India on Friday (Dec 6) called on Pakistan to take decisive action against Masood Azhar, the mastermind of the 2001 Indian Parliament attack and the Pulwama attack, after reports emerged of him addressing a gathering for the first time in two decades. In the speech, Azhar vowed to renew jihadist operations targeting India and Israel to establish a global Islamic order.

"He is an UN-designated terrorist. We demand that strong action be taken against him so that he is brought to justice. There has been a denial that he is not there in Pakistan. What you are referring to, if the reports are correct then it exposes the duplicity of Pakistan. Masood Azhar is involved in cross-border terror attacks in India. We want that strong action to be taken against him," MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly media briefing.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On Masood Azhar, MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "He is an UN-designated terrorist. We demand that strong action be taken against him so that he is brought to justice. There has been a denial that he is not there in Pakistan. What you are referring to, if… <a href="https://t.co/ceZPHuEUZp">pic.twitter.com/ceZPHuEUZp</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1865007087924973876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-mastermind-masood-azhar-makes-first-address-in-20-years-vows-to-renew-operations-against-india-781772">Pulwama attack mastermind Masood Azhar makes first address in 20 years, vows to renew operations&nbsp;against&nbsp;India</a>

India’s reaction followed claims that the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation, addressed its members via an online forum. During the speech, Azhar reportedly said, “India, your death is coming.”

“Fearful rulers who do not believe in the word of Allah and jihad have led us to defeat in Kashmir, Palestine, and other Muslim lands. They say nothing can change, and America will rule the world,” Azhar added.&nbsp;

“Three hundred and nine years may pass before things change, according to the Quran. God may will that things change only after a thousand years, and sometimes in minutes,” the JeM chief said.

Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan | Imran Khan's Ultimatum To Govt: Release Political Prisoners Or Face Protests

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-imran-khans-ultimatum-to-govt-release-political-prisoners-or-face-protests-781961/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“I am ashamed that a weakling like (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi challenges us, or a mouse-like (Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu dances on our graves. Tell me, are there not even 300 people who can fight to reclaim my Babri Masjid?” he said, as per media reports.

“We will send you all to Kashmir with such powerful guns that all the television anchors will quiver…, and ask where these weapons have come from,” Azhar added.

Pakistan previously claimed to have seized Azhar’s compound in Bahawalpur after the Pulwama attack. However, reports suggest that JeM has since expanded its facilities in the area. According to The Diplomat, Pakistan informed the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in 2020 that Azhar and his family were missing. In 2022, then-Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto said that Azhar had fled to Afghanistan.

(With inputs from agencies)

India on Friday (Dec 6) called on Pakistan to take decisive action against Masood Azhar, the mastermind of the 2001 Indian Parliament attack and the Pulwama attack, after reports emerged of him addressing a gathering for the first time in two decades.

India on Friday (Dec 6) called on Pakistan to take decisive action against Masood Azhar, the mastermind of the 2001 Indian Parliament attack and the Pulwama attack, after reports emerged of him addressing a gathering for the first time in two decades. In the speech, Azhar vowed to renew jihadist operations targeting India and Israel to establish a global Islamic order. "He is an UN-designated terrorist. We demand that strong action be taken against him so that he is brought to justice. There has been a denial that he is not there in Pakistan. What you are referring to, if the reports are correct then it exposes the duplicity of Pakistan. Masood Azhar is involved in cross-border terror attacks in India. We want that strong action to be taken against him," MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly media briefing. #WATCH | On Masood Azhar, MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "He is an UN-designated terrorist. We demand that strong action be taken against him so that he is brought to justice. There has been a denial that he is not there in Pakistan. What you are referring to, if… pic.twitter.com/ceZPHuEUZp — ANI (@ANI) December 6, 2024 × Also read: Pulwama attack mastermind Masood Azhar makes first address in 20 years, vows to renew operations against India India’s reaction followed claims that the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation, addressed its members via an online forum. During the speech, Azhar reportedly said, “India, your death is coming.” “Fearful rulers who do not believe in the word of Allah and jihad have led us to defeat in Kashmir, Palestine, and other Muslim lands. They say nothing can change, and America will rule the world,” Azhar added. “Three hundred and nine years may pass before things change, according to the Quran. God may will that things change only after a thousand years, and sometimes in minutes,” the JeM chief said. Watch: Pakistan | Imran Khan's Ultimatum To Govt: Release Political Prisoners Or Face Protests “I am ashamed that a weakling like (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi challenges us, or a mouse-like (Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu dances on our graves. Tell me, are there not even 300 people who can fight to reclaim my Babri Masjid?” he said, as per media reports. “We will send you all to Kashmir with such powerful guns that all the television anchors will quiver…, and ask where these weapons have come from,” Azhar added. Pakistan previously claimed to have seized Azhar’s compound in Bahawalpur after the Pulwama attack. However, reports suggest that JeM has since expanded its facilities in the area. According to The Diplomat, Pakistan informed the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in 2020 that Azhar and his family were missing. In 2022, then-Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto said that Azhar had fled to Afghanistan. (With inputs from agencies)

'Exposes duplicity,' India slams Pakistan, demands action against Pulwama attack mastermind Masood Azhar

In India's Rajasthan, eight railway stations, including the one in Hanumangarh on Wednesday (Oct 2) received bomb threats. The threats as per reports were sent in the form of letters by someone claiming to be a member of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:85,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1962}">Which railway stations received bomb threat?</h2>

According to Hanumangarh Additional SP Pyare Lal Meena, "It was threatened in the letter, which was in the name of Jaish-e-Mohammed, that the railway station and places in Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kota, Bundi, Udaipur, Jaipur will be blown up by bombs on October 30."

He said that the Hanumangarh station master received the letter via post on Tuesday (Oct 1) and he informed the local police about the same in the evening.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:247,&quot;w&quot;:570,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2124}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/accused-arrested-in-attempt-to-derail-train-in-gujarat-are-indebted-labourers-763771">Accused arrested in Gujarat for attempting to derail train are indebted labourers</a>

"Oh God, forgive me, we will definitely take revenge for the death of our jihadis being killed in Jammu and Kashmir. We will bomb Jaipur, Jodhpur, Alwar, Bikaner, Sriganganagar, Bundi, Udaipur, Jaipur division and MP railway stations on 30 October, Ujjain Mahakal temple, many religious places and railway stations on 2 November," said the letter.

"We will paint Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh with blood. Jaish-e-Mohammad, Khuda Hafiz," it added.

Railway CPRO Captain Shashi Kiran said, "The Railway official of Hanumangarh received a letter on the evening of October 1 in which miscreants threatened to blow up Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Hanumangarh, Sriganganagar, Bundi, Alwar and Udaipur railway stations. Security agencies were alerted soon thereafter."

He added that the Hanumangarh station was searched "immediately," however, "no suspicious object was found." Trains and people were also being checked. However, no suspicious things have been found.

Along with police and GRP police, security forces, along with a dog squad, were deployed at all railway stations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:562,&quot;w&quot;:627,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2439}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-issues-travel-advisory-regarding-iran-warns-nations-to-avoid-non-essential-travel-763815">India issues travel advisory regarding Iran; warns nationals to avoid 'non-essential' visit</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:598,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2475}">Who sent the letters?</h2>

The person behind the threat identified himself as Jaish-e-Mohammed's Jammu and Kashmir area commander Mohammad Salim Ansari. Citing officials, media reports revealed that the person also threatened railway stations and religious places in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.

A case has been registered in the matter against unknown persons at Hanumangarh GRP police station.

(With inputs from agencies)

In India's Rajasthan, eight railway stations, including the one in Hanumangarh on Wednesday (Oct 2) received bomb threats. The threats as per reports were sent in the form of letters by someone claiming to be a member of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation.

