<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/masood-azhars-unsc-listing-china-hints-it-may-block-move-to-declare-him-a-global-terrorist-203145">China has again blocked India's bid</a> to have Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar designated a global terrorist.&nbsp;A diplomat at the UN told PTI that China had put a "technical hold" on the bid.&nbsp;

The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after a suicide bomber of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 44 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, leading to a flare-up in tensions between India and Pakistan.

The Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee members had 10 working days to raise any objections to the proposal. The no-objection period deadline was scheduled to end at 3 PM local time (New York) Wednesday, (12:30 AM IST Thursday).

Just before the close of the deadline, China put a hold on the proposal.

The diplomat said China asked for "more time to examine" the proposal.

The proposal was the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist.

The Committee makes its decisions by consensus of its members.

All eyes were on China, which has in the past blocked India's bids to get Azhar listed as a UN-designated global terrorist thrice.

According to the listing rules of the Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee, if no objection is received by the end of the no-objection period, the decision will be deemed adopted.

As it has done in the past, Beijing put a technical hold on the proposal just as the deadline was about to end.

An inkling of China's stand on the issue came during Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang's press conferences on Monday and Wednesday in Beijing when he was asked about the proposal to list Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC.

"The UN Security Council and its subsidiary bodies are run on strict rules?. We already stressed China's position on the listing of terrorist organisations and individuals in the UN Security Council 1267 Committee on many occasions," Lu said on Monday.

"China will continue to adopt responsible attitude and participate in the deliberations in the UNSC 1267 Committee," Lu said on Wednesday.

On the issue of listing Azhar, he said, "I want to say that China always adopts a responsible attitude, engage in consultations with various parties and properly deal with this issue."

"The discussions, I want to say must follow the rules and procedures of the relevant bodies and only the solution that is acceptable to all sides is conducive for resolving the issue," he said, indicating that Beijing may again block the move to list Azhar as a global terrorist.

According to sources, the statement of the case of the latest proposal by France mentioned that JeM had taken responsibility for the Pulwama suicide attack on February 14 in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel were killed.

The statement also noted that Azhar is a former leader of the terrorist group Harakat al-Mujahadin and he had given a call to volunteers to join the fight in Afghanistan against Western forces.

In 2009, India moved a proposal by itself to designate Azhar. In 2016 again India moved the proposal with the P3 - the United States, the United Kingdom and France in the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the air base in Pathankot in January, 2016.

In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, on all occasions China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, blocked India's proposal from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee.

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 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 to the designated individuals and entities.

Hectic diplomatic and political parleys had preceded the closely-watched March 13 deadline as New Delhi reached out to the UNSC member countries.

In the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, India launched a major diplomatic offensive against Pakistan, holding briefing for envoys of 25 countries, including those from the five permanent UNSC members -- the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom and France -- to highlight Islamabad's role in using terrorism as an instrument of state policy.

India also handed over to Pakistan a dossier on "specific details" of involvement of the JeM in the Pulwama terror attack.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

China has again blocked India's bid to have Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar designated a global terrorist. A diplomat at the UN told PTI that China had put a "technical hold" on the bid.

China has again blocked India's bid to have Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar designated a global terrorist. A diplomat at the UN told PTI that China had put a "technical hold" on the bid. The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after a suicide bomber of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 44 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, leading to a flare-up in tensions between India and Pakistan. The Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee members had 10 working days to raise any objections to the proposal. The no-objection period deadline was scheduled to end at 3 PM local time (New York) Wednesday, (12:30 AM IST Thursday). Just before the close of the deadline, China put a hold on the proposal. The diplomat said China asked for "more time to examine" the proposal. The proposal was the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. The Committee makes its decisions by consensus of its members. All eyes were on China, which has in the past blocked India's bids to get Azhar listed as a UN-designated global terrorist thrice. According to the listing rules of the Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee, if no objection is received by the end of the no-objection period, the decision will be deemed adopted. As it has done in the past, Beijing put a technical hold on the proposal just as the deadline was about to end. An inkling of China's stand on the issue came during Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang's press conferences on Monday and Wednesday in Beijing when he was asked about the proposal to list Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC. "The UN Security Council and its subsidiary bodies are run on strict rules?. We already stressed China's position on the listing of terrorist organisations and individuals in the UN Security Council 1267 Committee on many occasions," Lu said on Monday. "China will continue to adopt responsible attitude and participate in the deliberations in the UNSC 1267 Committee," Lu said on Wednesday. On the issue of listing Azhar, he said, "I want to say that China always adopts a responsible attitude, engage in consultations with various parties and properly deal with this issue." "The discussions, I want to say must follow the rules and procedures of the relevant bodies and only the solution that is acceptable to all sides is conducive for resolving the issue," he said, indicating that Beijing may again block the move to list Azhar as a global terrorist. According to sources, the statement of the case of the latest proposal by France mentioned that JeM had taken responsibility for the Pulwama suicide attack on February 14 in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel were killed. The statement also noted that Azhar is a former leader of the terrorist group Harakat al-Mujahadin and he had given a call to volunteers to join the fight in Afghanistan against Western forces. In 2009, India moved a proposal by itself to designate Azhar. In 2016 again India moved the proposal with the P3 - the United States, the United Kingdom and France in the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the air base in Pathankot in January, 2016. In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, on all occasions China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, blocked India's proposal from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee. 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 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 to the designated individuals and entities. Hectic diplomatic and political parleys had preceded the closely-watched March 13 deadline as New Delhi reached out to the UNSC member countries. In the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, India launched a major diplomatic offensive against Pakistan, holding briefing for envoys of 25 countries, including those from the five permanent UNSC members -- the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom and France -- to highlight Islamabad's role in using terrorism as an instrument of state policy. India also handed over to Pakistan a dossier on "specific details" of involvement of the JeM in the Pulwama terror attack.

China again blocks India's bid to have Masood Azhar designated a global terrorist 

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday briefed US National Security Advisor John Bolton about the measures taken by Islamabad to de-escalate tensions with India following the Pulwama terror attack.

Tensions flared up between India and Pakistan after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting the biggest JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26.

The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured Indian pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.

The Foreign Office (FO) said that Qureshi and Bolton, during their telephonic conversation, discussed regional security situation following the Pulwama incident.

"The purpose of the call was to provide him Pakistan's perspective on the recent regional developments," the FO said.

Qureshi's call to Bolton came ahead of Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale's meetings with top Trump Administration officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in Washington.&nbsp;

Qureshi said the Indian "aggression" of February 26 was a violation of Pakistan's territorial integrity and sovereignty as well as the UN Charter.

He also said that Pakistan's response on February 27 was "purely in self-defence against external aggression".

The FO said the foreign minister "informed Bolton about the de-escalatory measures taken by Pakistan".

Qureshi said that Prime Minister Imran Khan decided to hand over the Indian pilot as a gesture of goodwill towards India. Pakistan wished peace and stability in the region.

He said Pakistan's High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood has returned to Delhi after consultations.

Islamabad would send an official delegation to India on March 14 to discuss the modalities for the operationalisation of the Kartarpur Corridor, also was ready to continue with the weekly meeting at the level of the Directorate General of Military Operations, the Pakistan foreign minister said.

