By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - India's links with the drug trade, and proliferation of illegal weapons cast a dark shadow over New Delhi role in financing terrorism in the region, said experts

Speaking to a seminar "Unveiling the Future - FATF's Impact on South Asia 2023" marked a significant milestone, at Islamabad,  Professor Dr. Baqir Malik said that the FATF's examination of India's shadowy financial activities is of paramount importance. 

“India's links to the drug trade and the proliferation of illegal weapons have cast a dark shadow. We must address these concerns and work collaboratively towards a more transparent financial ecosystem,” he said. 

Speakers discussed the multifaceted challenges and implications surrounding India's involvement with drugs mafia, illegal weapons, and FATF's in-depth queries regarding black money.

"The underworld's involvement in drug trafficking is a complex web of cybercrimes and illicit financial transactions. To combat this, international cooperation and robust cybercrime forensics are crucial, ” said Dr. Fateh Din B. Mahmood.

Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, Head of the School of Politics and International Relations at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, while speaking to the seminar said that India's financial activities are under intense scrutiny, and it's time to confront the issues head-on. 

“The questions raised by FATF regarding black money demand comprehensive answers, and they impact the stability of the entire South Asian region."

The seminar, which drew attention from scholars, students, and international journalists, emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to address these pressing concerns. It is evident that India's role in the drug trade, illegal weapons circulation, and the queries from FATF about black money are topics that warrant continued discussion on the global stage

"The global media has a vital role in shedding light on the implications of India's actions and the FATF's inquiries. It's our responsibility to ensure these issues are not swept under the rug,” Baker Younis, Bureau Chief at Pakistan Almayadeen, Beirut said.