Lahore: The government has announced a comprehensive crackdown against money laundering and illegal Hawala-Hundi operations, a decision reached during a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. The initiative will target major business entities involved in illicit fund transfers abroad, with strict actions planned to curb these activities.

According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting resolved that funds should only be transferred abroad through banking systems and other legal channels. Participants agreed to streamline the process of outward remittances via money changers and established that no leniency will be shown towards those engaged in illegal financial practices. The Interior and Finance Ministers emphasized bringing major money launderers to justice and maintaining zero tolerance for Hawala-Hundi operations. Additionally, a joint working group comprising the State Bank of Pakistan and the Federal Investigation Agency will be formed to monitor progress on these initiatives.