Ambassador Bolton said that he and Secretary of State Pompeo, despite being actively engaged in talks with North Korea in Hanoi, monitored the developments between

India and Pakistan and kept contact with the leadership of two countries to ensure that the security situation in the South Asia region did not deteriorate, the statement said.

Bolton appreciated Pakistan's measures which had helped to lower the tension and urged continued restraint on both sides, it said.

"The need for dialogue between Pakistan and India to find a peaceful resolution to all outstanding disputes was also emphasized," the FO statement said.

"The Foreign Minister cautioned against any Indian misadventure, keeping in view the forthcoming elections. Ambassador Bolton concurred," it said.

It said that Ambassador Bolton also appreciated Pakistan's important role in the Afghan peace process. Both leaders agreed to work together to pursue the process.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday briefed US National Security Advisor John Bolton about the measures taken by Islamabad to de-escalate tensions with India following the Pulwama terror attack.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday briefed US National Security Advisor John Bolton about the measures taken by Islamabad to de-escalate tensions with India following the Pulwama terror attack. Tensions flared up between India and Pakistan after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting the biggest JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured Indian pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1. The Foreign Office (FO) said that Qureshi and Bolton, during their telephonic conversation, discussed regional security situation following the Pulwama incident. "The purpose of the call was to provide him Pakistan's perspective on the recent regional developments," the FO said. Qureshi's call to Bolton came ahead of Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale's meetings with top Trump Administration officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in Washington. Qureshi said the Indian "aggression" of February 26 was a violation of Pakistan's territorial integrity and sovereignty as well as the UN Charter. He also said that Pakistan's response on February 27 was "purely in self-defence against external aggression". The FO said the foreign minister "informed Bolton about the de-escalatory measures taken by Pakistan". Qureshi said that Prime Minister Imran Khan decided to hand over the Indian pilot as a gesture of goodwill towards India. Pakistan wished peace and stability in the region. He said Pakistan's High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood has returned to Delhi after consultations. Islamabad would send an official delegation to India on March 14 to discuss the modalities for the operationalisation of the Kartarpur Corridor, also was ready to continue with the weekly meeting at the level of the Directorate General of Military Operations, the Pakistan foreign minister said. Ambassador Bolton said that he and Secretary of State Pompeo, despite being actively engaged in talks with North Korea in Hanoi, monitored the developments between India and Pakistan and kept contact with the leadership of two countries to ensure that the security situation in the South Asia region did not deteriorate, the statement said. Bolton appreciated Pakistan's measures which had helped to lower the tension and urged continued restraint on both sides, it said. "The need for dialogue between Pakistan and India to find a peaceful resolution to all outstanding disputes was also emphasized," the FO statement said. "The Foreign Minister cautioned against any Indian misadventure, keeping in view the forthcoming elections. Ambassador Bolton concurred," it said. It said that Ambassador Bolton also appreciated Pakistan's important role in the Afghan peace process. Both leaders agreed to work together to pursue the process.

Pak foreign minister Mahmood Qureshi briefs US NSA Bolton about steps taken to de-escalate tensions with India

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Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist and one of the masterminds of Pulwama attack Mudasir Ahmed Khan, alias ‘Mohd Bhai’ is believed to be killed in an encounter in the Tral area of Jammu and Kashmir.

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Pulwama attack mastermind Mudasir believed to be killed in encounter: J&K Police Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist and one of the masterminds of Pulwama attack Mudasir Ahmed Khan, alias ‘Mohd Bhai’ is believed to be killed in an encounter in the Tral area of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pulwama attack mastermind Mudasir believed to be killed in encounter: J&K Police Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist and one of the masterminds of Pulwama attack Mudasir Ahmed Khan, alias ‘Mohd Bhai’ is believed to be killed in an encounter in the Tral area of Jammu and Kashmir. Based on a credible input about the presence of terrorists in Pinglish area of Tral Awantipora, a cordon and search operation was launched today jointly by Police and security forces in the area. Urge India to stop buying oil from Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro government: US top envoy The United States is pressing India to stop buying oil from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s government, Washington’s top envoy for Venezuela said, as the Trump administration this week threatened more US sanctions to cut off Maduro’s financial lifelines. Lok Sabha polls 2019: Over 1.5 crore voters of the total electorate in 18-19 age group Lok Sabha elections 2019 will begin on April 11 and continue for over a month till May 19 across seven phases, followed by counting of votes on May 23, the Election Commission announced on Sunday. After Ethiopian Airlines crash, China suspends use of Boeing 737 Max aircraft China's aviation regulator said on Monday it had ordered Chinese airlines to suspend their Boeing Co 737 MAX aircraft operations by 6 pm following a deadly crash of a 737 MAX 8 operated by Ethiopian Airlines. US President Donald Trump ready to meet Kim Jong Un again for denuclearisation talks: White House US President Donald Trump is ready to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un again for denuclearisation talks, the White House said, underlining that his decision to walk out of the Hanoi summit sent a signal to other countries as well that he is not desperate for a deal unless it is in America's interest.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday assured her Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, that her government would never allow the country's soil to be used by any terrorist organisation under its "zero tolerance policy".

Dhaka was firmly committed to stamping out terrorism from the South Asian region through bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation, she said after jointly inaugurating four projects in Bangladesh with Prime Minister Modi through video-conferencing.

Terming the spread of radicalism as a "grave threat" not only to the two countries but to the entire region, India and Bangladesh last year resolved to step up anti-terror cooperation.

"We remain steadfast in our resolve to root out the scourge of terrorism from our region and beyond through bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation," Hasina said.

The Bangladesh premier said her government would never allow Bangladesh soil to be used by any terrorist organisation under its "zero tolerance policy" against terrorism "in all its forms and manifestations".

Hasina also expressed her "utmost sympathy" for the family members of the Indian paramilitary police personnel who were killed in last month's terror attack in Pulwama in Kashmir. "We reiterate our strong condemnation of this dastardly act," she said.

A suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14, the incident led to flaring up of tensions between India and Pakistan.

Hasina said that the relations between Dhaka and New Delhi are now a "role model" of good neighbours for the rest of the world as a result of multi-faceted and multi-dimensional cooperation.

"I strongly believe this momentum will continue," she said.

The Bangladesh premier said over the last decade, two countries have witnessed remarkable progress on cooperation in different conventional and unconventional areas like security, power, trade and commerce, energy, connectivity, infrastructure development, environment, renewable energy, education, culture, people-to-people contact and health.

She said at the same time, the two countries have expanded cooperation in new areas like the blue economy and maritime cooperation, peaceful uses of the nuclear energy, cooperation in outer space, internet bandwidth sharing, cyber security etc.

The two prime ministers joined the video-conferencing from their offices in Dhaka and New Delhi and jointly inaugurated the four projects by unveiling the e-plaques.

The four projects launched on Monday include, supply of Double Decker and Single Decker AC and Non-AC Buses and Trucks to Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (under the Second Line of Credit); 36 Community Clinics in five north and northeastern Bangladesh districts bordering India with an aid from Indian government; setting up of 11 Water Treatment Plants in two southwestern cities and the extension of India's National Knowledge Network (NKN) to Bangladesh.

