ISLAMABAD, At a seminar convened by Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU), various speakers, encompassing cabinet members, academics, and thinkers, underscored the purported ties between crime and Indian politics. The call to arms was for the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to rigorously investigate India’s purported participation in state-terrorism, drug trade, and illegal weaponry distribution, highlighting potential repercussions on the stability of the South Asian region.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the seminar was titled “Unveiling the Future-FATF’s Impact on South Asia 2023.” Hosted by QAU’s School of Politics and International Relations, the gathering preludes FATF’s scheduled on-site evaluation of India this November. This event was a segment of “Universities Outreach – Phase 1,” bringing together distinguished speakers who explored the challenges associated with India’s claimed associations with drug cartels, illicit arms, and FATF’s inquiries into black money.

Instances such as the alleged involvement of Indian operative Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan and the killing of Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada were presented as evidence of India’s supposed state-terrorism activities. In his remarks, Dr. Waqar Masood, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Finance, noted financial irregularities and claimed terrorist sponsorship by India. He highlighted Mumbai’s alleged role as a significant bookmaking center globally.

Contrasting Pakistan’s adherence to all 27 FATF conditions, Dr. Waqar highlighted India’s apparent lack of response to 330 FATF inquiries. He also mentioned the postponed FATF review for India originally scheduled for 2019 but delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other speakers, including Professor Dr. Baqir Malik from MIT, USA, and Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, Head of QAU’s School of Politics and International Relations, highlighted the importance of addressing India’s alleged financial misdeeds and their potential ramifications for South Asian stability. Kamran Saeed Usmani, Advisor to PM Pakistan for Youth Affairs, emphasized the broader societal and political consequences, particularly concerning the youth.

Baker Younis, Bureau Chief at Pakistan Almayadeen in Beirut, emphasized the media’s role in spotlighting the alleged implications of India’s activities and FATF’s inquiries.