UN designates Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as global terrorist

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, May 1, IRNA -- The United Nations Sanctions Committee on Wednesday placed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) leader Masood Azhar on its global terror list.

Azhar was blacklisted by UNSC sanctions committee after Pakistan and China dropped their objections to the latest proposal put forward by the US, UK and France to designate Masood as terrorist.

The listing has been under consideration of the Sanctions Committee for almost a decade. Previous proposals did not meet the technical criteria as they included factors unrelated to the listing rules and were thus rejected.

Meanwhile, addressing a news conference here Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Faisal confirmed the development, saying the UNSC decision entails three steps i.e. assets freeze, arms embargo and travel restrictions.

"He has been proscribed under Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Act for some time, even before his case for listing was taken up by the Sanctions Committee," said Pakistani official.

Dr Mohammad Faisal confirmed that 'Pakistan will immediately enforce the sanctions' imposed on the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) leader 'as it always does with UN' cases.

The spokesperson said Pakistan maintains that terrorism is a menace to the world.

"Our position is in line with the statements of Prime Minister Khan who clearly stated that there is no space for any proscribed organization or its affiliates to operate from Pakistani territory, our resolve for countering terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and our National Action Plan," he said.

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