Owaisi in Algeria: Calls Pakistan ‘Epicentre of Takfirism’, Demands Re-Listing in FATF Grey List to Curb Terrorism

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, currently part of an Indian all-party delegation visiting Algeria, has called for Pakistan to be reinstated on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List. Speaking during the delegation’s outreach, Owaisi labeled Pakistan as the “epicentre of Takfirism,” drawing parallels between its ideological stance and that of global terrorist organizations like Daesh and Al-Qaeda.

“Pakistan is the epicentre of Takfirism, and there is no difference in ideology between the terrorist groups in Pakistan and Daesh and Al-Qaeda,” Owaisi stated. He emphasized that such ideologies misuse religious beliefs to justify violence, which is contrary to Islamic teachings.

Highlighting the global implications of Pakistan’s actions, Owaisi remarked, “It’s not only a question of South Asia. Do you want all this carnage to spread to different parts of South Asia? No. It is in the interest of world peace to control Pakistan, which is the main sponsor of terrorism. It has to be brought back in the FATF Grey list.”

Owaisi also cited the case of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, a key figure behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, noting that his trial only progressed when Pakistan was previously on the FATF Grey List. “Once you bring Pakistan back in the Grey list, we will see a decrease in terrorism in India. We’ll see killings coming down,” he asserted. 

The FATF had previously placed Pakistan on its Grey List in 2008, 2012, and from 2018 to 2022, due to strategic deficiencies in countering money laundering and terror financing. 

Owaisi’s statements come amid India’s broader diplomatic efforts to address cross-border terrorism and promote global security. The delegation’s visit to Algeria is part of Operation Sindoor, an initiative aimed at strengthening international cooperation against terrorism.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, currently part of an Indian all-party delegation visiting Algeria, has called for Pakistan to be reinstated on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List. Speaking during the delegation’s outreach, Owaisi labeled Pakistan as the “epicentre of Takfirism,” drawing parallels between its ideological stance and that of global terrorist organizations like Daesh and Al-Qaeda.

“Pakistan is the epicentre of Takfirism, and there is no difference in ideology between the terrorist groups in Pakistan and Daesh and Al-Qaeda,” Owaisi stated. He emphasized that such ideologies misuse religious beliefs to justify violence, which is contrary to Islamic teachings.

Highlighting the global implications of Pakistan’s actions, Owaisi remarked, “It’s not only a question of South Asia. Do you want all this carnage to spread to different parts of South Asia? No. It is in the interest of world peace to control Pakistan, which is the main sponsor of terrorism. It has to be brought back in the FATF Grey list.”

Owaisi also cited the case of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, a key figure behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, noting that his trial only progressed when Pakistan was previously on the FATF Grey List. “Once you bring Pakistan back in the Grey list, we will see a decrease in terrorism in India. We’ll see killings coming down,” he asserted. 

The FATF had previously placed Pakistan on its Grey List in 2008, 2012, and from 2018 to 2022, due to strategic deficiencies in countering money laundering and terror financing. 

Owaisi’s statements come amid India’s broader diplomatic efforts to address cross-border terrorism and promote global security. The delegation’s visit to Algeria is part of Operation Sindoor, an initiative aimed at strengthening international cooperation against terrorism.