In India's Rajasthan, eight railway stations, including the one in Hanumangarh on Wednesday (Oct 2) received bomb threats. The threats as per reports were sent in the form of letters by someone claiming to be a member of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation. Which railway stations received bomb threat? According to Hanumangarh Additional SP Pyare Lal Meena, "It was threatened in the letter, which was in the name of Jaish-e-Mohammed, that the railway station and places in Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kota, Bundi, Udaipur, Jaipur will be blown up by bombs on October 30." He said that the Hanumangarh station master received the letter via post on Tuesday (Oct 1) and he informed the local police about the same in the evening. Also read | Accused arrested in Gujarat for attempting to derail train are indebted labourers "Oh God, forgive me, we will definitely take revenge for the death of our jihadis being killed in Jammu and Kashmir. We will bomb Jaipur, Jodhpur, Alwar, Bikaner, Sriganganagar, Bundi, Udaipur, Jaipur division and MP railway stations on 30 October, Ujjain Mahakal temple, many religious places and railway stations on 2 November," said the letter. "We will paint Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh with blood. Jaish-e-Mohammad, Khuda Hafiz," it added. Railway CPRO Captain Shashi Kiran said, "The Railway official of Hanumangarh received a letter on the evening of October 1 in which miscreants threatened to blow up Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Hanumangarh, Sriganganagar, Bundi, Alwar and Udaipur railway stations. Security agencies were alerted soon thereafter." He added that the Hanumangarh station was searched "immediately," however, "no suspicious object was found." Trains and people were also being checked. However, no suspicious things have been found. Along with police and GRP police, security forces, along with a dog squad, were deployed at all railway stations. Also read | India issues travel advisory regarding Iran; warns nationals to avoid 'non-essential' visit Who sent the letters? The person behind the threat identified himself as Jaish-e-Mohammed's Jammu and Kashmir area commander Mohammad Salim Ansari. Citing officials, media reports revealed that the person also threatened railway stations and religious places in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. A case has been registered in the matter against unknown persons at Hanumangarh GRP police station. (With inputs from agencies)

Letters from Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed threaten to blow up 8 railway stations in Rajasthan

The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has been declared a terrorist organisation and banned by the Indian government. The Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday released a notification stating TRF was banned under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for terror activities, including recruitment and infiltration of terrorists from across the border into the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has been declared a terrorist organisation and banned by the Indian government. The Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday released a notification stating TRF was banned under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for terror activities, including recruitment and infiltration of terrorists from across the border into the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir. “TRF is recruiting youth through online medium for furtherance of terrorist activities and has been also involved in carrying out propaganda on terror activities, recruitment of terrorists, infiltration of terrorists and smuggling of weapons and narcotics from Pakistan into J&K," read the notification. The notification added that TRF's activities were detrimental to India's security. “The activities of the TRF are detrimental for the security and sovereignty of India. A large number of cases have been registered against the members/associates of the TRF relating to planning of killing of security personnel and civilians of J&K, co-coordinating and transporting weapons to support proscribed terrorist organisations." WATCH | Gravitas: Lashkar terrorist spills the beans on Pakistan's Kashmir plan × The terror outfit has gained notoriety in recent times for undertaking the brutal killings of Kashmiri Pandits, migrants and security forces in J&K. Ever since India abrogated the controversial Article 370, the funding routes of most terror outfits have dried up. With the UT more homogeneously assimilated with the rest of India, the terror outfits like TRF are attempting to recreate the chaos of 1989 when Kashmiri Pandits were driven out of their homes in a mass exodus. Lashkar and Jaish-e-Mohammad have been alleged to have concocted the name of the banned terror outfit. Resistance was added in the name to provide credence in global politics, according to experts related to the matter. Read more: Multiple terrorist attacks witnessed in J&K as new year begins The outfit was established to ensure that Pakistan did not face the heat from international agencies such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) which scrutinised it for involvement in terror activities. TRF allowed Jaish and LeT to pull the strings whilst maintaining plausible deniability. According to data released by the J&K Police, the most number of terrorists (108) to be killed in 2022 in the valley were from TRF. “During the year 2022, a total of 93 successful encounters took place in Kashmir in which 172 terrorists, including 42 foreign terrorists, were neutralised. Maximum terrorists neutralised were from LeT/TRF (108) outfit followed by JeM (35), HM (22), Al-Badr (4) and AGuH (3) outfits,” said Vijay Kumar, ADGP, Kashmir Police. Read more: India: 172 terrorists killed in 2022, Jammu & Kashmir Police calls it a successful year (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Centre declares Lashkar's offshoot 'The Resistance Front' a terrorist organisation

India has termed&nbsp;China's putting a hold on the listing of Pakistan-based terrorists at the United Nations as "unfortunate" and one that smacks of "double speak and double standards". On Wednesday, China put a six-month hold on the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM)'s second in command, Abdul Rauf Azhar (Asghar), as United Nations designated international terrorist.

The proposal was moved by India and co-sponsored by the US. China was the only country in the 15-member sanctions committee of the United Nations Security Council to put on hold the listing of Abdul Rauf, who is the younger brother of Masood Azhar. Listing of Rauf would have meant he would be financially sanctioned, and couldn't travel or buy weapons.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-puts-hold-on-listing-of-pakistan-based-ic814-plotter-abdul-rauf-azhar-505794">China puts hold on listing of Pakistan-based IC814 plotter Abdul Rauf Azhar</a>

Indian government sources said, "Sanctions committee has been prevented from playing its role due to political considerations."&nbsp;Abdul Rauf is among the plotters of the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC814 in 1999, while his terror group has been involved in the Indian Parliament attack in 2001 and the Indian Air Base attack in Pathankot in 2016.

This is the second time this year that China has blocked the listing of a Pakistan-based terrorist. In June 2022, Beijing placed a hold on listing the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) deputy chief Abdul Rehman Makki, who has been involved in raising funds, recruiting, and radicalizing youths to resort to violence and planning attacks in India, including the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-unsc-india-slams-china-pakistan-for-double-standards-on-terrorism-505306">At UNSC, India slams China, Pakistan for double standards on terrorism</a>

Sources said that there was "incontrovertible evidence" for listing both Azhar and Makki. Both have been sanctioned by the US under its domestic legislation and are among the most wanted men in India. As sources explained, "Such politically motivated actions by China, in nearly every listing case of a Pak-based terrorist, undermine the entire sanctity of the working methods of the UNSC Sanctions Committee."

The development comes just a day after India slammed China at the United Nations Security Council for the "practice of placing holds and blocks on listing requests without giving any justification," which the Indian ambassador to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, said, "must end". She pointed out, "It is most regrettable that genuine and evidence-based listing proposals pertaining to some of the most notorious terrorists in the world are being placed on hold," explaining that "double standards and continuing politicisation have rendered the credibility of the Sanctions Regime at an all-time low."

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

India has termed China's putting a hold on the listing of Pakistan-based terrorists at the United Nations as "unfortunate" and one that smacks of "double speak and double standards".

India has termed China's putting a hold on the listing of Pakistan-based terrorists at the United Nations as "unfortunate" and one that smacks of "double speak and double standards". On Wednesday, China put a six-month hold on the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM)'s second in command, Abdul Rauf Azhar (Asghar), as United Nations designated international terrorist. The proposal was moved by India and co-sponsored by the US. China was the only country in the 15-member sanctions committee of the United Nations Security Council to put on hold the listing of Abdul Rauf, who is the younger brother of Masood Azhar. Listing of Rauf would have meant he would be financially sanctioned, and couldn't travel or buy weapons. Also read | China puts hold on listing of Pakistan-based IC814 plotter Abdul Rauf Azhar Indian government sources said, "Sanctions committee has been prevented from playing its role due to political considerations." Abdul Rauf is among the plotters of the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC814 in 1999, while his terror group has been involved in the Indian Parliament attack in 2001 and the Indian Air Base attack in Pathankot in 2016. This is the second time this year that China has blocked the listing of a Pakistan-based terrorist. In June 2022, Beijing placed a hold on listing the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) deputy chief Abdul Rehman Makki, who has been involved in raising funds, recruiting, and radicalizing youths to resort to violence and planning attacks in India, including the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008. Also read | At UNSC, India slams China, Pakistan for double standards on terrorism Sources said that there was "incontrovertible evidence" for listing both Azhar and Makki. Both have been sanctioned by the US under its domestic legislation and are among the most wanted men in India. As sources explained, "Such politically motivated actions by China, in nearly every listing case of a Pak-based terrorist, undermine the entire sanctity of the working methods of the UNSC Sanctions Committee." The development comes just a day after India slammed China at the United Nations Security Council for the "practice of placing holds and blocks on listing requests without giving any justification," which the Indian ambassador to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, said, "must end". She pointed out, "It is most regrettable that genuine and evidence-based listing proposals pertaining to some of the most notorious terrorists in the world are being placed on hold," explaining that "double standards and continuing politicisation have rendered the credibility of the Sanctions Regime at an all-time low." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India terms China blocking Rauf's listing as international terrorist as 'unfortunate'

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. Both the terrorists belonged to the Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit. They have been identified as Abid Shah and Saqib by Jammu and Kashmir Police and were involved in the killing of police constable Riyaz Ahmad.