The NKN is a multi-gigabit National Research and Education Network (NREN) which provides a unified high-speed network backbone for educational institutions in India.

Apart from Hasina and Modi, Bangladesh Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen and his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj also spoke through video-conferencing.&nbsp;

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday assured her Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, that her government would never allow the country's soil to be used by any terrorist organisation under its "zero tolerance policy".

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday assured her Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, that her government would never allow the country's soil to be used by any terrorist organisation under its "zero tolerance policy". Dhaka was firmly committed to stamping out terrorism from the South Asian region through bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation, she said after jointly inaugurating four projects in Bangladesh with Prime Minister Modi through video-conferencing. Terming the spread of radicalism as a "grave threat" not only to the two countries but to the entire region, India and Bangladesh last year resolved to step up anti-terror cooperation. "We remain steadfast in our resolve to root out the scourge of terrorism from our region and beyond through bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation," Hasina said. The Bangladesh premier said her government would never allow Bangladesh soil to be used by any terrorist organisation under its "zero tolerance policy" against terrorism "in all its forms and manifestations". Hasina also expressed her "utmost sympathy" for the family members of the Indian paramilitary police personnel who were killed in last month's terror attack in Pulwama in Kashmir. "We reiterate our strong condemnation of this dastardly act," she said. A suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14, the incident led to flaring up of tensions between India and Pakistan. Hasina said that the relations between Dhaka and New Delhi are now a "role model" of good neighbours for the rest of the world as a result of multi-faceted and multi-dimensional cooperation. "I strongly believe this momentum will continue," she said. The Bangladesh premier said over the last decade, two countries have witnessed remarkable progress on cooperation in different conventional and unconventional areas like security, power, trade and commerce, energy, connectivity, infrastructure development, environment, renewable energy, education, culture, people-to-people contact and health. She said at the same time, the two countries have expanded cooperation in new areas like the blue economy and maritime cooperation, peaceful uses of the nuclear energy, cooperation in outer space, internet bandwidth sharing, cyber security etc. The two prime ministers joined the video-conferencing from their offices in Dhaka and New Delhi and jointly inaugurated the four projects by unveiling the e-plaques. The four projects launched on Monday include, supply of Double Decker and Single Decker AC and Non-AC Buses and Trucks to Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (under the Second Line of Credit); 36 Community Clinics in five north and northeastern Bangladesh districts bordering India with an aid from Indian government; setting up of 11 Water Treatment Plants in two southwestern cities and the extension of India's National Knowledge Network (NKN) to Bangladesh. The NKN is a multi-gigabit National Research and Education Network (NREN) which provides a unified high-speed network backbone for educational institutions in India. Apart from Hasina and Modi, Bangladesh Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen and his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj also spoke through video-conferencing.

Won't allow Bangladeshi soil to be used by any terror outfit: Sheikh Hasina assures PM Modi

A large group of Pakistan-backed pro-Khalistan activists attacked innocent British-Indian civilians outside the Indian High Commission here on Saturday, possibly as revenge to Indian air strike at a terror camp in Pakistan last month and anti-Pakistan protests that have been taking place across the world.

Wearing turbans, the attackers raised slogans like 'Naraa-e-Taqbeer' and 'Allah-u-Akbar' along with anti-India slogans while targeting the people who were waiting for visa related appointments with officials of the High Commission, witnesses said here on Sunday.

The attackers also carried Khalistani flags.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Pakistan’s ISI backed Khalistanis attacked a number of British Indians who were standing outside the Indian High Commission in London on March 9. The men wearing Sikh turbans raised slogans 'Naraa-e-Taqbeer' &amp; 'Allah-u-Akbar' <a href="https://t.co/7L5Fume7nv">pic.twitter.com/7L5Fume7nv</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1104582717784637441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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This attack is largely being seen as Pakistan`s counter to the widespread protests which have been taking place globally against its role in the Pulwama terror attack which claimed the lives of over 40 CRPF personnel.&nbsp;

After Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for the February 14 attack, the international community has intensified its pressure on Pakistan to dismantle terror infrastructure on its soil.

In fact, the United States has bluntly told Pakistan to stop providing support and safe haven to terrorists and terror outfits.

India, on February 26, carried out anti-terror air strike at a major terror camp of JeM in Pakistan`s Balakot.

A "large number" of terrorists, including top commanders, were eliminated in the strike, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had told the media hours after the air raid.

India has shared dossiers about Pakistani links to the Pulwama terror attack with Pakistan government as well as several key countries.

India on Saturday sought credible, verifiable and sustained action from Pakistan against terror groups, saying that mere words will not be enough to impress the international community.&nbsp;

"Pakistan will be judged by not the words it speaks but action it takes...The proof of action is not issuing a notification but dismantling infrastructure which should be verified. Pakistan is well aware of its own commitment and concrete action that has to be taken against terrorism... If Pakistan claims to be a 'naya (new) Pakistan with nayi soch (new thought)', it should show 'naya (new) action' against terrorist groups and terror infrastructure on its soil and end cross border terrorism in support of its claims," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Saturday at a media briefing.

A large group of Pakistan-backed pro-Khalistan activists attacked innocent British-Indian civilians outside the Indian High Commission here on Saturday, possibly as revenge to Indian air strike at a terror camp in Pakistan last month and anti-Pakistan protests that have been taking place across the world.

A large group of Pakistan-backed pro-Khalistan activists attacked innocent British-Indian civilians outside the Indian High Commission here on Saturday, possibly as revenge to Indian air strike at a terror camp in Pakistan last month and anti-Pakistan protests that have been taking place across the world. Wearing turbans, the attackers raised slogans like 'Naraa-e-Taqbeer' and 'Allah-u-Akbar' along with anti-India slogans while targeting the people who were waiting for visa related appointments with officials of the High Commission, witnesses said here on Sunday. The attackers also carried Khalistani flags. #WATCH Pakistan’s ISI backed Khalistanis attacked a number of British Indians who were standing outside the Indian High Commission in London on March 9. The men wearing Sikh turbans raised slogans 'Naraa-e-Taqbeer' & 'Allah-u-Akbar' pic.twitter.com/7L5Fume7nv — ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2019 × This attack is largely being seen as Pakistan`s counter to the widespread protests which have been taking place globally against its role in the Pulwama terror attack which claimed the lives of over 40 CRPF personnel. After Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for the February 14 attack, the international community has intensified its pressure on Pakistan to dismantle terror infrastructure on its soil. In fact, the United States has bluntly told Pakistan to stop providing support and safe haven to terrorists and terror outfits. India, on February 26, carried out anti-terror air strike at a major terror camp of JeM in Pakistan`s Balakot. A "large number" of terrorists, including top commanders, were eliminated in the strike, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had told the media hours after the air raid. India has shared dossiers about Pakistani links to the Pulwama terror attack with Pakistan government as well as several key countries. India on Saturday sought credible, verifiable and sustained action from Pakistan against terror groups, saying that mere words will not be enough to impress the international community. "Pakistan will be judged by not the words it speaks but action it takes...The proof of action is not issuing a notification but dismantling infrastructure which should be verified. Pakistan is well aware of its own commitment and concrete action that has to be taken against terrorism... If Pakistan claims to be a 'naya (new) Pakistan with nayi soch (new thought)', it should show 'naya (new) action' against terrorist groups and terror infrastructure on its soil and end cross border terrorism in support of its claims," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Saturday at a media briefing.

