Pakistan caught red-handed again: FATF's new report exposes the dirty tricks of Islamabad

In a striking revelation, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has cited a 2020 case where Indian authorities intercepted a shipment of missile-related equipment headed for Karachi, exposing Pakistan’s use of mis-declared dual-use goods linked to its ballistic missile programme. The global watchdog’s latest report highlights how the consignment, traced to Islamabad’s National Development Complex, was disguised in shipping documents — a move seen as part of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to bypass international controls and fuel proliferation.

According to the FATF report, Indian investigators stopped a cargo ship carrying autoclaves — specialised equipment used for high-energy materials and missile motor components. The shipment had been falsely declared in its documentation. The Bill of Lading, submitted with the consignment, showed a direct connection between the importing party and Pakistan’s National Development Complex, a facility known for developing long-range ballistic missiles. This detail was first reported by The Times of India (TOI).

Mis-declaration and dual-use materials raise proliferation concerns

FATF noted that such dual-use goods can support missile and weapons development programmes when exported without proper declarations. The watchdog cited the Pakistan-linked case as a key example of how weak export controls and mis-declarations can lead to violations of international norms.

The case also reinforces FATF’s growing concerns around the global trade in proliferation-sensitive goods. The watchdog said this incident illustrates how state-linked entities may attempt to bypass regulations by disguising the nature and end use of sensitive materials.

April terror attack in Pahalgam linked to financial networks

In its broader statement, FATF also referred to a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people. “The April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, would not have been possible without financial support,” the FATF said in its report. It added that a detailed document covering terror financing cases — including those linked to state-sponsored actors — will be released soon.

Sources told PTI that the FATF’s decision to publicly mention the Kashmir incident marked a rare but clear signal from the international body. Indian officials interpreted the move as growing recognition of the financial networks behind cross-border terror attacks. According to Indian sources, the Pahalgam attack was carried out by militants who were trained in Pakistan.

India calls out state-sponsored terrorism in risk assessments

India’s National Risk Assessment has identified terrorism financing from state actors — with Pakistan prominently named — as a significant national security threat. The FATF currently monitors 24 countries on its “grey list” for strategic gaps in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism finance systems. Countries under grey-listing face increased scrutiny from international financial institutions and risk reduced investor confidence.

In this context, Indian authorities are preparing a formal dossier highlighting Pakistan’s compliance failures. The document is expected to be presented during the Asia Pacific Group meeting on August 25 and the FATF plenary session on October 20. Officials have confirmed that India will push for Pakistan’s re-inclusion in the grey list, citing new evidence.

FATF case echoes past proliferation network run by AQ Khan

FATF’s latest focus on proliferation threats also brings back attention to earlier instances of nuclear material trafficking tied to Pakistan. One of the most significant of these was the network operated by Abdul Qadeer Khan, widely known as the “father of Pakistan’s nuclear bomb.”

As reported by TOI, Khan began acquiring uranium enrichment technology from Europe in the 1970s. He later used this knowledge to help build Pakistan’s nuclear programme and exported the same expertise to Iran, North Korea and Libya through a global black-market network. “He reportedly earned $100 million from Libya alone,” the report said.

The AQ Khan network was exposed in 2003 and was found to have operated through a complex web of intermediaries across more than 20 countries. The fallout from the operation led to years of global concern about nuclear proliferation risks, and raised serious questions about oversight and control within Pakistan’s strategic institutions.

(With inputs from TOI)