An operation that started yesterday was concluded today with the killing of two Jaish terrorists. Both the terrorists are locals. Arms and ammunition have been recovered from the encounter site as well.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-two-terrorists-killed-in-anantnag-encounter-483011">Jammu and Kashmir: Two terrorists killed in Anantnag encounter</a>

"We have killed two terrorists of the Jaish outfit." We had a tip off last night. The initial gunfight started last night, and we kept the operation on hold for the night. With the first light, we started the operation again. Saqib and Abid Shah of Jaish were killed. They were involved in the killing of police constable Riyaz Ahmad. This is justice for him. "said Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/7-indian-soldiers-killed-after-truck-carrying-them-falls-into-ladakhs-shyok-river-482634">&nbsp;7 Indian soldiers killed after truck carrying them falls into Ladakh’s Shyok River</a>

Jammu and Kashmir Police say that 54 encounters have taken place this year in the Kashmir region. In these operations, 86 terrorists have been killed, with 26 being foreigners. Jammu and Kashmir police have&nbsp;arrested 44 active terrorists and 183 over-the-ground workers (OGW). This year's data suggests that 14 civilians and 16 security personnel have also lost their lives in terror&nbsp;attacks this year.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

&nbsp;

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. Both the terrorists belonged to the Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit. They have been identified as Abid Shah and Saqib by Jammu and Kashmir Police and were involved in the killing of police constable Riyaz Ahmad.

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. Both the terrorists belonged to the Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit. They have been identified as Abid Shah and Saqib by Jammu and Kashmir Police and were involved in the killing of police constable Riyaz Ahmad. An operation that started yesterday was concluded today with the killing of two Jaish terrorists. Both the terrorists are locals. Arms and ammunition have been recovered from the encounter site as well. Also read | Jammu and Kashmir: Two terrorists killed in Anantnag encounter "We have killed two terrorists of the Jaish outfit." We had a tip off last night. The initial gunfight started last night, and we kept the operation on hold for the night. With the first light, we started the operation again. Saqib and Abid Shah of Jaish were killed. They were involved in the killing of police constable Riyaz Ahmad. This is justice for him. "said Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir. Also read | 7 Indian soldiers killed after truck carrying them falls into Ladakh’s Shyok River Jammu and Kashmir Police say that 54 encounters have taken place this year in the Kashmir region. In these operations, 86 terrorists have been killed, with 26 being foreigners. Jammu and Kashmir police have arrested 44 active terrorists and 183 over-the-ground workers (OGW). This year's data suggests that 14 civilians and 16 security personnel have also lost their lives in terror attacks this year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Two terrorists of Jaish outfit killed in Pulwama encounter

With the arrest of a&nbsp;terrorist from Pakistan, the country’s blatant role in supporting terrorism for its nefarious gains against neighbouring nations has again come to light. &nbsp;

At several forums, numerous Indian leaders and diplomats have been reiterating the same for years. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Several leaders from Afghanistan before the takeover by Taliban had also voiced their concern about Pakistan’s support to the group’s terrorists in Afghanistan. The most vocal of the lot was former Afghanistan vice president Amrullah Saleh. Scores of top Afghan Taliban leaders were seen hiding in Pakistan. And Pakistan also played a crucial role in Taliban’s win in the war-torn country. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/monitoring-pakistans-role-in-afghanistan-issues-of-terrorism-harsh-shringla-415753/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

For decades, Pakistan has also been allegedly aiding terrorists to fulfill its evil objectives against India too. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Be it the 'Bleed India with a Thousand Cuts' or ‘Operation Tupac’, the Pakistan has been making concerted efforts to wage covert war against India using insurgents at multiple locations. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The country through its intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has been making plans for taking revenge for incurring losses in the Indo-Pak wars and humiliation during the liberation of East Pakistan, which is now Bangladesh. &nbsp;

The Pakistan seems to have tried several ways to put India down for many decades. These methods include cross-border terrorism, plane hijacks, bomb blasts, etc. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-statue-of-mohammad-ali-jinnah-destroyed-in-blast-in-balochistan-416388" hreflang="en">Pakistan: Statue of Mohammad Ali Jinnah destroyed in blast in Balochistan</a>

The striking revelations were also made by captured terrorists, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba member Ajmal Kasab, who took part in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks. &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the latest Congressional report on terrorism, Pakistan is home to at least 12 groups designated as 'foreign terrorist organisations' by the US, including five of them being India-centric like the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. &nbsp;

Pakistan has been supporting these terror groups for years. Several camps have also been established across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir for training of the terrorists. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/35-terror-attacks-52-deaths-in-august-taliban-victory-in-afghanistan-fuels-terrorism-in-pakistan-416639" hreflang="en">35 attacks in August: Taliban victory in Afghanistan fuels terrorism in Pak</a>

Most of them are usually lured for monetary gains or brainwashed with fanatic ideologies. &nbsp;

And now, the country is also facing the brunt of this measure as the Pakistan Army has been on the target of several terror groups like Pakistan Taliban and Balochistan Liberation Army. &nbsp;

While addressing the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also targeted Pakistan without mentioning its name by saying that countries with "regressive thinking" that are using terrorism as a "political tool" need to understand that terrorism is an equally big threat for them. &nbsp;&nbsp;

But the real question is that will the Pakistan learn from these experiences and mend its ways to ensure its own growth and success. Only time will tell. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

With the arrest of a terrorist from Pakistan, the country’s blatant role in supporting terrorism for its nefarious gains against neighbouring nations has again come to light.

With the arrest of a terrorist from Pakistan, the country’s blatant role in supporting terrorism for its nefarious gains against neighbouring nations has again come to light. At several forums, numerous Indian leaders and diplomats have been reiterating the same for years. Several leaders from Afghanistan before the takeover by Taliban had also voiced their concern about Pakistan’s support to the group’s terrorists in Afghanistan. The most vocal of the lot was former Afghanistan vice president Amrullah Saleh. Scores of top Afghan Taliban leaders were seen hiding in Pakistan. And Pakistan also played a crucial role in Taliban’s win in the war-torn country. × For decades, Pakistan has also been allegedly aiding terrorists to fulfill its evil objectives against India too. Be it the 'Bleed India with a Thousand Cuts' or ‘Operation Tupac’, the Pakistan has been making concerted efforts to wage covert war against India using insurgents at multiple locations. The country through its intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has been making plans for taking revenge for incurring losses in the Indo-Pak wars and humiliation during the liberation of East Pakistan, which is now Bangladesh. The Pakistan seems to have tried several ways to put India down for many decades. These methods include cross-border terrorism, plane hijacks, bomb blasts, etc. Also Read: Pakistan: Statue of Mohammad Ali Jinnah destroyed in blast in Balochistan The striking revelations were also made by captured terrorists, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba member Ajmal Kasab, who took part in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks. According to the latest Congressional report on terrorism, Pakistan is home to at least 12 groups designated as 'foreign terrorist organisations' by the US, including five of them being India-centric like the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Pakistan has been supporting these terror groups for years. Several camps have also been established across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir for training of the terrorists. Also Read: 35 attacks in August: Taliban victory in Afghanistan fuels terrorism in Pak Most of them are usually lured for monetary gains or brainwashed with fanatic ideologies. And now, the country is also facing the brunt of this measure as the Pakistan Army has been on the target of several terror groups like Pakistan Taliban and Balochistan Liberation Army. While addressing the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also targeted Pakistan without mentioning its name by saying that countries with "regressive thinking" that are using terrorism as a "political tool" need to understand that terrorism is an equally big threat for them. But the real question is that will the Pakistan learn from these experiences and mend its ways to ensure its own growth and success. Only time will tell. (With inputs from agencies)

Will Pakistan stop aiding terrorists ever?  

An anti-terrorism court has issued an arrest warrant against terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar on terror financing charges on Thursday in Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Gujranwala announced the order while hearing a terror-financing case instituted by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab police against some JeM members.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-where-is-pakistan-hiding-masood-azhar-281219/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"ATC Gujranwala judge Natasha Naseem Supra issued an arrest warrant for Masood Azhar and directed the CTD to arrest him and present him in the court. The CTD told the judge the JeM chief was involved in terror financing and selling jihadi literature," an official was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

It is believed that Azhar is hiding in a "safe place" in his hometown Bahawalpur.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-files-chargesheet-in-pulwama-attack-jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhar-his-two-brothers-among-19-named-323023">NIA files chargesheet in Pulwama attack: Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, his two brothers among 19 named</a>

After the Pulwama blast in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 40 Indian security personnel in February 2019, Pakistan's Punjab province police arrested six members of JeM in connection to terror financing.

JeM had claimed responsibility of the Pulwama attack.&nbsp;

CTD said that the six JeM members were arrested in a raid at a safe house and recovered hundreds of thousands of rupees.&nbsp;

"The suspects were collecting funds to finance activities of JeM. The chargesheet against them has been submitted to the Anti-Terrorism Court Gujranwala and they are being interrogated, said CTD. &nbsp;

Azhar was declared a "global terrorist" in May 2019 by the United Nations after China lifted its reservations related to the issue.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

An anti-terrorism court has issued an arrest warrant against terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar on terror financing charges on Thursday in Pakistan.

