Resisting FATF Manipulation

Musavir Hameed Barech

The Indian Media has published several articles accusing Pakistan of violating international norms through its ballistic missile program, with alleged backing from a Financial Action Task Force (FATF) report. This is another textbook case of India`s disinformation campaign against Pakistan. This narrative, amplified by Indian media, misrepresents a commercial cargo seizure incident in 2020 to show Pakistan as a proliferator, while ignoring the broader context of regional security and India’s aggressive posturing. This is another attempt by India to weaponize global institutions like the FATF for geopolitical gain.

The cited case involves no financial trail, no money movement, and no evidence of Pakistan channelling funds for WMDs.

The FATF, a body tasked with combating money laundering, terror financing, and proliferation financing, has no mandate to judge sovereign defence programs. Yet, the Times of India article falsely suggests that a FATF case study about a 2020 seizure of dual-use equipment aboard the Hong Kong-flagged ship Da Cui Yun “exposes” Pakistan’s missile program. This is a deliberate distortion. Proliferation financing, as defined by the FATF, involves funding weapons of mass destruction (WMD)-related activities. The cited case involves no financial trail, no money movement, and no evidence of Pakistan channelling funds for WMDs. The equipment in question, dual-use items like autoclaves, has legitimate civilian applications, and therefore, trying to create a link with proliferation financing is factually baseless and technically flawed.

Pakistan’s compliance with FATF standards is well-documented. In October 2022, Pakistan exited the FATF grey list after fulfilling all 34 action items, demonstrating the country`s unwavering commitment to anti-terror financing and non-proliferation norms.   India’s attempt to link Pakistan to ballistic missile financing is a discredited, baseless case that is politically motivated. The reanimation of the Da Cui Yun incident, long dismissed in technical circles, is a calculated move to create a pseudo-legal framework for punitive reputational damage. This coincides suspiciously with key FATF plenaries and timed media leaks, revealing India’s broader strategy: a reputational containment effort to keep Pakistan in perpetual compliance fatigue.

India’s agenda is clear. Having faced strategic and reputational setbacks in the May 2025 conflict with Pakistan, where its aggressive escalation drew international criticism, India is now resorting to dossier diplomacy. Unable to dominate the crisis it initiated, New Delhi is trying to leverage forums like the FATF to weaken Pakistan diplomatically and economically. The article’s claim that India is preparing a dossier, backed by 23 FATF member states, to push for sanctions or grey-listing. However, this is a blatant attempt to politicize a technocratic body. Such actions erode trust in multilateral institutions, undermining their impartiality and credibility.

Pakistan exited the FATF grey list after fulfilling all 34 action items, demonstrating commitment to anti-terror financing.

The hypocrisy is glaring. India’s missile programs, like the Agni series, and its military build-ups, supported by Western partnerships, face no equivalent scrutiny. Yet, when Pakistan exercises its sovereign right to maintain a deterrence against a hostile neighbour, one that has waged three wars against Pakistan since 1947, it is vilified. The U.S. sanctions on Pakistan’s National Development Complex in December 2024, which Pakistan condemned as discriminatory, further highlight this double standard. Why is Pakistan’s legitimate defence posture targeted while India’s provocations go unchecked?

Pakistan remains steadfast in its adherence to non-proliferation norms, aligning with frameworks like the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), even though Pakistan is not a member, and strengthening export controls. Pakistan`s ballistic missile program is not about aggression but survival in a region where India’s actions threaten strategic stability. The Indian media propaganda, amplified by outlets like the Times of India, is not just misleading. It is a deliberate campaign to justify sanctions that would harm Pakistan’s economy and global standing.

India is trying to leverage forums like the FATF to weaken Pakistan diplomatically and economically.

The international community must reject this manipulation. The FATF should not be hijacked by norm entrepreneurs with strategic motives. Pakistan calls for dialogue to address regional tensions, not disinformation campaigns that destabilize South Asia. India’s battlefield bravado may have failed in May 2025, but its backdoor tactics through regulatory forums are equally reckless. It’s time to call out this political game and protect the integrity of global institutions. Pakistan stands firm in defending its sovereignty and right to self-defence, undeterred by India’s baseless narratives.

The author is currently serving as Research Officer at Balochistan Think Tank Network, Quetta, and can be reached at email: musavirkhan88@gmail.com