ISLAMABAD: The Secu­rit­ies and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has issued a Guidebook on Targeted Fina­ncial Sanctions (TFS) to help prevent terrorist financing and other illicit activity while safeguarding the integrity of Pakistan’s financial system.

The guidebook explains, in practical terms, the steps regulated entities should take to meet their obligations under applicable TFS requirements.

These include screening customers, prospective customers and beneficial owners against relevant sanctions lists and notifications; assessing potential matches; freezing the funds and assets of designated persons and entities without delay; and reporting to the relevant authorities within the required time.

It also highlights the need for clear internal procedures, regular screening, proper record-keeping, staff awareness and effective compliance controls.

SECP encourages regulated entities to use the guidebook to review and strengthen their existing arrangements. The guidebook follows a series of TFS awareness sessions for SECP-regulated entities, conducted by SECP in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA).

The sessions and guidebook support stronger understanding and implementation of Pakistan’s Anti-Money Laundering, Coun­tering Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/PF) framework.

Published in Dawn, October 14th, 2026