Mon Dec 16 07:38:25 UTC 2024: ## Pakistan Makes Strides in Counter-Terrorist Financing, but Faces Rising Terrorist Attacks

**Islamabad, Pakistan –** A new U.S. State Department report acknowledges Pakistan’s significant progress in combating terrorist financing, highlighting the completion of its updated National Risk Assessment (NRA) and improved compliance with international anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) standards. This progress, including Pakistan’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List, is seen as a pivotal achievement. The report details Pakistan’s efforts, such as increased biometric information collection at borders, enhanced customs enforcement, and the extradition of a dual U.S.-Pakistani citizen for terrorism-related crimes.

However, the report also paints a concerning picture of Pakistan’s security situation. Terrorist attacks surged by over 50% in 2023 compared to the previous year, targeting both civilians and security forces. Groups like the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army, and ISIS affiliates are responsible for much of the violence, primarily in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Concerns remain about the lack of full compliance with regulations by some madrassas.

While Pakistan continues initiatives such as deradicalization camps and CVE programs in universities, the escalating terrorism underscores the complex challenges the country faces. Security analyst Agha Murtaza Haider notes the paradox of progress in counter-terrorist financing alongside a significant rise in terrorist attacks. He also points out that despite calls for U.S. sanctions due to domestic political issues, Washington’s priority remains regional stability and counter-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan.

The report’s findings highlight a dual challenge for Pakistan: maintaining progress in combating terrorist financing while simultaneously addressing the surge in domestic terrorism. The nation’s success in balancing these competing priorities will be crucial for both its domestic stability and its international standing.

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