ISLAMABAD – For the first time Pakistan government has admitted thatPakistan’s name has been placed in FATF’s grey list but faces no threat ofbeing included in the black category.

The global money-laundering watchdog has decided to place Pakistan back onits terrorists financing watchlist, in a likely blow to both Pakistan’seconomy and its strained relations with the United States. Pakistan will beincluded in the list in June this year, sources told.

Responding to questions at the weekly news briefing in Islamabad, PakistanForeign Office spokesperson has said that Pakistan and the United Statesdesire to move forward and find common ground for continued cooperation.

The FO spokesperson maintained that the latest visit of senior Director atthe US National Security Council Lisa Curtis was an indication of thisdesire.

He asserted that during the visit both sides expressed the desire to worktogether to pursue the common objective of stabilizing Afghanistan.

Dr. Muhammad Faisal said Pakistan has always maintained that the onlysolution of Afghan conflict lies in politically negotiated settlement,which is Afghan led and Afghan-owned. He pointed out that military approachof seventeen years has failed to render desired results and increasedmiseries of Afghan civilians.

To a question about belligerent statements by Indian Army Chief, thespokesman said these reflect the unfortunate jingoistic mindset in India.He said as a responsible member of the international community, Pakistanexercises restraint but our armed forces are fully capable of responding toany threat.

About development of drone technology by India, he said its use should beconsistent with the principles of UN Charter and international human rightslaw and established norms of a responsible state. He, however, saiddevelopment of drone technology by India is worrying in the context of itsexpanding military capabilities in conventional and non-conventionaldomains.