Fact Based Actions
Pakistan has remained committed to countering terrorism for decades. It has fought the war against terrorism as a frontline state. It has borne losses in this war unparalleled by any other state. Thousands of people embraced martyrdom in this war. Material loss to the country is also on a large scale. Billions of dollars are lost by the country. But the country’s commitment to peace is not weakened by any of these losses. It has taken serious actions against the menace of terrorism. The country has participated in a war that was not its own. This sacrifice of Pakistan is also recognized by many of the world’s powers. Despite all these losses and actions as a front-line state, blaming Pakistan for not doing enough is a serious misconception on the part of the opponents. Pakistan has also remained actively engaged with FATF for a long time. This means that the country is open in its actions against terrorism. Hence, the dedication of Pakistan to the eradication of terrorism cannot be denied.
FATF’s Report and recent actions of Pakistan:
The FATF’s report claims that TTP is using financial networks across Pakistan and Afghanistan. It has also indicated transactions through the hawala system and smuggling. But Pakistan cannot be blamed for these activities on the basis of this report. The main hub for smuggling and illegal transactions is Afghanistan and not Pakistan. The monitoring system of Pakistan is not weak. But Afghanistan’s system cannot be relied on. Pakistan has recently traced and disrupted a financial trail behind a TTP attack. The attack was carried out by a foreigner. This fact shows that Pakistan itself is a victim and not a partner in these illegal activities. Thus, blaming Pakistan based solely on the FATF’s report is not just.
Informal Financial System and Pakistan’s Strong Check:
Besides, Pakistan has placed tight regulations and oversight on its financial system. These checks are in line with FATF’s instructions. This is because Pakistan has remained engaged with FATF in the past. As far as the hawala system is concerned, it is an informal transaction system. It is regional and is not limited to Pakistan. The hawala system of other countries remains unchecked. But Pakistan’s system is reliable to a certain extent. The mention of a TTP financial manager in the FATF report reflects Pakistan’s intelligence penetration, and not negligence. It also shows that the state is actively monitoring and dismantling illegal networks. It shows that law and enforcement in Pakistan are strong. Therefore, facts demonstrate that Pakistan’s checks on the informal system are stronger compared to those of other regional countries.
Pakistan’s serious actions against cross border terrorism and other Militants:
Cross-border terrorism is not a new phenomenon for Pakistan. Terrorists have mostly infiltrated Pakistan from across the border. They have exploited instability in Afghanistan to destabilize Pakistan. But Pakistan has not remained silent to this menace. It has a zero-tolerance policy for groups such as ISIL-K and other networks. Pakistan has always taken firm action against these networks. The recent neutralization of a 30-member Khawarij-based terror group by security forces is a case in point. These groups are also involved in kidnapping and have infiltrated Pakistan’s tribal areas. But Pakistan deals with them high-handedly. Pakistan has also fenced the 2600-km-long border on its part. But the cross-border threats are regional, and Pakistan alone cannot be blamed. So, the actions of Pakistan against terrorism are not hidden.
Pakistan’s Strong Control on NGO’s at home and also Strict Check on Remittance:
Pakistan has maintained a strong check on NGOs that operate at home. It strictly monitors the working of all NGOs and NPOs to avoid any illegal activity. Pakistan is working according to global standards in this regard. But these organizations’ illegal activities are also a global challenge. It does not reflect Pakistan’s policy. Pakistan has also launched effective checks on remittance. It helps the country in the detection of suspicious remittances. All these actions show the effectiveness and reliability of Pakistan’s system. Hence, Pakistan’s checks on NGOs and NPOs and remittance is a manifestation of Pakistan’s strong actions against terrorism.
Way Forward:
Some clever steps are needed to free Pakistan from all the blame regarding terrorism. Firstly, the world should acknowledge Pakistan’s actions and sacrifices against terrorism. Secondly, FATF should also acknowledge Pakistan’s intelligence, which is highly active against illegal activities. Thirdly, Pakistan also needs to work on those areas that are weak. Besides, Pakistan should try to curb the propaganda of its enemy against it. Finally, Pakistan must highlight all the positive developments and achievements of it’s in the war against terrorism.
Take Aways
Pakistan’s actions against terrorism and its resultant suffering cannot be ignored. The country cannot be blamed on the basis of only the FATF’s report. It can be taken as a positive sign instead of a negative one. The actions of Pakistan against terrorism are commendable. It has taken many steps to curb this evil. Hence, it is a fact that the actions of Pakistan against terrorism are unmatchable.
