THE Financial Action Task Force (FATF) was established by the Group of Seven (G7) in 1989 to combat money-laundering, but there was no harsh interference in Pakistan’s financial affairs until the last few years.

The ongoing FATF interference is hurting the national economy. People who are engaged in small or big businesses are uncomfortable with unnecessary questions regarding business and personal information which is unlawful under the relevant information confidentiality laws.

Pakistan is a sovereign state. It needs not be dictated about what should be done. People in the country are free to do their business while abiding by the laws envisaged by the government to keep the wheels of economy running in a free and comfortable environment.

There are other ways to deal with corruption and money-laundering. No country in the world is free of corruption; huge piles of laundered money are stashed in the banks of leading countries which have been contributing to their economies.

While the government should keep a check on money-laundering and take strict action against those involved, it must not go about it screaming to the world.

Anwar Hussain
Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 6th, 2021