ISLAMABAD – Speakers including cabinet members, academicians and intelligentsia on Wednesday highlighting a strong nexus between crime and Indian politics, called for strict scrutiny of India’s involvement in state-terrorism, drug trade and illegal weapons to avert adverse impacts on the stability of South Asian region.
They were addressing a seminar titled “Unveiling the Future-FATF’s Impact on South Asia 2023,” held by the Quaid-e-Azam University ahead of the on-site evaluation of India by the Financial Action Task Force scheduled in November.
The event, organized by the QAU’s School of Politics and International Relations, was a part of the “Universities Outreach – Phase 1,” which brought together an array of noted speakers who delved into the multifaceted challenges and implications surrounding India’s involvement with drugs mafia, illegal weapons, and FATF’s in-depth queries regarding black money.
Citing examples of Indian-sponsored state terrorism through its operative Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan and the murder of Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, the speakers drew FATF’s attention, unanimously believing that India’s links to the crimes should be confronted forcefully which otherwise could imperil regional peace. In his address, Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance Dr Waqar Masood said India was indulged in massive financial irregularities, criminal activities and sponsoring cross-border terrorism. “Mumbai [a densely populated city on India’s west coast and considered a financial center] is operating as a hub of bookies in the world,” he added.