Watch: ISI-backed pro-Khalistanis assault British Indians outside Indian High Commission in London

Pakistan has decided to "upgrade" a group of banned outfits, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), to a "high" risk category and start monitoring and re-examining their activities to comply with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) obligations, according to a media report on Saturday.

The Paris-based global watchdog against financial crimes had expressed dissatisfaction over considering these entities as "low" to "medium" risk by Islamabad, and said Pakistan did "not demonstrate a proper understanding of the terror financing risks posed by Daesh (ISIS), Al Qaeda, Jamaat-ud-Dawa(Jud), Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) Haqqani network (HQN), and persons affiliated with the Taliban".

The proscribed organisations will be examined under heightened security checks at all layers of legal, administrative, investigative and financial regimes, the Dawn newspaper reported.

At least 40 security personnel were killed when a suicide bomber of the Pakistan-based JeM attacked their convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

"All these entities have now been described as high-risk entities and would be subject to greater scrutiny by all agencies and institutions of the state, starting from their registration to operations and from their fund collection to bank accounts and issuance of suspicious transactions, information sharing and so on," an unnamed official was quoted as saying in the report.

He said these decisions were taken at a meeting of the general council on FATF, led by Finance Secretary Arif Ahmed Khan, as part of a series of meetings to comply with the FATF obligations.

Khan had led the Pakistani delegation to Paris during the February 18-22 meetings of the FATF plenary and its group reviews.&nbsp;

During the course of these meetings, Pakistan had banned the FIF and JuD on February 21.

The official said based on revised risk profile to "high" from "medium", all the government institutions, including the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, the State Bank of Pakistan, the National Counter-Terrorism Authority, the Financial Monitoring Unit and intelligence agencies, would separately review records, databanks and procedures and methodologies regarding the proscribed entities and their representatives.

Based on this review exercise and re-evaluation of risk indicators, fresh suspected transaction reports would originate and run through the banking sector, while law enforcement agencies would continue their ongoing tough actions against the banned entities, including confiscation of their assets and accounts, the official said.

"All these institutions would complete the exercise within two weeks so as to present a compliance report to a delegation of the Asia-Pacific Joint Group -- a regional associate of the FATF --due to visit Islamabad on March 24.&nbsp;

"The delegation would review Pakistan's performance on the basis of Islamabad's fresh exercise over the next two days (March 25-26) and submit its assessment report to the FATF headquarters," the report said.

The FATF would then make a fresh review the progress and compliance with the remaining targets by May by Pakistan and conclude in June review meetings, whether the country should be moved out of the "grey list" or kept in this list in case of minor shortcomings or be downgraded to the "blacklist" having serious financial and economic repercussions in case of serious shortcomings.

Pakistan has been placed on the grey list by the FATF for failing to curb anti-terror financing in June last year, despite Islamabad's diplomatic efforts to avert the decision.

Officials said that defining these banned entities as high-risk meant the investigation agencies, supervisory and regulatory organisations and related institutions would be more alert and proactive to assessments of risk indicators, red flags, guidance and advisories.

They would be required to adopt the heightened level of inter-agency coordination for information sharing and actions to combat terror financing and money laundering, considered the risk to the global economy, the report said.

During the February 18-22 plenary and review meetings, the FATF had noted "limited progress" by Pakistan on targets set for January 2019, and urged the country "to swiftly complete its action plan, particularly those with timelines of May 2019."

Pakistan has decided to "upgrade" a group of banned outfits, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), to a "high" risk category and start monitoring and re-examining their activities to comply with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) obligations, according to a media report on Saturday.

Pakistan has decided to "upgrade" a group of banned outfits, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), to a "high" risk category and start monitoring and re-examining their activities to comply with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) obligations, according to a media report on Saturday. The Paris-based global watchdog against financial crimes had expressed dissatisfaction over considering these entities as "low" to "medium" risk by Islamabad, and said Pakistan did "not demonstrate a proper understanding of the terror financing risks posed by Daesh (ISIS), Al Qaeda, Jamaat-ud-Dawa(Jud), Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) Haqqani network (HQN), and persons affiliated with the Taliban". The proscribed organisations will be examined under heightened security checks at all layers of legal, administrative, investigative and financial regimes, the Dawn newspaper reported. At least 40 security personnel were killed when a suicide bomber of the Pakistan-based JeM attacked their convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. "All these entities have now been described as high-risk entities and would be subject to greater scrutiny by all agencies and institutions of the state, starting from their registration to operations and from their fund collection to bank accounts and issuance of suspicious transactions, information sharing and so on," an unnamed official was quoted as saying in the report. He said these decisions were taken at a meeting of the general council on FATF, led by Finance Secretary Arif Ahmed Khan, as part of a series of meetings to comply with the FATF obligations. Khan had led the Pakistani delegation to Paris during the February 18-22 meetings of the FATF plenary and its group reviews. During the course of these meetings, Pakistan had banned the FIF and JuD on February 21. The official said based on revised risk profile to "high" from "medium", all the government institutions, including the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, the State Bank of Pakistan, the National Counter-Terrorism Authority, the Financial Monitoring Unit and intelligence agencies, would separately review records, databanks and procedures and methodologies regarding the proscribed entities and their representatives. Based on this review exercise and re-evaluation of risk indicators, fresh suspected transaction reports would originate and run through the banking sector, while law enforcement agencies would continue their ongoing tough actions against the banned entities, including confiscation of their assets and accounts, the official said. "All these institutions would complete the exercise within two weeks so as to present a compliance report to a delegation of the Asia-Pacific Joint Group -- a regional associate of the FATF --due to visit Islamabad on March 24. "The delegation would review Pakistan's performance on the basis of Islamabad's fresh exercise over the next two days (March 25-26) and submit its assessment report to the FATF headquarters," the report said. The FATF would then make a fresh review the progress and compliance with the remaining targets by May by Pakistan and conclude in June review meetings, whether the country should be moved out of the "grey list" or kept in this list in case of minor shortcomings or be downgraded to the "blacklist" having serious financial and economic repercussions in case of serious shortcomings. Pakistan has been placed on the grey list by the FATF for failing to curb anti-terror financing in June last year, despite Islamabad's diplomatic efforts to avert the decision. Officials said that defining these banned entities as high-risk meant the investigation agencies, supervisory and regulatory organisations and related institutions would be more alert and proactive to assessments of risk indicators, red flags, guidance and advisories. They would be required to adopt the heightened level of inter-agency coordination for information sharing and actions to combat terror financing and money laundering, considered the risk to the global economy, the report said. During the February 18-22 plenary and review meetings, the FATF had noted "limited progress" by Pakistan on targets set for January 2019, and urged the country "to swiftly complete its action plan, particularly those with timelines of May 2019."

Pakistan to put group of banned outfits including  Jaish-e-Mohammed in high-risk category, monitor their activities: Report

The United States on Saturday issued a travel advisory for its citizens visiting India due to the prevailing tension in the country.

The advisory issued by the US embassy asked Americans not to go within 10 kilometres of the border with Pakistan "due to the potential for armed conflict".

