The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the world’s top body fighting terror financing, has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, which took place on 22 April 2025, left 26 innocent tourists dead and has been described as one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
In its statement, FATF expressed grave concern over the brutality of the Pahalgam attack. The global watchdog stressed that such incidents are only possible because of the availability of money and the means to move funds between terrorist supporters. FATF noted, “Terrorist attacks kill, maim and inspire fear around the world. The FATF notes with grave concern and condemns the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025. This, and other recent attacks, could not occur without money and the means to move funds between terrorist supporters”.
FATF rarely issues condemnations of terrorist acts, making this statement highly significant. It is only the third time in the last decade that FATF has publicly denounced a terror attack, underlining the severity of the Pahalgam incident. The watchdog had previously issued similar condemnations in 2015 and 2019.
The attack in Pahalgam was particularly horrific. Five armed terrorists targeted tourists in the Baisaran Valley, a popular spot surrounded by pine forests. The militants, believed to be linked to Pakistan-based groups, singled out Hindu tourists and a Christian visitor, asking them to reveal their religion before shooting them at close range. The violence was captured on video by a tourist, which showed scenes of panic and distress. Among the victims was a local Muslim pony operator who tried to protect the tourists and was killed in the process.
Sophisticated Weapons used in Attack
Investigations revealed that the attack was planned and executed with the help of sophisticated weapons and communication channels. Indian officials have highlighted the role of cross-border terror financing and have accused Pakistan of supporting such activities. The FATF statement is seen as an international recognition of the dangers posed by terror funding and the need for global cooperation to combat it.
FATF chief Elisa de Anda Madrazo emphasised that no single country or authority can tackle this problem alone, calling for unity against the scourge of global terrorism. She said, “We must be unified against the scourge of global terrorism. Because terrorists need to succeed only once to achieve their goal, while we have to succeed every time to prevent it”.
The FATF also reaffirmed its commitment to help countries strengthen their measures against terror financing. The body announced that it would soon release a comprehensive analysis of terrorist financing, drawing on cases from its global network. This report is expected to highlight new risks, including the use of social media, crowdfunding, and virtual currencies by terrorists to move funds.
The Pahalgam attack has also led to diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan. India has accused Pakistan of harbouring and supporting terrorists, while Pakistan has denied the allegations. In response to the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps across the border, which further escalated hostilities between the two countries.
The international community, including leaders from the United States, Russia, and the European Union, has also condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with India. The incident has once again brought global attention to the persistent problem of terrorism in the region and the urgent need for coordinated action to cut off the flow of funds to terrorist groups.