An anti-terrorism court has issued an arrest warrant against terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar on terror financing charges on Thursday in Pakistan. The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Gujranwala announced the order while hearing a terror-financing case instituted by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab police against some JeM members. Watch | "ATC Gujranwala judge Natasha Naseem Supra issued an arrest warrant for Masood Azhar and directed the CTD to arrest him and present him in the court. The CTD told the judge the JeM chief was involved in terror financing and selling jihadi literature," an official was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. It is believed that Azhar is hiding in a "safe place" in his hometown Bahawalpur. Also read | NIA files chargesheet in Pulwama attack: Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, his two brothers among 19 named After the Pulwama blast in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 40 Indian security personnel in February 2019, Pakistan's Punjab province police arrested six members of JeM in connection to terror financing. JeM had claimed responsibility of the Pulwama attack. CTD said that the six JeM members were arrested in a raid at a safe house and recovered hundreds of thousands of rupees. "The suspects were collecting funds to finance activities of JeM. The chargesheet against them has been submitted to the Anti-Terrorism Court Gujranwala and they are being interrogated, said CTD. Azhar was declared a "global terrorist" in May 2019 by the United Nations after China lifted its reservations related to the issue.

Pakistan court issues arrest warrant against JeM chief Masood Azhar

Terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad has resumed its camps in Pakistan's Balakot region, intelligence sources say.

Sources add the group has been providing training to young recruits to carry out anti-India terror activities.&nbsp;

It has been learned that this training is being carried out at the same place where the Indian Air Force (IAF) had notably conducted air strikes against terror launch pads in 2019.

A video that has surfaced from a Balakot terror camp where slogans were raised against India, Hinduism and Prime Minister Narendra Modi corroborates the information.

According to sources, Maulana Abdul Rauf Azhar, brother of terrorist Masood Azhar, was also present in the training centre and he has been appointed as the in-charge of terror operations against India.&nbsp;

Masood Azhar is the head of Pakistan's Jaish-e-Mohammad terror out and mastermind of 2019 Pulwama attack.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/anti-india-slogans-raise-at-balakot-terror-camps-in-pakistan-video-surfaces-349252/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

For past few weeks, Pakistan Army has been aggressively targetting civilians on Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC) by resorting to indiscriminate firing by heavy calibre artillery guns to support infiltration of terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir.

Terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad has resumed its camps in Pakistan's Balakot region, intelligence sources say. Sources add the group has been providing training to young recruits to carry out anti-India terror activities.

Terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad has resumed its camps in Pakistan's Balakot region, intelligence sources say. Sources add the group has been providing training to young recruits to carry out anti-India terror activities. It has been learned that this training is being carried out at the same place where the Indian Air Force (IAF) had notably conducted air strikes against terror launch pads in 2019. A video that has surfaced from a Balakot terror camp where slogans were raised against India, Hinduism and Prime Minister Narendra Modi corroborates the information. According to sources, Maulana Abdul Rauf Azhar, brother of terrorist Masood Azhar, was also present in the training centre and he has been appointed as the in-charge of terror operations against India. Masood Azhar is the head of Pakistan's Jaish-e-Mohammad terror out and mastermind of 2019 Pulwama attack. × For past few weeks, Pakistan Army has been aggressively targetting civilians on Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC) by resorting to indiscriminate firing by heavy calibre artillery guns to support infiltration of terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir.

Video shows Jaish-e-Mohammad has resumed terror camps in Balakot

Eight months after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/balakot-airstrike-was-our-leaderships-resolve-to-punish-perpetrators-of-terrorism-iaf-chief-on-air-force-day-254373">Indian Air Force (IAF) bombed the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist camp in Pakistan's Balakot</a>, intelligence agencies have received inputs that 45-50 terrorists including suicide bombers are being trained there.

"Around 45-50 suicide bombers are training inside the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in the Balakot town of Pakistan," top government sources told ANI.

Indian intelligence agencies are keeping a constant watch on the facility including technical surveillance to keep a track of the developments there.

A few of the terrorists, who have trained there, have even been sent to Kashmir for carrying out terror attacks on Indian security bases, the sources said.

Sources said the facility had remained closed for six months after the Indian Air Force attacked it in February this year.

Last month, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat had revealed that Pakistan very recently "reactivated" the terror camp in Balakot.

On February 26 this year, IAF fighters flew deep into Pakistan to bomb the JeM facility at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-releases-promotional-video-on-balakot-airstrike-253772">Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province</a>.

The action came after the February 14 suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, which killed over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.

Eight months after Indian Air Force (IAF) bombed the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist camp in Pakistan's Balakot, intelligence agencies have received inputs that 45-50 terrorists including suicide bombers are being trained there.

Eight months after Indian Air Force (IAF) bombed the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist camp in Pakistan's Balakot, intelligence agencies have received inputs that 45-50 terrorists including suicide bombers are being trained there. "Around 45-50 suicide bombers are training inside the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in the Balakot town of Pakistan," top government sources told ANI. Indian intelligence agencies are keeping a constant watch on the facility including technical surveillance to keep a track of the developments there. A few of the terrorists, who have trained there, have even been sent to Kashmir for carrying out terror attacks on Indian security bases, the sources said. Sources said the facility had remained closed for six months after the Indian Air Force attacked it in February this year. Last month, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat had revealed that Pakistan very recently "reactivated" the terror camp in Balakot. On February 26 this year, IAF fighters flew deep into Pakistan to bomb the JeM facility at Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The action came after the February 14 suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, which killed over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.

More than 45 terrorists being trained at Jaish-e-Mohammed's Balakot facility

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has placed its airbases on orange alert based on intelligence inputs about a possible suicidal terror attack on them in and around Jammu and Kashmir.

According to top sources in the government, intelligence agencies have issued warning against a module of eight to 10 Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists who will possibly try to carry out a suicidal attack against air bases in and around areas of Jammu and Kashmir.

An orange alert has been sounded for Srinagar, Avantipur, Jammu, Pathankot, Hindan airbases after the monitoring of the terrorists` movements by the intelligence agencies.

The orange alert is the second-highest level of alert second only to Red alert which, if issued, would entail closing of schools and restriction on movements in airbases.

Senior officers are reviewing security arrangements round the clock to tackle the threat, sources said.

This came two days after Army chief Bipin Rawat said Balakot terrorists` camp in Pakistan, which was destroyed by the IAF in February, had been reactivated to send terrorists across the border in India in the backdrop of heightened tension between India and Pakistan over the abrogation of special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Last month, Pakistan had, the government sources said, deployed its Special Service Group (SSG) commandos along the Sir Creek area in Gujarat.Security forces have eliminated several terrorists and foiled several infiltration bids over the past two months.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has placed its airbases on orange alert based on intelligence inputs about a possible suicidal terror attack on them in and around Jammu and Kashmir.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has placed its airbases on orange alert based on intelligence inputs about a possible suicidal terror attack on them in and around Jammu and Kashmir. According to top sources in the government, intelligence agencies have issued warning against a module of eight to 10 Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists who will possibly try to carry out a suicidal attack against air bases in and around areas of Jammu and Kashmir. An orange alert has been sounded for Srinagar, Avantipur, Jammu, Pathankot, Hindan airbases after the monitoring of the terrorists` movements by the intelligence agencies. The orange alert is the second-highest level of alert second only to Red alert which, if issued, would entail closing of schools and restriction on movements in airbases. Senior officers are reviewing security arrangements round the clock to tackle the threat, sources said. This came two days after Army chief Bipin Rawat said Balakot terrorists` camp in Pakistan, which was destroyed by the IAF in February, had been reactivated to send terrorists across the border in India in the backdrop of heightened tension between India and Pakistan over the abrogation of special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Last month, Pakistan had, the government sources said, deployed its Special Service Group (SSG) commandos along the Sir Creek area in Gujarat.Security forces have eliminated several terrorists and foiled several infiltration bids over the past two months.

Indian Air Force bases put on orange alert over Jaish terror attack alert

A team of Delhi Police`s Special Cell arrested a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-sentences-three-jaish-e-mohammed-activists-for-terror-funding-223365">Jaish-e-Mohammed</a> terrorist from Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Tuesday.

The police had announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh on information leading to the arrest of Jaish terrorist Basir Ahmad.&nbsp;

In April, the Delhi Police Special Cell had arrested a JeM terrorist from Srinagar identified as Faiyaz Ahmed Lone.

On March 22, Delhi Police had arrested Sajjad Khan, an alleged associate of Pulwama terror attack mastermind Mudassir Ahmed Khan.&nbsp;

He was arrested from the Red Fort area and was later to handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA)

A team of Delhi Police`s Special Cell arrested a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist from Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Tuesday. The police had announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh on information leading to the arrest of Jaish terrorist Basir Ahmad.

