Officials suggested that the moves were cosmetic and designed to placate the U.S. government ahead of a major international terror financing conference next month which could pass strictures against Pakistan. “Exercises such as yesterday’s orders against Hafiz Saeed and others have been carried out by Pakistan in the past also. Pakistan’s military, the government, as well as the Punjab State law minister have issued statements claiming the action was prompted by “policy” considerations and “national security”. Pakistan’s worries increased because in October 2015, the FATF’s report on “Emerging Terrorist Financing Risks” criticised Pakistan for allowing the JuD or Lashkar e Toiba funds. We have also consistently called for bringing known terrorists under the ambit of the 1267 sanctions,” Mr. Swarup emphasized in his statement.

Source: The Hindu January 31, 2017 10:42 UTC