Govt pledges to end ‘all illegal channels’ for fund transfers

• Interior and Finance ministers pledge making entire mechanism for funds transfer ‘transparent and foolproof’ at every level

• Reiterates firm action against major money launderers and hawala networks

• JWG of SBP and FIA to monitor progress on illegal financial flows as nationwide crackdown approved targeting individuals and institutions

 ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making the entire mechanism for foreign remittances transparent and foolproof, pledging to discourage all illegal channels used to transfer funds abroad at every level, reported by the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).

The ministers reiterated a strong resolve to take firm action against major money launderers, emphasizing that the business of hawala/hundi would not be tolerated under any circumstances, according to a statement issued by the Finance Ministry.

A high-level meeting, jointly chaired by Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb in Lahore today, decided to launch a comprehensive crackdown against money laundering and Hawala-Hundi networks#MoneyLaundering #HawalaHundi… pic.twitter.com/UKWtIwQ7Hi

— APP (@appcsocialmedia) March 17, 2026

The announcement came during a high-level special meeting chaired jointly by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. The meeting approved an aggressive nationwide crackdown targeting money laundering networks and hawala/hundi operations operating across the country.

It was decided that strict action would be taken against prominent business figures and institutions involved in illegal transfers of funds abroad, with no leniency extended to individuals or entities engaged in such activities. Officials also resolved that overseas remittances must be sent strictly through banking channels and other legally approved mechanisms, while processes involving money changers will be streamlined to close loopholes and ensure full transparency.

The meeting also approved the formation of a joint working group (JWG) comprising the State Bank of Pakistan and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), which will regularly monitor progress on combating illegal financial flows.

During the session, the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan briefed participants on the current system of fund transfers through banking channels. The meeting was attended by the DG FIA, the State Bank Governor, and the Federal Finance Secretary.