A team of Delhi Police`s Special Cell arrested a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist from Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Tuesday. The police had announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh on information leading to the arrest of Jaish terrorist Basir Ahmad. In April, the Delhi Police Special Cell had arrested a JeM terrorist from Srinagar identified as Faiyaz Ahmed Lone. On March 22, Delhi Police had arrested Sajjad Khan, an alleged associate of Pulwama terror attack mastermind Mudassir Ahmed Khan. He was arrested from the Red Fort area and was later to handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA)

Delhi Police Special Cell arrests Jaish-e-Mohammed  terrorist from Srinagar

Indonesia is the president of United Nations Security Council for May 2019 and is also the chair of the UN's Sanctions Committee which listed Masood Azhar as an international terrorist.

WION's Sidhant Sibal spoke to Indonesia's envoy to India Sidharto Suryodipuro on a number of things regarding the listing of Masood Azhar including what went into the negotiations and Jakarta's role.

Here are the excerpts:

WION: What was Indonesia's role in the listing of Masood Azhar?

Sidharto Suryodipuro: The chairman of the 1267 Committee is guided, first of all, by mandate of the committee; secondly by the need to show credibility from all sides involved in the decision; and also to create a ground that everybody can agree on. These three roles guide him in ensuring that everybody is on board.

WION: What is the impact of Masood Azhar's listing as global terrorist?

Sidharto Suryodipuro: Listing means it falls under Chapter 7 of the United Nations charter, which all members of the UN are bound by. So listing basically means that all the countries must freeze the assets of the listed person, ban his travel and also put arms embargo. These are the measures that all countries are required to apply on the person who has been listed as a global terrorist.

WION: How do you see the decision, especially on terror?

Sidharto Suryodipuro: Well, terrorism is unacceptable. All terrorist must be brought before the courts of law. That is the principled position of Indonesia. We oppose terrorism everywhere because it is a threat to the whole of the international community. All the countries, in particular the victims, should enhance their cooperation. This is what India and Indonesia are doing. We have a joint working group on counter-terror and I believe its work is to strengthen (the cooperation). I think the challenge is greater than ever and the relationship between India and Indonesia is growing.

WION: Tell us briefly what goes into the negotiations?

Sidharto Suryodipuro: There are a number of dimensions to the negotiation. We understand there is the political side to it. So countries with particular interest will have their own negotiation. We understand that there are discussions between the capitals. The other side of it, the committee, in particular, the chair of the committee, has to ensure the ground is right, it is mature. When all sides want to take it to the committee, the committee is ready, the situation is mature, so they can have a productive decision.

WION: How do ties stand between India and Indonesia?

Sidharto Suryodipuro: It is a comprehensive strategic relation. We are looking for it in the long term. We have a shared vision of maritime cooperation. We also have elections at the same time. It means the new government, that will establish will have five years of stability to further build the relationship. You have to look it as in three decades, we will be the second and fourth largest economies. So what we doing today has strategic foundations to strengthen the ties.

Indonesia is the president of United Nations Security Council for May 2019 and is also the chair of the UN's Sanctions Committee which listed Masood Azhar as an international terrorist.

Indonesia is the president of United Nations Security Council for May 2019 and is also the chair of the UN's Sanctions Committee which listed Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. WION's Sidhant Sibal spoke to Indonesia's envoy to India Sidharto Suryodipuro on a number of things regarding the listing of Masood Azhar including what went into the negotiations and Jakarta's role. Here are the excerpts: WION: What was Indonesia's role in the listing of Masood Azhar? Sidharto Suryodipuro: The chairman of the 1267 Committee is guided, first of all, by mandate of the committee; secondly by the need to show credibility from all sides involved in the decision; and also to create a ground that everybody can agree on. These three roles guide him in ensuring that everybody is on board. WION: What is the impact of Masood Azhar's listing as global terrorist? Sidharto Suryodipuro: Listing means it falls under Chapter 7 of the United Nations charter, which all members of the UN are bound by. So listing basically means that all the countries must freeze the assets of the listed person, ban his travel and also put arms embargo. These are the measures that all countries are required to apply on the person who has been listed as a global terrorist. WION: How do you see the decision, especially on terror? Sidharto Suryodipuro: Well, terrorism is unacceptable. All terrorist must be brought before the courts of law. That is the principled position of Indonesia. We oppose terrorism everywhere because it is a threat to the whole of the international community. All the countries, in particular the victims, should enhance their cooperation. This is what India and Indonesia are doing. We have a joint working group on counter-terror and I believe its work is to strengthen (the cooperation). I think the challenge is greater than ever and the relationship between India and Indonesia is growing. WION: Tell us briefly what goes into the negotiations? Sidharto Suryodipuro: There are a number of dimensions to the negotiation. We understand there is the political side to it. So countries with particular interest will have their own negotiation. We understand that there are discussions between the capitals. The other side of it, the committee, in particular, the chair of the committee, has to ensure the ground is right, it is mature. When all sides want to take it to the committee, the committee is ready, the situation is mature, so they can have a productive decision. WION: How do ties stand between India and Indonesia? Sidharto Suryodipuro: It is a comprehensive strategic relation. We are looking for it in the long term. We have a shared vision of maritime cooperation. We also have elections at the same time. It means the new government, that will establish will have five years of stability to further build the relationship. You have to look it as in three decades, we will be the second and fourth largest economies. So what we doing today has strategic foundations to strengthen the ties.

There is a political side to negotiations: Indonesia envoy Sidharto Suryodipuro on Masood Azhar listing

Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the ban on Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as a “big victory’ on Wednesday during an election rally in Jaipur.&nbsp;

PM Modi said that the designating Azhar as a global terrorist is a “big victory for India in its fight against terrorism”.&nbsp;

"UN's step of designating Masood Azahar as 'global terrorist' is the result of India's constant struggle against terrorism," said PM Modi.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: "UNSC has listed JeM's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MasoodAzhar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MasoodAzhar</a> as a Global Terrorist. In our fight against terrorism, it is a big victory," says, PM Narendra Modi <a href="https://t.co/262cSkV68t">pic.twitter.com/262cSkV68t</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1123608454470328321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Masood Azhar in fourth attempt was&nbsp;listed as an international terrorist by the United Nation Security Council's 1267 committee. China, earlier on Wednesday, removed its hold on the listing of Masood Azhar, the man behind several terror attacks in India.

Listing of Azhar means that travel and an arms embargo will be imposed on him which means he cannot travel outside Pakistan nor can he buy weapons. His assets will also be frozen globally. But the big message that India has been able to send is that Pakistan remains the epicentre of terror. It is interesting to know that Pakistan hosts the largest number of United Nations listed terrorist.&nbsp;

India has been trying to list Azhar as a global terrorist for nearly a decade. It was in first in 2009 that New Delhi tried to get Azhar as a United Nations listed terrorist. India was the lone proposer back then. In 2016, India again proposed the listing and it was co-sponsored by UK, US, France. But the move was was blocked by China.

In 2017, the US, UK and France moved the proposal but China blocked the move again. The move in February of 2019 saw global support with 14 out of 15 members of UNCS backing the move for the listing of Masood Azhar. The proposal was moved US, UK, France and co-sponsored by Australia, Bangladesh, Italy and Japan.&nbsp;

After the Chinese hold in March, France had announced it will be putting a freeze on the assets of Azhar and will raise the issue with the European Union. A joint release by French Foreign, Interior and Finance Ministry said, "We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree."

Currently, a text has been circulated among all members of the European Union for listing of Azhar as a terrorist under EU jurisdiction. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the ban on Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as a “big victory’ on Wednesday during an election rally in Jaipur. PM Modi said that the designating Azhar as a global terrorist is a “big victory for India in its fight against terrorism”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the ban on Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as a “big victory’ on Wednesday during an election rally in Jaipur. PM Modi said that the designating Azhar as a global terrorist is a “big victory for India in its fight against terrorism”. "UN's step of designating Masood Azahar as 'global terrorist' is the result of India's constant struggle against terrorism," said PM Modi. #WATCH: "UNSC has listed JeM's #MasoodAzhar as a Global Terrorist. In our fight against terrorism, it is a big victory," says, PM Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/262cSkV68t — ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2019 × Masood Azhar in fourth attempt was listed as an international terrorist by the United Nation Security Council's 1267 committee. China, earlier on Wednesday, removed its hold on the listing of Masood Azhar, the man behind several terror attacks in India. Listing of Azhar means that travel and an arms embargo will be imposed on him which means he cannot travel outside Pakistan nor can he buy weapons. His assets will also be frozen globally. But the big message that India has been able to send is that Pakistan remains the epicentre of terror. It is interesting to know that Pakistan hosts the largest number of United Nations listed terrorist. India has been trying to list Azhar as a global terrorist for nearly a decade. It was in first in 2009 that New Delhi tried to get Azhar as a United Nations listed terrorist. India was the lone proposer back then. In 2016, India again proposed the listing and it was co-sponsored by UK, US, France. But the move was was blocked by China. In 2017, the US, UK and France moved the proposal but China blocked the move again. The move in February of 2019 saw global support with 14 out of 15 members of UNCS backing the move for the listing of Masood Azhar. The proposal was moved US, UK, France and co-sponsored by Australia, Bangladesh, Italy and Japan. After the Chinese hold in March, France had announced it will be putting a freeze on the assets of Azhar and will raise the issue with the European Union. A joint release by French Foreign, Interior and Finance Ministry said, "We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree." Currently, a text has been circulated among all members of the European Union for listing of Azhar as a terrorist under EU jurisdiction. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Narendra Modi terms listing of JeM founder Masood Azhar as 'big victory for India in fight against terrorism

China, which lifted its technical hold on listing JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN, said on Wednesday that it took the decision after it found no objection to the listing proposal by the US, the UK and France following a careful study of the revised materials.