"US issues Level 2 travel alert for India -- "exercise increased caution," warning Americans to not visit most of Jammu and Kashmir due to "terrorism and civil unrest" and not go within 10 km of the border with #Pakistan "due to the potential for armed conflict," White House bureau chief Steve Herman wrote on Twitter along with the advisory.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
US issues Level 2 travel alert for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> -- "exercise increased caution," warning Americans to not visit most of Jammu and Kashmir due to "terrorism and civil unrest" and not go within 10 km of the border with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> "due to the potential for armed conflict." <a href="https://t.co/HdC29kYTDk">pic.twitter.com/HdC29kYTDk</a>
— Steve Herman (@W7VOA) <a href="https://twitter.com/W7VOA/status/1104139987023474689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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However, it allowed American traveller to visit Ladakh region and its capital Leh.

The United States has various levels of the travel advisory. The level 2 advisory means citizens are advised to "exercise increased caution" while travelling to the said country.

The advisory comes in the wake of rising tension between India-Pakistan after around 40 CRPF personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. The responsibility of the attack was claimed by the Jaish-e-Mohammed group led by Masood Azhar.

In retaliation, the Indian Air Force carried out anti-terror strikes at a JeM terror training camp in Pakistan's Balakot last week, in which a large number of terrorists were killed, according to Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.

Since the Pulwama terror attack, pressure has been growing on Pakistan on the issue of its support to terror. US, France, UK, Australia publically have called on Islamabad to rein in the terror groups on its territory. 
&nbsp;

The United States on Saturday issued a travel advisory for its citizens visiting India due to the prevailing tension in the country. The advisory issued by the US embassy asked Americans not to go within 10 kilometres of the border with Pakistan "due to the potential for armed conflict".

The United States on Saturday issued a travel advisory for its citizens visiting India due to the prevailing tension in the country. The advisory issued by the US embassy asked Americans not to go within 10 kilometres of the border with Pakistan "due to the potential for armed conflict". "US issues Level 2 travel alert for India -- "exercise increased caution," warning Americans to not visit most of Jammu and Kashmir due to "terrorism and civil unrest" and not go within 10 km of the border with #Pakistan "due to the potential for armed conflict," White House bureau chief Steve Herman wrote on Twitter along with the advisory. US issues Level 2 travel alert for #India -- "exercise increased caution," warning Americans to not visit most of Jammu and Kashmir due to "terrorism and civil unrest" and not go within 10 km of the border with #Pakistan "due to the potential for armed conflict." pic.twitter.com/HdC29kYTDk — Steve Herman (@W7VOA) March 8, 2019 × However, it allowed American traveller to visit Ladakh region and its capital Leh. The United States has various levels of the travel advisory. The level 2 advisory means citizens are advised to "exercise increased caution" while travelling to the said country. The advisory comes in the wake of rising tension between India-Pakistan after around 40 CRPF personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. The responsibility of the attack was claimed by the Jaish-e-Mohammed group led by Masood Azhar. In retaliation, the Indian Air Force carried out anti-terror strikes at a JeM terror training camp in Pakistan's Balakot last week, in which a large number of terrorists were killed, according to Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale. Since the Pulwama terror attack, pressure has been growing on Pakistan on the issue of its support to terror. US, France, UK, Australia publically have called on Islamabad to rein in the terror groups on its territory.

US issues travel warning to Americans: Don’t go near Pakistan border, don’t visit J&K due to terrorism

The United States is working with the United Nations sanctions committee to ensure the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-push-for-designation-of-jaish-chief-masood-azhar-as-global-terrorist-france-201668">Masood Azhar in the list of terrorist organisations</a> and leaders by the UN security council.

Responding to a question on Azhar's listing in United Nations terror list, Deputy Spokesperson of the state department, Robert Palladino said, "We will continue to work with the sanctions committee to ensure that the list is updated and that it is accurate."

Palladino was addressing his biweekly news conference in Washington.

Palladino also called Masood Azhar "a threat to regional stability" and urged Pakistan to take "sustained and irreversible" actions against terrorist groups operating from its territory.&nbsp;

"We reiterate our call for Pakistan to abide by its United Nations Security Council obligations to deny terrorists safe haven and block their entry to funds."

"Jaish-e-Mohammed is a United Nations-designated terrorist group that has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and is a threat to regional stability," he said.

March 13 is the deadline for the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the UNSC terror list if no other country raises an issue and block it.&nbsp;

The US, UK and France have proposed the listing of Azhar as an international terrorist and all eyes are now on China, given its track record of blocking proposals to put Azhar on the list since 2010.&nbsp;

Since the Pulwama terror attack, pressure has been growing on Pakistan on the issue of its support to terror. US, France, UK, Australia publically have called on Islamabad to rein in the terror groups on its territory.

Around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives after an explosive-laden vehicle rammed into the army convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on February 14.

The responsibility of the attack was claimed Jaish-e-Mohammed group.

The United States is working with the United Nations sanctions committee to ensure the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar in the list of terrorist organisations and leaders by the UN security council.

The United States is working with the United Nations sanctions committee to ensure the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar in the list of terrorist organisations and leaders by the UN security council. Responding to a question on Azhar's listing in United Nations terror list, Deputy Spokesperson of the state department, Robert Palladino said, "We will continue to work with the sanctions committee to ensure that the list is updated and that it is accurate." Palladino was addressing his biweekly news conference in Washington. Palladino also called Masood Azhar "a threat to regional stability" and urged Pakistan to take "sustained and irreversible" actions against terrorist groups operating from its territory. "We reiterate our call for Pakistan to abide by its United Nations Security Council obligations to deny terrorists safe haven and block their entry to funds." "Jaish-e-Mohammed is a United Nations-designated terrorist group that has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and is a threat to regional stability," he said. March 13 is the deadline for the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the UNSC terror list if no other country raises an issue and block it. The US, UK and France have proposed the listing of Azhar as an international terrorist and all eyes are now on China, given its track record of blocking proposals to put Azhar on the list since 2010. Since the Pulwama terror attack, pressure has been growing on Pakistan on the issue of its support to terror. US, France, UK, Australia publically have called on Islamabad to rein in the terror groups on its territory. Around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives after an explosive-laden vehicle rammed into the army convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on February 14. The responsibility of the attack was claimed Jaish-e-Mohammed group.

Working with UN sanctions committee to ensure Masood Azhar listing: US

As many as 22 terrorist training camps, including nine of<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-government-of-punjab-takes-control-of-jud-headquarters-in-muridke-and-lahore-201842"> Jaish-e-Mohammed</a>, are active in Pakistan, but no action is being taken against them, a senior Indian official said here on Thursday, warning that New Delhi will carry out operation similar to that of the Balakot airstrike if there is an act of terrorism coming from across the border.

In a pinpointed and swift air strike that lasted less than two minutes, India pounded JeM's biggest training camp in Pakistan on February 26, killing up to 350 terrorists and trainers who were moved there for their protection after the February 14 attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama in which 40 soldiers were killed. The JeM claimed responsibility for the Pulwama strike.

