FATF Blames Terror Funding For Pahalgam Attack That Killed 26 Tourists

Pahalgam (Jammu & Kashmir) [India], June 16: What began as a holiday for 26 tourists ended in tragedy on April 22 in Baisaran near Pahalgam, a scenic location in South Kashmir. According to official reports, terrorists opened fire on unarmed civilians enjoying the quiet hills. The attack not only shocked India but caught the eye of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global watchdog that monitors terror financing. FATF issued a clear statement: such acts are not possible without the backing of money and financial systems that help terror groups operate across borders.

FATF Takes A Firm Stand

The FATF condemned the April 22 attack and similar recent acts of terror. Without naming any country, it mentioned that terrorists need money to carry out such planned violence. FATF explained that one of its goals is to prevent this kind of financial support. Their warning brings new attention to how money moves through channels to reach groups that cause destruction. FATF said it is working on better methods to track and block these flows of illegal funds across countries.

Old Concerns About Pakistan Resurface

Indian agencies believe that Lashkar-e-Taiba, a group operating from Pakistan, is linked to this attack. Even though Pakistan denies involvement, India has shared intelligence reports suggesting the presence of handlers across the border. Groups like The Resistance Front (TRF), said to be linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, are being watched. Indian officials have stated that attacks like Pahalgam cannot happen without help from across the Line of Control. This has reopened a long-standing debate about Pakistan’s role in cross-border terror.

Grey List Warnings For Pakistan Again

India is now pushing for Pakistan to be placed back on the FATF grey list, a watchlist for countries that do not do enough to stop terror financing. Pakistan has been placed on this list several times before—first in 2008, then in 2012, and again in 2018. It was only removed in 2022 after promising to take strong steps. Now, with this new attack, Indian officials believe it's time to revisit Pakistan’s position on the list. Many in the government want global pressure to stop the flow of funds to terror outfits.

Baisaran’s Beauty Now Shadowed By Fear

Baisaran, often called ‘Mini Switzerland’ of Kashmir, is known for its meadows and horse rides. It had always been a calm tourist spot until this attack. People in the region now say that fear has entered the valleys again. Locals who depend on tourism are scared about the future. Many are asking: if international groups like FATF can clearly see the issue, why are such attacks still happening? The world now watches to see what action follows this strong warning by the FATF.