance on counterterrorism. Meanwhile, the FATF is preparing to release a detailed report on terrorist financing, including misuse of social media, crowdfunding, and virtual assets, according to its June 16 statement. The report will be based on case studies shared by FATF's Global Network. FATF, which meets three times a year, issues 'Mutual Evaluation Reports' (MERs) to assess countries' efforts in combating terror financing and money laundering. Countries failing to meet FATF standards may be placed on the 'grey list', a warning to improve, or the more severe 'black list.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Currently, Myanmar, Iran, and North Korea are blacklisted, with FATF urging members and jurisdictions to impose enhanced due diligence and, in serious cases, countermeasures to protect the global financial system. Decisions to grey- or blacklist a country are made by consensus. At least four of FATF's 39 members must oppose the resolution to block it. Pakistan, previously grey-listed from 2018 to 2022, was removed after FATF found it 'compliant' or 'largely compliant' with 38 of its 40 recommendations across two key action plans. With inputs from agencies
Express Tribune
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Women's rights and freedom
Listen to article The question of women's freedom has remained a subject of controversy throughout history. The root cause lies in male dominance and centuries-old patriarchal traditions that have sustained women's dependence on men. There is no doubt that, like men, women have equal rights in society to live a life of their choice, pursue education, access healthcare, share in property, choose a life partner and contribute to social responsibilities for the betterment of institutions and economic progress of the country. However, a few distractions have compromised the core issues. Slogans such as mera jism, meri marzi (My body, my choice) and humein azadi chahiye, na ki izzat (We want freedom, not respect) have conveyed a misleading message, raising concerns about the nature of the freedom being demanded. This shift in focus has diverted attention from critical issues such as limited access to education, employment discrimination and gender-based violence. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right of women. They should be valued equally alongside men, enjoying the same recognition and standing as members of society. What is needed most in these testing times is to grant women their rights by raising voices for practical solutions — improved access to education, equal job opportunities, no to dowry, stricter laws against gang rape, and social parity for women across all regions. The real purpose of Aurat Azadi (Women's Freedom) lies in advocating for rural girls' education, eradicating child marriages and eliminating oppressive customs in underdeveloped areas. Unfortunately, the misrepresentation of the Aurat March in recent years has diverted attention from these critical issues faced by women. The dignity and status of women are non-negotiable. A strong argument lies in her revered roles as a mother, sister, daughter and wife — she is not only a pillar but also a builder of any truly civilised and progressive society. Women's rights should not be confused with the blind imitation of Western ideologies that may not relate to local socio-cultural values. Instead, efforts must be directed towards meaningful advocacy so that women in rural areas receive education, access employment and are empowered to contribute to national development. Whether in the armed forces, medical field, engineering, politics or sports, women must have equal opportunities to serve alongside men in a safe and supportive environment. Women are the architects of society, capable of contributing to socio-economics, politics, health, education and agriculture. History remembers Fatima Jinnah, who supported her brother, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in the creation of Pakistan and later emerged as a political figure, challenging the status quo. Benazir Bhutto, the lady with democratic principles, set the precedent by becoming the first female Prime Minister of the Muslim world. In recent times, fearless women like Malala Yousafzai, who advocates for girls' education globally; Justice Ayesha Malik, Pakistan's first female Supreme Court judge; and Nighat Dad, a leading digital rights activist, have been relentless in their fight for human rights and social progress. Their legacies continue to inspire women to step forward, challenge norms and demand their rightful place in society. The concept of 'Womenomics' redefines gender equality by linking it directly to economic growth. Women in agriculture, education, healthcare and entrepreneurship are actively contributing to Pakistan's development. Women-led startups are on the rise, proving that given the right opportunities, women can be powerful economic drivers. The inclusion of women in the workforce is not just about fairness; it is about progress, prosperity and national strength. The struggle for gender equality catalyses progress, and every woman who defies the odds becomes an inspiration and a role model for the coming generations. Now is the time to invest in women, protect their rights and create a society where every girl grows up knowing she can achieve anything.
