AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly condemned the recent $1 billion loan approval by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for Pakistan. The approval, granted under Pakistan’s economic reform programme, has sparked fresh criticism, with Owaisi labelling it as a "loan to a militant organisation." He warned that these funds would likely be diverted towards promoting terrorism against India, rather than addressing domestic issues such as poverty, polio, or women's empowerment in Pakistan.
The IMF loan and its implications
Owaisi’s scathing remarks followed the IMF's announcement on Friday, confirming the release of approximately $1 billion to Pakistan under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The IMF described the disbursement as reflecting "strong programme implementation" in Pakistan’s ongoing economic recovery. However, Owaisi expressed grave concern that the funds would not benefit the Pakistani population, but instead be used to fuel cross-border terrorism.
"It is very unfortunate that the IMF has sanctioned a loan of 1 billion dollars. I would call it a loan to the militant organisation there," said Owaisi. He accused the West—particularly the United States, Canada, and Germany—of turning a blind eye to Pakistan’s role in sponsoring terrorism. "The money will never be used to eradicate poverty, to ensure that the polio rates in Pakistan come down… it will be used for terrorist activities against India."
A global concern: Pakistan's role in terrorism
Owaisi’s critique extended beyond the IMF loan, as he raised the broader issue of Pakistan’s continued sponsorship of terrorism. He argued that Pakistan’s actions were destabilising the region, particularly through its support of cross-border terrorism against India. "Pakistan is a failed state," Owaisi stated, urging the international community to recognise the threat Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal posed to global security.
The AIMIM chief also referenced past incidents, including the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, where Pakistani-backed terror groups targeted Indian civilians. Owaisi pointed out that despite concrete evidence, Pakistani authorities failed to take action against the perpetrators. "The Indian investigative agencies went to Pakistan and gave them all the proof against the involvement of LeT and how they were trained by the ISI and the Pakistan military. They didn’t proceed," he added.
India's stance on the IMF loan
India has expressed its strong opposition to the IMF’s decision. Officials made it clear that India abstained from the vote on the loan, not due to a lack of opposition but because IMF rules do not permit a formal 'no' vote. India has repeatedly warned that providing funds to Pakistan, which continues to sponsor terrorism, could have reputational risks for global institutions.
A senior government official commented that any future act of terrorism emanating from Pakistan would be treated as an "act of war" against India and would be responded to accordingly. This statement highlights the growing frustration within India over Pakistan's continued military and terrorist activities.
Owaisi calls for Pakistan’s grey-listing by FATF
Owaisi further called for Pakistan’s grey-listing by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global body combating terrorist financing. He said that only after Pakistan was placed on the FATF's grey list did investigations into terror financing begin to show progress. "Pakistan is hell-bent on destabilising a country with a population of 130 crore. How can the other countries in the world sit and watch this happen?" Owaisi asked.
Pakistan's cross-border aggression and civilian impact
In recent months, Pakistan has ramped up its aggression along the Line of Control (LoC), with increased shelling and drone attacks targeting Indian civilian areas. Owaisi cited several such incidents, including the killing of 16 people, including four children, in Poonch, a border village, due to Pakistani artillery fire. He also condemned the targeting of religious sites, including the killing of an Imam and the damage to a Sikh Gurdwara.
"They have damaged hospitals in Jammu and Srinagar, sent drones to kill common people. This is what Pakistan has always been doing. This is what they will continue to do," Owaisi said, underscoring Pakistan’s longstanding pattern of hostility.
India’s Retaliation and Military Preparedness
Amid these tensions, India has stepped up its military response. Indian Armed Forces recently launched Operation Sindoor, a precision strike on multiple Pakistani airbases, in retaliation for a terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. Despite the escalating conflict, India’s response has been described as "measured and responsible," focusing on military targets while ensuring minimal civilian casualties.
Owaisi concluded by emphasising the importance of national unity in countering Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. He praised the growing consensus within India against Pakistan’s actions and urged the government to adopt a firm stance. "We must put an end to this Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in India," Owaisi stated.
The IMF loan and its implications
Owaisi’s scathing remarks followed the IMF's announcement on Friday, confirming the release of approximately $1 billion to Pakistan under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The IMF described the disbursement as reflecting "strong programme implementation" in Pakistan’s ongoing economic recovery. However, Owaisi expressed grave concern that the funds would not benefit the Pakistani population, but instead be used to fuel cross-border terrorism.
"It is very unfortunate that the IMF has sanctioned a loan of 1 billion dollars. I would call it a loan to the militant organisation there," said Owaisi. He accused the West—particularly the United States, Canada, and Germany—of turning a blind eye to Pakistan’s role in sponsoring terrorism. "The money will never be used to eradicate poverty, to ensure that the polio rates in Pakistan come down… it will be used for terrorist activities against India."
A global concern: Pakistan's role in terrorism
Owaisi’s critique extended beyond the IMF loan, as he raised the broader issue of Pakistan’s continued sponsorship of terrorism. He argued that Pakistan’s actions were destabilising the region, particularly through its support of cross-border terrorism against India. "Pakistan is a failed state," Owaisi stated, urging the international community to recognise the threat Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal posed to global security.
The AIMIM chief also referenced past incidents, including the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, where Pakistani-backed terror groups targeted Indian civilians. Owaisi pointed out that despite concrete evidence, Pakistani authorities failed to take action against the perpetrators. "The Indian investigative agencies went to Pakistan and gave them all the proof against the involvement of LeT and how they were trained by the ISI and the Pakistan military. They didn’t proceed," he added.
India's stance on the IMF loan
India has expressed its strong opposition to the IMF’s decision. Officials made it clear that India abstained from the vote on the loan, not due to a lack of opposition but because IMF rules do not permit a formal 'no' vote. India has repeatedly warned that providing funds to Pakistan, which continues to sponsor terrorism, could have reputational risks for global institutions.
A senior government official commented that any future act of terrorism emanating from Pakistan would be treated as an "act of war" against India and would be responded to accordingly. This statement highlights the growing frustration within India over Pakistan's continued military and terrorist activities.
Owaisi calls for Pakistan’s grey-listing by FATF
Owaisi further called for Pakistan’s grey-listing by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global body combating terrorist financing. He said that only after Pakistan was placed on the FATF's grey list did investigations into terror financing begin to show progress. "Pakistan is hell-bent on destabilising a country with a population of 130 crore. How can the other countries in the world sit and watch this happen?" Owaisi asked.
Pakistan's cross-border aggression and civilian impact
In recent months, Pakistan has ramped up its aggression along the Line of Control (LoC), with increased shelling and drone attacks targeting Indian civilian areas. Owaisi cited several such incidents, including the killing of 16 people, including four children, in Poonch, a border village, due to Pakistani artillery fire. He also condemned the targeting of religious sites, including the killing of an Imam and the damage to a Sikh Gurdwara.
"They have damaged hospitals in Jammu and Srinagar, sent drones to kill common people. This is what Pakistan has always been doing. This is what they will continue to do," Owaisi said, underscoring Pakistan’s longstanding pattern of hostility.
India’s Retaliation and Military Preparedness
Amid these tensions, India has stepped up its military response. Indian Armed Forces recently launched Operation Sindoor, a precision strike on multiple Pakistani airbases, in retaliation for a terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. Despite the escalating conflict, India’s response has been described as "measured and responsible," focusing on military targets while ensuring minimal civilian casualties.
Owaisi concluded by emphasising the importance of national unity in countering Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. He praised the growing consensus within India against Pakistan’s actions and urged the government to adopt a firm stance. "We must put an end to this Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in India," Owaisi stated.
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