Pakistan is a "global epicentre of terrorism and it needs to take verifiable and credible steps against terrorist organisations and terrorists", said the official on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

The official also accused Pakistan and its leadership of being in denial mode and trying to create a war hysteria kind of situation between the two nuclear-weapon states.&nbsp;

"As many as 22 terrorist training camps, including nine of JeM, are still being run in Pakistan and there has been no action against them," the official said.

The Balakot airstrike conducted by India was a counter-terrorism operation, which was well within the international laws. However, a day after on February 27, Pakistan attacked Indian military installation with as many as 20 fighter jets, the official claimed.&nbsp;

"Instead of taking action against terrorist groups, Pakistan escalated the situation and indulged in war hysteria by doing things like declaring emergency in Karachi, blocking air traffic and creating rumours, which is part of its familiar pattern," the official said, adding, "India, on the other hand, exercised restraint."

Islamabad now bears the responsibility to end terrorism, the official said and warned that "India will carry out retaliatory counter-terrorism operation like the one on February 26, deep inside Pakistan, anytime there is an act of terrorism coming from across the border".

Referring to the recent actions taken by Pakistan against several terrorist groups, the official said that these actions are "nothing unusual" as the country takes such steps after every terrorist strike in India.&nbsp;

"These actions", the official described, "are a revolving door policy, under which house arrest of terrorist leaders simply means keeping them in luxurious accommodation". 
They are released once the situation becomes normal, the official said.

But after the Pulwama attack, India has set "a new normal". "For every terrorist attack coming from across the border, India will retaliate and there will be a price that the neighbouring country would have to pay."

Accusing Pakistan of being a state sponsor of terrorism, the official said there is a feeling in India that Islamabad is unlikely to stop funding terror activities "unless the cost of it is too heavy for it to pay".

Asserting that India has the right to self-defence, the official told reporters that New Delhi by successfully carrying out strikes inside Pakistan "has been able to call the Pakistani bluff" on the nuclear front.&nbsp;

"This will not work in the future," the official said and warned Pakistan that "there will be reprisal" for every act of terrorism.

Responding to a question, the official said India has given to the US details of the violation of the end user agreement by Pakistan when it used F-16 fighter jets and advanced missiles against India on February 27.

India, the official said, is very closely engaged with the US and has the support of the Trump administration.&nbsp;

The official also said India is opposed to any IMF bailout packages to Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan has received as many as 21 bailout packages, including seven in the recent past, from the IMF. However, none of them has been able to address the economic woes of Pakistan because the money intended to improve the economy and developmental purposes have been diverted for non-civilian means.&nbsp;

As many as 22 terrorist training camps, including nine of Jaish-e-Mohammed, are active in Pakistan, but no action is being taken against them, a senior Indian official said here on Thursday, warning that New Delhi will carry out operation similar to that of the Balakot airstrike if there is an act of terrorism coming from across the border.

As many as 22 terrorist training camps, including nine of Jaish-e-Mohammed, are active in Pakistan, but no action is being taken against them, a senior Indian official said here on Thursday, warning that New Delhi will carry out operation similar to that of the Balakot airstrike if there is an act of terrorism coming from across the border. In a pinpointed and swift air strike that lasted less than two minutes, India pounded JeM's biggest training camp in Pakistan on February 26, killing up to 350 terrorists and trainers who were moved there for their protection after the February 14 attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama in which 40 soldiers were killed. The JeM claimed responsibility for the Pulwama strike. Pakistan is a "global epicentre of terrorism and it needs to take verifiable and credible steps against terrorist organisations and terrorists", said the official on condition of anonymity. The official also accused Pakistan and its leadership of being in denial mode and trying to create a war hysteria kind of situation between the two nuclear-weapon states. "As many as 22 terrorist training camps, including nine of JeM, are still being run in Pakistan and there has been no action against them," the official said. The Balakot airstrike conducted by India was a counter-terrorism operation, which was well within the international laws. However, a day after on February 27, Pakistan attacked Indian military installation with as many as 20 fighter jets, the official claimed. "Instead of taking action against terrorist groups, Pakistan escalated the situation and indulged in war hysteria by doing things like declaring emergency in Karachi, blocking air traffic and creating rumours, which is part of its familiar pattern," the official said, adding, "India, on the other hand, exercised restraint." Islamabad now bears the responsibility to end terrorism, the official said and warned that "India will carry out retaliatory counter-terrorism operation like the one on February 26, deep inside Pakistan, anytime there is an act of terrorism coming from across the border". Referring to the recent actions taken by Pakistan against several terrorist groups, the official said that these actions are "nothing unusual" as the country takes such steps after every terrorist strike in India. "These actions", the official described, "are a revolving door policy, under which house arrest of terrorist leaders simply means keeping them in luxurious accommodation". They are released once the situation becomes normal, the official said. But after the Pulwama attack, India has set "a new normal". "For every terrorist attack coming from across the border, India will retaliate and there will be a price that the neighbouring country would have to pay." Accusing Pakistan of being a state sponsor of terrorism, the official said there is a feeling in India that Islamabad is unlikely to stop funding terror activities "unless the cost of it is too heavy for it to pay". Asserting that India has the right to self-defence, the official told reporters that New Delhi by successfully carrying out strikes inside Pakistan "has been able to call the Pakistani bluff" on the nuclear front. "This will not work in the future," the official said and warned Pakistan that "there will be reprisal" for every act of terrorism. Responding to a question, the official said India has given to the US details of the violation of the end user agreement by Pakistan when it used F-16 fighter jets and advanced missiles against India on February 27. India, the official said, is very closely engaged with the US and has the support of the Trump administration. The official also said India is opposed to any IMF bailout packages to Pakistan. Pakistan has received as many as 21 bailout packages, including seven in the recent past, from the IMF. However, none of them has been able to address the economic woes of Pakistan because the money intended to improve the economy and developmental purposes have been diverted for non-civilian means.

22 terrorist training camps active in Pakistan: Indian official

Pakistan on Thursday said it will "soon" respond to a dossier handed over to it by India on "specific details" of involvement of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in the deadly Pulwama terror attack as also the presence of camps of the UN-proscribed terror outfit in the country.

"It's being evaluated and a response would be given soon," Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal told reporters here.

The JeM had taken the responsibility of the attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14, in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. Tensions between India and Pakistan flared up after the attack.

India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot on February 26. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured its pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was handed over to India on March 1.

Responding to questions during his weekly media briefing, Faisal claimed Pakistan "defeated India militarily, diplomatically and politically in the ongoing border row, which has de-escalated over the past few days."

"Our desire is peace but when we talk it is considered a weakness," he added.

On the Kartarpur corridor, Faisal said it was a project initiated by Prime Minister Imran Khan and Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, for which a Pakistani delegation will be visiting India on March 14.

He said India first suggested that meeting is held in New Delhi, which Pakistan accepted, however, the venue was later changed to Attari.

"Pakistan again agreed with Indian suggestion and if circumstances are not changed until March 14, then the Pakistani delegation will visit India," he said.

India and Pakistan agreed to open up a special border crossing linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district to facilitate the visa-free visit of Indian Sikh pilgrims to Kartarpur.

Pakistan on Thursday said it will "soon" respond to a dossier handed over to it by India on "specific details" of involvement of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in the deadly Pulwama terror attack as also the presence of camps of the UN-proscribed terror outfit in the country.

