Dr. Noor Fatima (IR Expert): It is a matter of pleasure that Pakistan is going to come out of FATF’s grey list soon. FATF has clearly said that Pakistan has met most of its goals. Coming out of grey list will help Pakistan in a number of ways. It will pave way for Islamabad to get loans from various multilateral and international lending agencies. The economic indicators of the Pakistan will also improve due to better reputation of the country. Implementation of 34 action points was very difficult but it was achieved thanks to seriousness and devotion of Pakistani government. Inclusion in white list of FATF will also help Pakistan improve its relations with various countries of the world.

Fauzia Nasreen (Former Ambassador): I think it is a very positive development. Indications from FATF are very positive and they have appreciated the efforts of Pakistan and steps taken by the country so far. The requirements given to us in terms of action plans have been met up to the satisfaction of FATF. At this moment, the formal announcement has not been made and we are hopeful that it will be positive and Pakistan will come out of grey list of the organization. Becoming part of white list of FATF will open the way for foreign direct investment as well as getting needed loans from international organizations. The image of country in terms of business opportunities will also improve.

Dr. Amna Mehmood (IR Expert): Pakistan has already completed the action plans of Financial Action Task Force. It is a good development for Pakistan. As international scenario has changed, the progress of Pakistan on these points has become visible to the world. On the international level, there have been alignments. The US has not come out of the cold war mindset so far. Russia, Ukraine war has changed the thinking in the West. There have been efforts by the US to shift power from Asia to West again. The US has been trying to undermine Russia and China at various levels and Pakistan being a very important country is in the sights of the US. At this point, Pakistan has to tread on a careful path and make decisions according to its national interests.

Ali Sarwar Naqvi (Former Ambassador): Financial Action Task Force basically monitors terrorist financing. It has assumed a political importance as Pakistan was trapped in their clutches unwittingly. However, Islamabad tackled the situation very well and completed all the action points. Pakistan is serious in its commitment against terrorist financing and money laundering. Pakistan was suffering international sanctions and restrictions being in the grey list. When Pakistan will be finally out of this list, there will be many economic advantages to the country. It will be easier to get financing from international institutions and standing of the country will also improve.