In a huge diplomatic win for India, the United Nations Wednesday designated Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Azhar as a "global terrorist" after China lifted its hold on a proposal to blacklist him.

The 1267 Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council has detailed criteria for the listing procedures.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-envoy-to-un-syed-akbaruddin-speaks-exclusively-to-wion-215115/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

China always believes that the relevant work should be carried out in an objective, unbiased and professional manner and based on solid evidence and consensus among all parties, a press release issued by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said.

"On this listing issue, China has been communicating with relevant parties in a constructive and responsible fashion. Recently, relevant countries revised and re-submitted the materials for the listing proposal to the 1267 Committee. After careful study of the revised materials and taking into consideration the opinions of relevant parties concerned, China does not have an objection to the listing proposal," he said.

"The proper settlement of the above-mentioned issue again shows that in international counter-terrorism cooperation, we have to uphold the rules and procedures of relevant UN body, follow the principle of mutual respect, resolve differences and build consensus through dialogue, and prevent politicising technical issues," he said.

"I would like to stress that Pakistan has made enormous contributions to fighting terrorism, which deserves the full recognition of the international community. China will continue firmly support Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism and extremist forces," Geng said.

China, which lifted its technical hold on listing JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN, said on Wednesday that it took the decision after it found no objection to the listing proposal by the US, the UK and France following a careful study of the revised materials.

China, which lifted its technical hold on listing JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN, said on Wednesday that it took the decision after it found no objection to the listing proposal by the US, the UK and France following a careful study of the revised materials. In a huge diplomatic win for India, the United Nations Wednesday designated Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Azhar as a "global terrorist" after China lifted its hold on a proposal to blacklist him. The 1267 Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council has detailed criteria for the listing procedures. China always believes that the relevant work should be carried out in an objective, unbiased and professional manner and based on solid evidence and consensus among all parties, a press release issued by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said. "On this listing issue, China has been communicating with relevant parties in a constructive and responsible fashion. Recently, relevant countries revised and re-submitted the materials for the listing proposal to the 1267 Committee. After careful study of the revised materials and taking into consideration the opinions of relevant parties concerned, China does not have an objection to the listing proposal," he said. "The proper settlement of the above-mentioned issue again shows that in international counter-terrorism cooperation, we have to uphold the rules and procedures of relevant UN body, follow the principle of mutual respect, resolve differences and build consensus through dialogue, and prevent politicising technical issues," he said. "I would like to stress that Pakistan has made enormous contributions to fighting terrorism, which deserves the full recognition of the international community. China will continue firmly support Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism and extremist forces," Geng said.

Found no objection to list Azhar after studying revised materials: China

In a major diplomatic victory for India, Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar has finally been listed as an international terrorist by the United Nation Security Council's (UNSC) 1267 committee. This became possible after China, one of the five permanent members of the UNSC, removed its hold on the listing of Azhar.

In the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack that killed more 40 Indian security personnel, US along with France and UK had moved a proposal for listing of Masood Azhar. But on March 13, the day of the deadline for the listing of Azhar, China had put a hold, citing more time to understand the issue.

Azhar's JeM is responsible for Parliament, 2016 Pathankot and 2019 Pulwama attacks.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-minister-of-the-state-in-the-pmo-jitender-singh-speaks-exclusively-to-wion-215116/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Impact of UNSC listing

Now that Masood Azhar has been listed as a global terrorist, he will be put under a travel and arms embargo.

An assets freeze under the Sanctions Committee requires that all states freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities. The Jaish-e-Muhammad is already a proscribed organisation.

The travel ban entails preventing the entry into or transit by all states through their territories by designated individuals.

Under the arms embargo, all states are required to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale and transfer from their territories or by their nationals outside their territories, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and related materiel of all types, spare parts, and technical advice, assistance, or training related to military activities, to designated individuals and entities.

Global support for listing of Masood Azhar

India has been, for a decade, trying to list Azhar as an international terrorist. It was in 2009 that New Delhi first hoped to list Azhar as a United Nations listed terrorist. It was a lone proposer back then. In 2016, India again proposed the listing and it was co-sponsored by UK, US, France but the proposal was blocked by China. The year 2017 saw the US, the UK and France moving the proposal but China blocked the move again. The move in February of 2019 saw global support with 14 out of 15 members of UNSC backing the move for the listing of Masood Azhar. The proposal was moved the US, the UK, France and co-sponsored by Australia, Bangladesh, Italy and Japan.

After the Chinese hold in March, France had announced it will be putting a freeze on the assets of Azhar and will raise the issue with the European Union. A joint release by French foreign, interior and finance ministries said, "We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree."

Listing 20 years after hijacking of IC-814

The listing of Masood Azhar comes 20 years after he was released when Pakistan-based terrorist hijacked Indian Airlines Flight 814 and took it to Taliban controlled Kandahar. The motive of the hijack was to not only get the release of Azhar but also other terrorists. All the released terrorists found safe houses in Pakistan and in years to follow masterminded many terror attacks in India and the killing of South Asia Bureau Chief of The Wall Street Journal, Daniel Pearl.

In a major diplomatic victory for India, Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar has finally been listed as an international terrorist by the United Nation Security Council's (UNSC) 1267 committee.

In a major diplomatic victory for India, Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar has finally been listed as an international terrorist by the United Nation Security Council's (UNSC) 1267 committee. This became possible after China, one of the five permanent members of the UNSC, removed its hold on the listing of Azhar. In the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack that killed more 40 Indian security personnel, US along with France and UK had moved a proposal for listing of Masood Azhar. But on March 13, the day of the deadline for the listing of Azhar, China had put a hold, citing more time to understand the issue. Azhar's JeM is responsible for Parliament, 2016 Pathankot and 2019 Pulwama attacks. Impact of UNSC listing Now that Masood Azhar has been listed as a global terrorist, he will be put under a travel and arms embargo. An assets freeze under the Sanctions Committee requires that all states freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities. The Jaish-e-Muhammad is already a proscribed organisation. The travel ban entails preventing the entry into or transit by all states through their territories by designated individuals. Under the arms embargo, all states are required to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale and transfer from their territories or by their nationals outside their territories, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and related materiel of all types, spare parts, and technical advice, assistance, or training related to military activities, to designated individuals and entities. Global support for listing of Masood Azhar India has been, for a decade, trying to list Azhar as an international terrorist. It was in 2009 that New Delhi first hoped to list Azhar as a United Nations listed terrorist. It was a lone proposer back then. In 2016, India again proposed the listing and it was co-sponsored by UK, US, France but the proposal was blocked by China. The year 2017 saw the US, the UK and France moving the proposal but China blocked the move again. The move in February of 2019 saw global support with 14 out of 15 members of UNSC backing the move for the listing of Masood Azhar. The proposal was moved the US, the UK, France and co-sponsored by Australia, Bangladesh, Italy and Japan. After the Chinese hold in March, France had announced it will be putting a freeze on the assets of Azhar and will raise the issue with the European Union. A joint release by French foreign, interior and finance ministries said, "We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree." Listing 20 years after hijacking of IC-814 The listing of Masood Azhar comes 20 years after he was released when Pakistan-based terrorist hijacked Indian Airlines Flight 814 and took it to Taliban controlled Kandahar. The motive of the hijack was to not only get the release of Azhar but also other terrorists. All the released terrorists found safe houses in Pakistan and in years to follow masterminded many terror attacks in India and the killing of South Asia Bureau Chief of The Wall Street Journal, Daniel Pearl.

Masood Azhar named global terrorist: How it will affect the JeM chief?

After years of efforts by India, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/jem-chief-masood-azhar-designated-as-a-global-terrorist-in-un-sanctions-list-215076">Masood Azhar</a> has been designated a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/masood-azhar-named-global-terrorist-how-it-will-affect-the-jem-chief-215077">global terrorist by the UN </a>under the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution 1267.