India Today
04-06-2025
- General
- India Today
Celebrate Eid, pay Rs 5 lakh PKR as fine: Pakistan to Ahmadiyya Muslims
The Ahmadiyya Muslims, who under Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I had extended unequivocal support to Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his Muslim League for the creation of Pakistan on religious grounds, are now bearing the brunt of repression in the very Islamic Republic they helped form. With Eid al-Adha less than a week away, Pakistan's marginalised Ahmadiyya community is facing growing pressure to forgo qurbani (sacrifice) and other rituals, even in the confines of their homes, with Punjab provincial authorities now demanding affidavits warning of a Rs 5 lakh (PKR) fine for police in several districts of Punjab and Sindh provinces have been detaining members of the Ahmadiyya community, and threatening and harassing them into signing undertakings that they not perform Eid al-Adha 2025 is on June 7. Come Eid, the Pakistani establishment-run state reminds the Ahmadiyya community that they don't belong to the republic that their forefathers helped Ahmadiyya community, numbering around 2 million, faces severe persecution in Pakistan, including violent attacks and legal discrimination. They are not recognised as Muslims under a 1974 constitutional amendment. Barred from reading the Quran or performing namaaz openly, Ahmadis have also been targeted by terrorist groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Tehreek-e-Labbaik June 2024, at least 36 cases of arbitrary arrests and detentions of Ahmadiyyas were reported in Pakistan's Punjab, aimed at preventing them from performing animal sacrifice for Eid, noted Amnesty March this year, around 100 graves belonging to the Ahmadiyya community were desecrated by members of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in Punjab's Khushab some cases, authorities have demanded affidavits from Ahmadiyya without any legal basis. Pakistani law does not specifically prohibit people from the Ahmadiyya community from performing qurbani in MUSLIMS MADE TO SIGN AFFIDAVITS IN PAKISTANMembers of the Ahmadiyya community in Punjab have been instructed to submit affidavits and indemnity bonds, pledging not to observe Eid al-Adha or perform its associated religious rituals, reported the Karachi-based of the affidavit forms issued by the Punjab government, shared by US-based Pakistani-origin journalist Sabookh Syed, includes a clause requiring signatories to pay a fine of Rs 5 lakh (PKR) for a full range of repressions against the Ahmadiyya community, officials of Punjab province have offered conflicting explanations for the a 2023 notification has been used to bar Ahmadiyyas from identifying as Muslims or practising Islamic rituals. However, legal experts argue that forcing individuals to sign such declarations is unconstitutional and exceeds the authority of local officials, according to a report by the Lahore-based newspaper, The Friday BAR ASSOCIATION WRITES AGAINST AHMADIYYASIn Punjab's capital, the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) added fuel to the fire by writing to the Punjab Inspector General of Police, urging him to take action against the Ahmadiyya community for "violating" the law by organising gatherings resembling Islamic letter, signed by LHCBA President Malik Asif Nissoana and other office bearers, insisted that only Muslims have the right to perform qurbani, and that Ahmadiyya participation "hurts the sentiments of the Muslim majority and risks public disorder", reported is a Sunni-majority country and a big chunk of the population does not consider the Ahmadiyya community to be Muslims because the community believes in Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as a prophet, a view seen as heretical to the mainstream Islamic belief that Prophet Muhammad was the final Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan has faced systematic disenfranchisement since the Second Constitutional Amendment in 1974, which declared them non-Muslims, stripping them of religious and legal recognition as Muslims. In 1984, Ordinance XX under General Zia-ul-Haq further restricted their rights, criminalising their practise of Islamic rituals, with penalties of up to three years in prison. As Pakistan took a turn towards radical Islam under Zia, and continued on that path after him, the Ahmadiyya community faced widespread discrimination, including voter exclusion through separate electoral lists, effectively barring them from political InTrending Reel
Business Recorder
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Creation of Pakistan: Minister highlights role of religious minorities
LAHORE: A thought-provoking and historic seminar titled 'The Role of Minorities in the Creation and Continuity of Pakistan' was held at Alhamra Art Council, Lahore, as part of the Jashn-e-Urdu celebrations. The event was graced by Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs, Ramesh Singh Arora, as the chief guest. The seminar aimed to highlight the significant historical and contemporary contributions of religious minorities to the unity, development, and progress of Pakistan. In his address, Ramesh Singh Arora remarked that religious minorities in Pakistan are like vibrant colors in the bouquet of our nation, completing its beauty and harmony. According to the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, we are all equal citizens. The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is transforming this vision into reality through inclusive and historic reforms. He paid tribute to the sacrifices made by minorities during the Pakistan Movement and acknowledged the contributions of individuals from minority communities in fostering education, political engagement, social harmony, and national progress. Ramen Arora also elaborated on several key initiatives currently being undertaken by the Punjab government for minority communities, including: Construction, renovation, and expansion of religious sites belonging to minority groups, Educational scholarships for deserving minority students, Legislative reforms for the protection of minority rights and Cultural and training programs to promote interfaith harmony. Mufti Ashiq Hussain emphasized the importance of interfaith unity and stated that Islam teaches respect for all communities. The development of Pakistan is only possible when we embrace diversity with open hearts. Macdonald Chandi, a well-known Christian community leader, appreciated the provincial government's outreach: Dr Majeed Able, added that the role of minorities in the Pakistan Movement has been understated in our textbooks. It's time to give rightful space to these heroes of history. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Canadian film festival bridges cultures
Lahore Arts Council organized a cake cutting ceremony and portrait painting competition to celebrate 145th Birth Anniversary of Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah at Alhamra. PHOTO: FACEBOOK The Lahore Arts Council, in collaboration with the High Commission of Canada, hosted a Canadian Film Festival. The festival featured a curated selection of eight acclaimed Canadian films, each exploring a range of human experiences and social themes. From intimate family narratives to broader societal issues, the films resonated with viewers and sparked conversations on shared values and diverse perspectives. High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan Leslie Scanlon attended the event and expressed her appreciation for the warm reception. "This festival is a celebration of cultural understanding and artistic collaboration. Cinema is a powerful medium that transcends borders, and events like this bring people closer together," she noted. Chairman of the Lahore Arts Council, Razi Ahmed, reflected on the deepening ties between the two countries.