Pakistan on Thursday said it will "soon" respond to a dossier handed over to it by India on "specific details" of involvement of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in the deadly Pulwama terror attack as also the presence of camps of the UN-proscribed terror outfit in the country. "It's being evaluated and a response would be given soon," Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal told reporters here. The JeM had taken the responsibility of the attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14, in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. Tensions between India and Pakistan flared up after the attack. India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot on February 26. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured its pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was handed over to India on March 1. Responding to questions during his weekly media briefing, Faisal claimed Pakistan "defeated India militarily, diplomatically and politically in the ongoing border row, which has de-escalated over the past few days." "Our desire is peace but when we talk it is considered a weakness," he added. On the Kartarpur corridor, Faisal said it was a project initiated by Prime Minister Imran Khan and Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, for which a Pakistani delegation will be visiting India on March 14. He said India first suggested that meeting is held in New Delhi, which Pakistan accepted, however, the venue was later changed to Attari. "Pakistan again agreed with Indian suggestion and if circumstances are not changed until March 14, then the Pakistani delegation will visit India," he said. India and Pakistan agreed to open up a special border crossing linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district to facilitate the visa-free visit of Indian Sikh pilgrims to Kartarpur.

Will soon respond to Indian dossier on Jaish-e-Mohammed: Pakistan foreign office

France will push to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist with its newly-acquired presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) amidst mounting pressure on the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan government to act against terror outfits breeding in his country.

Speaking exclusively to ANI, Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler said France, like India, has been affected badly by terrorism in the recent past, adding that not designating Masood "just doesn`t make sense."&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Yes, we will push for the designation of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist at the United Nations. We have been actually pushing for that for the past two years because there is no meaning in a situation where the leader of a group that has been designated as a terrorist group should not be designated by United Nations. It (not designating Masood as a global terrorist) just doesn’t make sense,"&nbsp;he said.

In 2017, France, supported by the United States and the United Kingdom, had moved a proposal at the UN Sanctions Committee 1267 to get Azhar declared as a "global terrorist", but it was reportedly blocked by China.

Earlier this week, sources had said Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's recent comments on Azhar confirmed that the Pakistan government is in touch with the Jaish chief, thereby strengthening India`s case to put him in the UN Sanctions list.

Meanwhile, Ziegler, while reacting on the pre-emptive airstrikes conducted by the Indian Air Force in Pakistan's Balakot on February 26, said France recognises the legitimacy of India to assure its security against cross-border terror.

He also welcomed the release of IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured by Pakistani troops when his MiG 21 was downed after he shot down an F-16 that transgressed into the Indian airspace on February 27.

"Of course we recognise the legitimacy of India to assure its security against cross border terror. We also welcome the release of Wing Commander Abhinandan. Easing tension was also a relief. It was a gesture of restraining and responsibility by both the governments," he said.

Ziegler also acknowledged that the UNSC should recognise the "new balance of power", in response to a question on France backing India`s prospects of becoming a permanent member of the UNSC.

"We are not living in 1945 anymore; we are living in a world where some countries have taken leadership and the new balance of power should be recognised by the security council,"&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

France will push to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist with its newly-acquired presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) amidst mounting pressure on the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan government to act against terror outfits breeding in his country.

France will push to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist with its newly-acquired presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) amidst mounting pressure on the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan government to act against terror outfits breeding in his country. Speaking exclusively to ANI, Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler said France, like India, has been affected badly by terrorism in the recent past, adding that not designating Masood "just doesn`t make sense." "Yes, we will push for the designation of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist at the United Nations. We have been actually pushing for that for the past two years because there is no meaning in a situation where the leader of a group that has been designated as a terrorist group should not be designated by United Nations. It (not designating Masood as a global terrorist) just doesn’t make sense," he said. In 2017, France, supported by the United States and the United Kingdom, had moved a proposal at the UN Sanctions Committee 1267 to get Azhar declared as a "global terrorist", but it was reportedly blocked by China. Earlier this week, sources had said Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's recent comments on Azhar confirmed that the Pakistan government is in touch with the Jaish chief, thereby strengthening India`s case to put him in the UN Sanctions list. Meanwhile, Ziegler, while reacting on the pre-emptive airstrikes conducted by the Indian Air Force in Pakistan's Balakot on February 26, said France recognises the legitimacy of India to assure its security against cross-border terror. He also welcomed the release of IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured by Pakistani troops when his MiG 21 was downed after he shot down an F-16 that transgressed into the Indian airspace on February 27. "Of course we recognise the legitimacy of India to assure its security against cross border terror. We also welcome the release of Wing Commander Abhinandan. Easing tension was also a relief. It was a gesture of restraining and responsibility by both the governments," he said. Ziegler also acknowledged that the UNSC should recognise the "new balance of power", in response to a question on France backing India`s prospects of becoming a permanent member of the UNSC. "We are not living in 1945 anymore; we are living in a world where some countries have taken leadership and the new balance of power should be recognised by the security council," he said.

Will push for designation of Jaish chief Masood Azhar as global terrorist: France

Pakistan intelligence used Jaish-e-Mohammed to carry out attacks in India: Pervez Musharraf

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Thursday expressed its displeasure over the delay in the trial of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-intel-used-jaish-e-mohammed-for-carrying-out-attacks-in-india-during-my-tenure-paks-former-president-pervez-musharraf-201691">former military dictator Gen Pervez Musharraf</a> in the treason case and sought an explanation from the government, according to a media report.&nbsp;

General Musharraf, 75, who lives in Dubai, is facing several cases including a treason case for suspending the Constitution in 2007, a punishable offence.

The treason case was started by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government in 2013 and he was indicted in 2014.

The former military ruler left for the UAE in 2016 for medical treatment and has not returned since, citing security and health reasons.

Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa summoned the attorney general of Pakistan to appear before it in person and appraise the apex court as to what steps have been taken by the government to bring Musharraf back, the Express Tribune reported.

He was hearing a plea filed by the ex-president of Lahore High Court's Rawalpindi bench's bar association, which said that the proceedings of the treason case - being heard by a special court - had come to a halt since Musharraf had not returned to the country since 2016.

"The former president was not sent abroad by the court but by the government. Court decisions did not say that Musharraf should be sent abroad. If he is not coming back, his testimony should be recorded via Skype," he said.

"It was the government's job to put Musharraf's name on the Exit Control List (ECL), and bringing him back was also their job," the CJP said, adding that should the court be held hostage by the accused.

