The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is set to fast-track money laundering probes under a new rulebook that fixes deadlines for inquiries and creates dedicated desks nationwide. FIA Director General Dr Usman Anwar has approved standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve how the agency handles financial intelligence reports, an informed source told on Thursday. Financial intelligence refers to tips on’ suspicious transactions from banks and other institutions. The reports come from the Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU) – the country’s central agency responsible for receiving, analysing and disseminating to the investigatory and supervisory authorities; disclosures of financial information concerning suspected proceeds of crime and alleged money laundering offences; and the financing of any activities or transactions related to terrorism, playing a decisive role in the detection and investigation of financial crimes. The move comes as Pakistan works to stay off the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) “grey list,” which tracks countries with weak anti-money laundering systems. Pakistan was removed from the list in 2022 after four years of reforms to its anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing regime. Staying off the list remains a policy priority, with the government keen to improve its international financial standing.
FIA set to fast-track money laundering probes
Published on: April 24, 2026 3:10 AM