Lahore, 17 March 2026(News Desk): A special meeting was held in Lahore under the joint chairmanship of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb to review measures against money laundering and illegal hawala–hundi operations. The meeting decided to launch a comprehensive crackdown against money laundering and hawala–hundi networks operating in the country. It was agreed that strict action will be taken against large business figures and institutions involved in transferring funds abroad through illegal channels. The participants resolved that no leniency will be shown to individuals or organizations involved in money laundering and hawala–hundi activities. The meeting emphasized that funds can only be transferred abroad through banking systems and other legal financial channels.
It was further decided to streamline the process of sending remittances abroad through licensed money changers in order to ensure transparency and efficiency. The meeting agreed that the entire mechanism of international fund transfers will be made transparent and foolproof. The participants also resolved to discourage and eliminate all illegal channels used for sending funds abroad. Strong action will be taken against major money launderers, and the practice of hawala–hundi will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening financial transparency and protecting the national economy.
The meeting also decided to establish a joint working group of the State Bank of Pakistan and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to monitor progress and regularly review developments on related matters. During the meeting, the Governor State Bank of Pakistan briefed the participants on the system of transferring funds through formal banking channels.
The meeting was attended by the Director General FIA, Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Federal Secretary Finance, and other senior officials.