Pahalgam attack couldn't happen without funds, FATF slams terror financing networks

In a strong statement issued on Monday, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists in Jammu and Kashmir. The global terror financing watchdog pointed out that such attacks cannot take place without organized financial backing from supporters of terrorism.

“The FATF notes with grave concern and condemns the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam. These attacks could not occur without money and the means to move funds between terrorist supporters,” read the official statement.

Without naming any country directly, FATF mentioned that it will intensify efforts to counter terror funding and has initiated work on a new global framework for tracking and preventing terrorist financing. The watchdog added that recent evaluations have exposed critical gaps in the financial systems of many jurisdictions that need urgent reforms.

The development comes amid India’s renewed push to have Pakistan re-listed on the FATF’s grey list, following evidence that Pakistan-based groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and its offshoot TRF were involved in the Pahalgam attack. Pakistan has denied involvement, but the pressure on Islamabad is expected to increase globally.