Azhar’s JeM was behind the Pulwama terrorist attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel in February.&nbsp;

China had put a hold in March on a fresh proposal by the US, UK and France to impose a ban on the chief of the JeM which claimed responsibility for the deadly Pulwama terror attack.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-envoy-to-un-syed-akbaruddin-speaks-exclusively-to-wion-215115/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Three UNSC members — US, UK and France — have been pursuing the case with China over the last two months, while New Delhi has also been engaging separately with Beijing.&nbsp;

India has always maintained that China should list Azhar since he is the leader of a terrorist group that has already been proscribed by the UN. &nbsp;

China’s turnaround came after Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale’s visit to Beijing last week, where India shared details of all the evidence on Masood Azhar, including links to the February 14 Pulwama attack for which the JeM had claimed responsibility.&nbsp;

During his visit, Gokhale met Chinese officials including Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi.&nbsp;

&nbsp;A statement from India's external affairs ministry said, "We have shared with China all pieces of evidence of terrorist activities of Jaish-e-Mohammad and its leader Masood Azhar. It is now for the 1267 Sanctions Committee and other authorized bodies of the U.N. to take a decision on the listing of Masood Azhar. "

The British High Commissioner Sir Dominic Asquith last week speaking to reporters expressed optimism on the listing of Azhar and said, "We are strong supporters of listing of Masood Azhar for a decade. So that we will get to that conclusion shortly."&nbsp;

After years of efforts by India, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar has been designated a global terrorist by the UN under the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution 1267.

After years of efforts by India, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar has been designated a global terrorist by the UN under the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution 1267. Azhar’s JeM was behind the Pulwama terrorist attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel in February. China had put a hold in March on a fresh proposal by the US, UK and France to impose a ban on the chief of the JeM which claimed responsibility for the deadly Pulwama terror attack. Three UNSC members — US, UK and France — have been pursuing the case with China over the last two months, while New Delhi has also been engaging separately with Beijing. India has always maintained that China should list Azhar since he is the leader of a terrorist group that has already been proscribed by the UN. China’s turnaround came after Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale’s visit to Beijing last week, where India shared details of all the evidence on Masood Azhar, including links to the February 14 Pulwama attack for which the JeM had claimed responsibility. During his visit, Gokhale met Chinese officials including Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi. A statement from India's external affairs ministry said, "We have shared with China all pieces of evidence of terrorist activities of Jaish-e-Mohammad and its leader Masood Azhar. It is now for the 1267 Sanctions Committee and other authorized bodies of the U.N. to take a decision on the listing of Masood Azhar. " The British High Commissioner Sir Dominic Asquith last week speaking to reporters expressed optimism on the listing of Azhar and said, "We are strong supporters of listing of Masood Azhar for a decade. So that we will get to that conclusion shortly."

China changed its stance on Masood Azhar after Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale's visit

20 years after IC-814 hijack, Masood Azhar designated a global terrorist

There are four power centres in Pakistan. Sitting atop the other three is the military, which controls one-third of Pakistan’s economy and almost all its terror groups. The other three centres of quasi-power are the government, the judiciary and the mullahs. The media is powerless. Civil society has no voice.&nbsp;

The Pakistani army is obsessed with India for one overriding reason: it justifies the army’s indispensability to the country and is good for business. The Pakistani army is run like a private limited company. Indian strategists working on counter-terror operations make the mistake of thinking that Pakistan’s “deep state” is responsible for Islamabad’s malignant behaviour. &nbsp;

There is no deep state in Pakistan. The army is the deep state and its tactics are open, even brazen. The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) makes no secret of its subversive role. Its public relations division (ISPR) is run by Major General Asif Ghafoor, who deals daily in Goebbelsian propaganda.&nbsp;

The Pakistani army’s Fauji Foundation owns businesses across Pakistan. In a written reply to Pakistan’s Senate in 2016, a glimpse of the army’s business holdings was revealed. As Dawn reported: “There were nearly 50 projects and units functioning in the country under the administrative control of Fauji Foundation, Shaheen Foundation, Bahria Foundation, Army Welfare Trust (AWT) and Defence Housing Authorities (DHAs).&nbsp;

According to the details provided in the reply, eight DHAs were established in major cities. These DHAs — mostly created through ordinances — are in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi-Islamabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Peshawar and Quetta. Besides, there are 16 projects/units functioning under the AWT, 15 under the Fauji Foundation and 11 under the Shaheen Foundation.”

Projects under the Fauji Foundation include plants manufacturing everything from cement and fertiliser to energy and cereal. The Fauji Foundation itself claims on its website that it runs 18 industries. Quite apart from official holdings, the Pakistani army controls benami land and foreign bank accounts.&nbsp;

The country’s defence budget at $10 billion is 3.5 per cent of Pakistan’s GDP —nearly double India’s (1.8 per cent) as a ratio of GDP. Few countries spend more on defence as a percentage of GDP than Pakistan. China’s defence budget is 1.4 per cent of GDP. A significant portion of Pakistan’s defence budget is siphoned off by the army’s top brass. There is little oversight.&nbsp;

To keep the defence budget high and the illicit money machine ticking over, the Pakistani army needs an enemy. India fits the bill. The Pakistani army is not interested in Kashmir. It uses the state to prosecute a low-cost, low-intensity proxy conflict with India, deploying its terrorist arms to attack India and keep tensions simmering just below boiling point.&nbsp;

A key part of this strategy is to maintain a facade of seeking talks with India. For the Pakistani military, talks and terror go together. Structured &nbsp;dialogue with India gives Islamabad respectability in the eyes of the international community, diluting the impression that it is a pariah state. But the Pakistani army has no intention of allowing talks, when they do take place, to actually succeed in resolving the Kashmir issue. A resolution would end the conflict. The army’s role in Pakistan would diminish. So would the Fauji Foundation’s fortunes.&nbsp;

India’s peace lobby comprises several well-meaning activists. The Pakistani army’s civil society proxies engage in endless track two meetings with them. The purpose: build a bridge to eventually open a dialogue between India and Pakistan at the political level. Meanwhile, the Pakistani army’s terror proxies — Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen — launch periodic attacks on Indian targets to ensure that the low-intensity conflict continues.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force’s Balakot strike deep inside Pakistan changed the low-cost terror business model that the Pakistani army had perfected over years. Suddenly, the cost had risen. The loss of hundreds of terrorists and several Pakistani army officers in Balakot was just one blow.&nbsp;

An equally punishing one could be lying around the corner: blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The Paris-based body monitors money laundering and terror financing globally. The Pakistani establishment engages copiously in both. If the FATF blacklists Pakistan, it could severely damage that country’s already fragile economy.&nbsp;

Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pakistan’s foreign minister, was so rattled by the possibility of blacklisting that he told journalists at a recent press conference in Lahore: “The Foreign Office is calculating the annual loss if Pakistan is pushed in the blacklist by the FATF as India is lobbying for this.”&nbsp;

Indian foreign policymakers have been ambivalent over Pakistan. Diplomatic relations remain unchanged. A private member’s bill to declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism has been shelved. Cross-border trade continues as before, notwithstanding the withdrawal of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status. Even the ludicrous retreat ceremony at the Wagah border post between BSF jawans and Pakistani Rangers goes on unabated daily. Pakistan craves equivalence with India. Indian policymakers give it far too many opportunities to claim false equivalence.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Pakistani army keeps a beady eye on India, obsessing over every Pakistani rupee it can extract from the longest geopolitical fraud it has pulled off for decades through its proxy war of terror against &nbsp;India. The new Indian government, whichever alliance forms it, must end the charade that enriches the Pakistani army at the cost of Indian lives.

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-pakistan-army-private-limited-2738313">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

There are four power centres in Pakistan. Sitting atop the other three is the military, which controls one-third of Pakistan’s economy and almost all its terror groups.

