During meetings in Riyadh and other international locations, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, who is a member of a multi-party Indian parliamentary delegation headed by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, has strongly argued for Pakistan’s reinstatement on the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list.
Owaisi emphasized that the FATF’s examination is crucial to stopping the funding of terrorist organizations, which he claims receive training and support in Pakistan specifically to destabilize India and incite communal strife, especially riots between Muslims and Hindus. He said that there was unmistakable proof of Pakistan’s purported ties to terrorism by pointing to a photo of US-designated terrorist Mohammad Ehsan sitting next to Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir.
Owaisi recalled India’s ongoing worries over Pakistan’s inaction against terrorist organizations, particularly in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. He claimed that even though Indian investigators gave Pakistan access to all the data, nothing substantial happened until international pressure—more especially, Pakistan’s inclusion on the FATF grey list—caused some action.
He brought up the instance of Sajid Mir, a major suspect in the Mumbai attacks who was convicted of money laundering rather than terrorism after being investigated by the FATF. Pakistan first claimed that Sajid Mir was dead but then acknowledged that he was still alive. Such actions, according to Owaisi, showed Pakistan’s unwillingness to confront terrorism head-on and highlighted the significance of consistent international pressure.
He also emphasized how Pakistan reportedly funds terrorist organizations that attack India through financial channels including money laundering and Hawala transactions, especially in the Middle East. Owaisi voiced worries that instead of using the $2 billion IMF loan for development projects, Pakistan would abuse it to fund its military and terrorist endeavors. Citing incidents in which they exaggerated military exercises and triumphs, he denounced Pakistani leadership, especially Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army commander Asim Munir, for what he called careless and deceptive behavior.
Citing the death sentence for 26/11 attacker Ajmal Kasab and the recording of incriminating conversations between the attackers and their handlers in Pakistan, where the handlers were told to kill as many Indians as possible and promised heavenly rewards, Owaisi reaffirmed that India’s legal system has prosecuted terrorists with rigor. He emphasized that the Indian response to terrorism has been strong and open, and that Indian agencies have continuously adhered to due process.
The larger delegation is entrusted with informing foreign partners about India’s response to recent terror attacks, including the April 22 Pahalgam incident, and promoting a united global stance against cross-border terrorism. It includes representatives from a number of political parties, including BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey, Phangnon Konyak, and Rekha Sharma, as well as other notable individuals like Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ambassador Harsh Shringla.
With seven groups visiting various nations to interact with international leaders and stakeholders, the delegation’s mission also seeks to dispel false information and emphasize India’s zero-tolerance attitude on terrorism.
Citing persistent worries about terror financing, a lack of accountability for previous attacks, and the abuse of international financial aid, Asaduddin Owaisi’s remarks in Riyadh and other international encounters demonstrate a determined attempt by Indian political leaders to mobilize support from around the world for tighter financial oversight of Pakistan.
In addition to ensuring that Pakistan is under constant pressure to address its suspected role in funding cross-border terrorism, the delegation’s activities are part of a larger plan to improve international collaboration against terrorism.
