Waking up to FATF threat at the eleventh hourAlmost overnight, the term, ‘Financial Action Task Force’ (FATF) has assumed ominous overtones and started dominating Parliament, government circles and media. There is an element of panic or ire in their debates after the sudden realisation that danger looms next week. The interior minister and advisor to PM on finance are making last-ditch efforts abroad to evade the ruinous economic trap, but the Iqama–holding foreign minister is conspicuously absent. And FATF full member India, exploiting its newfound ‘natural’ alliance with the US, is the real moving spirit behind the step. A presidential ordinance and cabinet approval of anti-terrorism laws last week addressed these concerns somewhat, but an urgent joint session of both Houses (fully attended!)

Source: Pakistan Today February 17, 2018 06:22 UTC