There are four power centres in Pakistan. Sitting atop the other three is the military, which controls one-third of Pakistan’s economy and almost all its terror groups. The other three centres of quasi-power are the government, the judiciary and the mullahs. The media is powerless. Civil society has no voice. The Pakistani army is obsessed with India for one overriding reason: it justifies the army’s indispensability to the country and is good for business. The Pakistani army is run like a private limited company. Indian strategists working on counter-terror operations make the mistake of thinking that Pakistan’s “deep state” is responsible for Islamabad’s malignant behaviour. There is no deep state in Pakistan. The army is the deep state and its tactics are open, even brazen. The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) makes no secret of its subversive role. Its public relations division (ISPR) is run by Major General Asif Ghafoor, who deals daily in Goebbelsian propaganda. The Pakistani army’s Fauji Foundation owns businesses across Pakistan. In a written reply to Pakistan’s Senate in 2016, a glimpse of the army’s business holdings was revealed. As Dawn reported: “There were nearly 50 projects and units functioning in the country under the administrative control of Fauji Foundation, Shaheen Foundation, Bahria Foundation, Army Welfare Trust (AWT) and Defence Housing Authorities (DHAs). According to the details provided in the reply, eight DHAs were established in major cities. These DHAs — mostly created through ordinances — are in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi-Islamabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Peshawar and Quetta. Besides, there are 16 projects/units functioning under the AWT, 15 under the Fauji Foundation and 11 under the Shaheen Foundation.” Projects under the Fauji Foundation include plants manufacturing everything from cement and fertiliser to energy and cereal. The Fauji Foundation itself claims on its website that it runs 18 industries. Quite apart from official holdings, the Pakistani army controls benami land and foreign bank accounts. The country’s defence budget at $10 billion is 3.5 per cent of Pakistan’s GDP —nearly double India’s (1.8 per cent) as a ratio of GDP. Few countries spend more on defence as a percentage of GDP than Pakistan. China’s defence budget is 1.4 per cent of GDP. A significant portion of Pakistan’s defence budget is siphoned off by the army’s top brass. There is little oversight. To keep the defence budget high and the illicit money machine ticking over, the Pakistani army needs an enemy. India fits the bill. The Pakistani army is not interested in Kashmir. It uses the state to prosecute a low-cost, low-intensity proxy conflict with India, deploying its terrorist arms to attack India and keep tensions simmering just below boiling point. A key part of this strategy is to maintain a facade of seeking talks with India. For the Pakistani military, talks and terror go together. Structured dialogue with India gives Islamabad respectability in the eyes of the international community, diluting the impression that it is a pariah state. But the Pakistani army has no intention of allowing talks, when they do take place, to actually succeed in resolving the Kashmir issue. A resolution would end the conflict. The army’s role in Pakistan would diminish. So would the Fauji Foundation’s fortunes. India’s peace lobby comprises several well-meaning activists. The Pakistani army’s civil society proxies engage in endless track two meetings with them. The purpose: build a bridge to eventually open a dialogue between India and Pakistan at the political level. Meanwhile, the Pakistani army’s terror proxies — Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen — launch periodic attacks on Indian targets to ensure that the low-intensity conflict continues. The Indian Air Force’s Balakot strike deep inside Pakistan changed the low-cost terror business model that the Pakistani army had perfected over years. Suddenly, the cost had risen. The loss of hundreds of terrorists and several Pakistani army officers in Balakot was just one blow. An equally punishing one could be lying around the corner: blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The Paris-based body monitors money laundering and terror financing globally. The Pakistani establishment engages copiously in both. If the FATF blacklists Pakistan, it could severely damage that country’s already fragile economy. Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pakistan’s foreign minister, was so rattled by the possibility of blacklisting that he told journalists at a recent press conference in Lahore: “The Foreign Office is calculating the annual loss if Pakistan is pushed in the blacklist by the FATF as India is lobbying for this.” Indian foreign policymakers have been ambivalent over Pakistan. Diplomatic relations remain unchanged. A private member’s bill to declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism has been shelved. Cross-border trade continues as before, notwithstanding the withdrawal of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status. Even the ludicrous retreat ceremony at the Wagah border post between BSF jawans and Pakistani Rangers goes on unabated daily. Pakistan craves equivalence with India. Indian policymakers give it far too many opportunities to claim false equivalence. Meanwhile, the Pakistani army keeps a beady eye on India, obsessing over every Pakistani rupee it can extract from the longest geopolitical fraud it has pulled off for decades through its proxy war of terror against India. The new Indian government, whichever alliance forms it, must end the charade that enriches the Pakistani army at the cost of Indian lives. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Pakistan army is obsessed with India because it justifies its indispensability

China willing to hold more talks with India over Masood Azhar's blacklisting

World stands with India against Masood Azhar

The United States has asked Pakistan to take "meaningful steps" against Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). US National Security Adviser John Bolton who spoke with Pakistani Foreign Minister SM Qureshi in a tweet said&nbsp;encouraged "meaningful steps against JeM and other terrorist groups operating from Pakistan."

Adding further that the Pakistani Foreign Minister assured "me that Pakistan would deal firmly with all terrorists and will continue steps to deescalate tensions with India."

The readout of the same conversation between Bolton and Qureshi from Pakistani Foriegn Ministry, on the other hand, makes no mention of US NSA asking Pakistan to act on JeM.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Spoke with Pakistani FM Qureshi to encourage meaningful steps against JeM and other terrorist groups operating from Pakistan. The FM assured me that Pakistan would deal firmly with all terrorists and will continue steps to deescalate tensions with India.
— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmbJohnBolton/status/1105188397541408768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The development comes even as Indian Foreign Secretary is in US and met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. A read out from the US State Department said, "Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Secretary Gokhale discussed the importance of bringing those responsible for the attack to justice and the urgency of Pakistan taking meaningful action against terrorist groups operating on its soil."

It is important to note that US NSA and Indian NSA Ajit Doval have spoken three times since the Pulwama terror attack whose responsibility was taken by UN-listed terror group JeM emanating from Pakistan.

The first time when the US NSA spoke with Indian NSA was February 15, just a day after Pulwama terror attack and tweeted "Pakistan must crack down on JeM and all terrorists operating from its territory" adding "Countries should uphold UNSC responsibilities to deny safe haven and support for terrorists".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I expressed condolences to NSA Doval yesterday for the reprehensible terrorist attack on India. Pakistan must crack down on JeM and all terrorists operating from its territory. Countries should uphold UNSC responsibilities to deny safe haven and support for terrorists <a href="https://twitter.com/nsaajit?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nsaajit</a>
— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmbJohnBolton/status/1096743998625062912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Ministry of External Affairs readout of the Bolton-Doval talks of February 15 had mentioned that Ambassador Bolton supports India's right to self-defence against cross-border terrorism.

He also offered "all assistance" to India to bring the perpetrators and backers of the Pulwama terror attack promptly to justice.

India on February 26 launched strikes against JeM terror camp in Balakot, Pakistan. United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the strikes as a "counter-terrorism action". In a statement, he said," following Indian counter-terrorism action on February 26, I spoke with Indian minister of external affairs Sushma Swaraj to emphasise our close security partnership and shared goal of maintaining peace and security in the region". 
&nbsp;

The United States has asked Pakistan to take "meaningful steps" against Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). US National Security Adviser John Bolton who spoke with Pakistani Foreign Minister SM Qureshi in a tweet said encouraged "meaningful steps against JeM and other terrorist groups operating from Pakistan.

The United States has asked Pakistan to take "meaningful steps" against Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). US National Security Adviser John Bolton who spoke with Pakistani Foreign Minister SM Qureshi in a tweet said encouraged "meaningful steps against JeM and other terrorist groups operating from Pakistan." Adding further that the Pakistani Foreign Minister assured "me that Pakistan would deal firmly with all terrorists and will continue steps to deescalate tensions with India." The readout of the same conversation between Bolton and Qureshi from Pakistani Foriegn Ministry, on the other hand, makes no mention of US NSA asking Pakistan to act on JeM. Spoke with Pakistani FM Qureshi to encourage meaningful steps against JeM and other terrorist groups operating from Pakistan. The FM assured me that Pakistan would deal firmly with all terrorists and will continue steps to deescalate tensions with India. — John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) March 11, 2019 × The development comes even as Indian Foreign Secretary is in US and met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. A read out from the US State Department said, "Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Secretary Gokhale discussed the importance of bringing those responsible for the attack to justice and the urgency of Pakistan taking meaningful action against terrorist groups operating on its soil." It is important to note that US NSA and Indian NSA Ajit Doval have spoken three times since the Pulwama terror attack whose responsibility was taken by UN-listed terror group JeM emanating from Pakistan. The first time when the US NSA spoke with Indian NSA was February 15, just a day after Pulwama terror attack and tweeted "Pakistan must crack down on JeM and all terrorists operating from its territory" adding "Countries should uphold UNSC responsibilities to deny safe haven and support for terrorists". I expressed condolences to NSA Doval yesterday for the reprehensible terrorist attack on India. Pakistan must crack down on JeM and all terrorists operating from its territory. Countries should uphold UNSC responsibilities to deny safe haven and support for terrorists @nsaajit — John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) February 16, 2019 × The Ministry of External Affairs readout of the Bolton-Doval talks of February 15 had mentioned that Ambassador Bolton supports India's right to self-defence against cross-border terrorism. He also offered "all assistance" to India to bring the perpetrators and backers of the Pulwama terror attack promptly to justice. India on February 26 launched strikes against JeM terror camp in Balakot, Pakistan. United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the strikes as a "counter-terrorism action". In a statement, he said," following Indian counter-terrorism action on February 26, I spoke with Indian minister of external affairs Sushma Swaraj to emphasise our close security partnership and shared goal of maintaining peace and security in the region".

US National Security Adviser Bolton asks Pakistan to take steps against JeM

Inside Bahawalpur, headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed

More than 250 terrorists killed in air-strikes, claims BJP chief Amit Shah

JeM admits to damage caused by IAF strike, says India struck our centre in Balakot