Strategic Interventions to Combat Terrorism Financing in Pakistan: Challenges and Pathways

Abstract

The study aims to examine the threat of terrorism financing in Pakistan, specifically focusing on vulnerabilities within DNFBPs, charitable entities, and informal money transfer networks. Despite Pakistan's regulatory improvements under FATF guidelines, persistent gaps in implementation and institutional coordination allow terrorist groups to exploit informal financial systems. Criminal activities such as drug trafficking, smuggling, and extortion contribute to terrorism financing. The research utilizes a qualitative secondary analysis approach, examining data from FATF reports, academic publications, and institutional databases. A systematic review methodology is employed, focusing on structural vulnerabilities, informal financial systems, and associated predicate crimes. Findings highlight exploitation of DNFBPs and charitable organizations due to insufficient oversight. Informal transfer systems like hawala and hundi facilitate anonymous financial flows to terrorist entities. Regulatory advancements remain undermined by inadequate enforcement and inter-agency collaboration, creating implementation gaps. Comprehensive reforms are recommended, including legislative updates, stronger institutional oversight, and increased international cooperation to effectively combat terrorism financing and align national security measures with global standards.