FATF Condemns ‘Brutal’ Pahalgam Terror Attack; Links It To Terror Financing And Pakistan’s Role

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has strongly condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, calling it a ‘brutal act’ that could not have occurred without ‘money and the means’ to fund it. The statement came after the FATF’s plenary meeting on Monday.

The global watchdog noted that terror attacks ‘kill, maim and inspire fear’ worldwide. It warned that financing networks remain a key enabler of such acts.

“This, and other recent attacks, could not occur without money and the means to move funds between terrorist supporters,” the FATF stated.

FATF urges unified global action

At the recent No Money for Terror Conference in Munich, the FATF President stressed the need for unified efforts against terror financing. “No single company, authority, or country can combat this challenge alone,” the statement said.

The April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 tourists, has been linked to Pakistan-backed elements. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy for the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility.

Indian agencies traced communication nodes tied to Pakistan. India provided the UN’s 1267 Sanctions Committee detailed reports in 2024, exposing the TRF’s links to Pakistan-based terror groups. In 2023, India had flagged LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammad’s use of proxy groups like TRF.

Calls grow to Grey-List Pakistan again

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accused Pakistan of misusing financial aid for cross-border terrorism. He urged the FATF to return Pakistan to its grey list, citing state-level support for designated terrorists.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also highlighted how Pakistan sought to dilute UN references to TRF during Operation Sindoor. Experts, including former Danish Ambassador Freddy Svane, backed the demand to grey-list Pakistan again. “Terror needs structure and funding. Pakistan must be held accountable,” Svane said.

The FATF acknowledged India’s long-standing fight against terrorism, recognising the country continues to face a range of terror threats across multiple regions.

Also Read: Pune Bridge Collapse: Four Dead, 51 Injured; Maha Govt Announces Rs 5 Lakh Compensation To Kin Of Deceased