Beijing, which hosted a key meeting of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Asia Pacific Joint Group to scrutinise Pakistan’s progress report to adopt stricter laws against terror financing and money laundering.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang praised Islamabad’s efforts. “Pakistan has made great efforts to strengthen its domestic counter terrorism financing system with visible progress. Its political will and active efforts should be recognised and encouraged by the international community,” he said while talking to media in Beijing.
“As FATF president and co-chair for Asia Pacific Joint Group, China will continue to uphold an objective, just and constructive attitude and participate in relevant discussions,” he said.
Pakistan has submitted a 650-page review report to the FATF on January 8. The report was submitted in response to 150 questions raised by the FATF regarding new Pakistani policies on money laundering.
The FATF in October last decided to keep Pakistan on its ‘Grey’ list. If not removed off the list by April, Pakistan may move to a blacklist of countries that face severe economic sanctions, such as Iran.