Chief Justice Khosa also sought a report within 15 days from the court's registrar over the reasons of delay and issued notices to the federal government and other respondents, before adjourning the case till March 25, the report said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Thursday expressed its displeasure over the delay in the trial of former military dictator Gen Pervez Musharraf in the treason case and sought an explanation from the government, according to a media report.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Thursday expressed its displeasure over the delay in the trial of former military dictator Gen Pervez Musharraf in the treason case and sought an explanation from the government, according to a media report. General Musharraf, 75, who lives in Dubai, is facing several cases including a treason case for suspending the Constitution in 2007, a punishable offence. The treason case was started by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government in 2013 and he was indicted in 2014. The former military ruler left for the UAE in 2016 for medical treatment and has not returned since, citing security and health reasons. Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa summoned the attorney general of Pakistan to appear before it in person and appraise the apex court as to what steps have been taken by the government to bring Musharraf back, the Express Tribune reported. He was hearing a plea filed by the ex-president of Lahore High Court's Rawalpindi bench's bar association, which said that the proceedings of the treason case - being heard by a special court - had come to a halt since Musharraf had not returned to the country since 2016. "The former president was not sent abroad by the court but by the government. Court decisions did not say that Musharraf should be sent abroad. If he is not coming back, his testimony should be recorded via Skype," he said. "It was the government's job to put Musharraf's name on the Exit Control List (ECL), and bringing him back was also their job," the CJP said, adding that should the court be held hostage by the accused. Chief Justice Khosa also sought a report within 15 days from the court's registrar over the reasons of delay and issued notices to the federal government and other respondents, before adjourning the case till March 25, the report said.

Pakistan Supreme Court expresses displeasure over delay in Musharraf's treason case

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Tuesday barred private channels from airing Indian films and television shows, amid escalating tensions between the two countries following the Pulwama terror attack.

A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Gulzar Ahmad, heard the case pertaining to the telecast of Indian material on Pakistani channels.

"The apex court has barred private channels from airing Indian material," state-run Radio Pakistan reported.&nbsp;

The hearing of the case has been adjourned for an indefinite period.

The move came a week after Pakistan's Information and Broadcasting Minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said Pakistan film exhibitors association will be boycotting the Indian films following Indian air strikes on a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-puts-jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhars-son-brother-under-preventive-detention-201325">Jaish-e-Mohammed </a>terror camp in Balakot in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province last month.

Hussain also said that he has instructed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to crack down on "made-in-India advertisements".

The apex court last instated a ban on Indian material in October 2018.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Tuesday barred private channels from airing Indian films and television shows, amid escalating tensions between the two countries following the Pulwama terror attack.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Tuesday barred private channels from airing Indian films and television shows, amid escalating tensions between the two countries following the Pulwama terror attack. A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Gulzar Ahmad, heard the case pertaining to the telecast of Indian material on Pakistani channels. "The apex court has barred private channels from airing Indian material," state-run Radio Pakistan reported. The hearing of the case has been adjourned for an indefinite period. The move came a week after Pakistan's Information and Broadcasting Minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said Pakistan film exhibitors association will be boycotting the Indian films following Indian air strikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Balakot in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province last month. Hussain also said that he has instructed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to crack down on "made-in-India advertisements". The apex court last instated a ban on Indian material in October 2018.

Pakistan's Supreme Court bars private channels from airing Indian films, TV shows

Major General Asif Ghafoor, spokesperson of the Pakistani armed forces, has said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhar-alive-says-pakistan-media-200960">the Jaish-e-Mohammed does not exist in his country</a>. The JeM, listed by the United Nations as a terror group, had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama terrorist attack that killed at least 40 CRPF personnel.&nbsp;

Speaking to a western media outlet, Ghafoor said, "First of all that claim has not been made from within Pakistan because Jaish-e-Mohammed does not exist in Pakistan. It has been proscribed by United Nations and Pakistan. "

Accepting Pakistan is acting on terror groups but not on "anybody's pressure", Ghafoor said that "instead of blaming Pakistan, world should assist Pakistan, facilitate Pakistan in getting rid of such organisations".&nbsp;

This latest development comes only days after Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, in interviews to western media outlets, not only accepted that Jaish chief Masood Azhar is in Pakistan but also that "people over here" were in touch with him.&nbsp;

"He (Masood Azhar) is in Pakistan, according to my information. He is very unwell. He is unwell to the extent that he cannot leave his house because he is really unwell. That's the information I have," Qureshi told CNN.&nbsp;

To the BBC, Qureshi said "people over here" contacted the JeM leadership in the wake of the Pulwama terrorist attack.

This dissonance will be seen by many as the Pakistani Army and the country's civilian leadership not being on the same page.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-puts-jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhars-son-brother-under-preventive-detention-201325">Pakistan placed Masood Azhar's son and brother in preventive detention</a>, but the move is being seen as an eyewash by Delhi.

France, the UK and the US have proposed the listing of JeM chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. He will be listed as a terrorist under the UN terror list on March 13, 3 pm, New York time if no country raises an issue.&nbsp;

China has been blocking his listing since 2016 citing a lack of consensus.&nbsp;

Major General Asif Ghafoor, spokesperson of the Pakistani armed forces, has said the Jaish-e-Mohammed does not exist in his country. The JeM, listed by the United Nations as a terror group, had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama terrorist attack that killed at least 40 CRPF personnel.

Major General Asif Ghafoor, spokesperson of the Pakistani armed forces, has said the Jaish-e-Mohammed does not exist in his country. The JeM, listed by the United Nations as a terror group, had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama terrorist attack that killed at least 40 CRPF personnel. Speaking to a western media outlet, Ghafoor said, "First of all that claim has not been made from within Pakistan because Jaish-e-Mohammed does not exist in Pakistan. It has been proscribed by United Nations and Pakistan. " Accepting Pakistan is acting on terror groups but not on "anybody's pressure", Ghafoor said that "instead of blaming Pakistan, world should assist Pakistan, facilitate Pakistan in getting rid of such organisations". This latest development comes only days after Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, in interviews to western media outlets, not only accepted that Jaish chief Masood Azhar is in Pakistan but also that "people over here" were in touch with him. "He (Masood Azhar) is in Pakistan, according to my information. He is very unwell. He is unwell to the extent that he cannot leave his house because he is really unwell. That's the information I have," Qureshi told CNN. To the BBC, Qureshi said "people over here" contacted the JeM leadership in the wake of the Pulwama terrorist attack. This dissonance will be seen by many as the Pakistani Army and the country's civilian leadership not being on the same page. On Tuesday, Pakistan placed Masood Azhar's son and brother in preventive detention, but the move is being seen as an eyewash by Delhi. France, the UK and the US have proposed the listing of JeM chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. He will be listed as a terrorist under the UN terror list on March 13, 3 pm, New York time if no country raises an issue. China has been blocking his listing since 2016 citing a lack of consensus.

Pak Army says Jaish-e-Mohammed does not exist in Pakistan, contradicts Foreign Minister Qureshi

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/qureshi-hints-pakistan-may-not-oppose-listing-of-jem-chief-azhar-as-global-terrorist-by-unsc-201171">Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi</a> on Wednesday said Pakistan is sending its envoy back to India and is ready to engage with New Delhi to reduce tensions which are "de-escalating" due to diplomatic efforts by countries like the US, China and Russia.

Qureshi said it is time to end all our conflicts and move towards peace.

He said that Pakistan wanted to sort out all issues with India which are hindering peace between the two countries.

"Tensions between India and Pakistan appear to be de-escalating and this is a positive development," Qureshi said while speaking to the media here.

"Pakistan has further increased diplomatic efforts and we have decided to send back the Pakistani high commissioner to New Delhi (Sohail Mahmood)," he added.&nbsp;

Pakistan had called its envoy back to Islamabad for urgent consultations in the wake of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-puts-jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhars-son-brother-under-preventive-detention-201325">Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)</a> which left 40 CRPF personnel dead. Islamabad took the step after India called back its envoy Ajay Bisaria to New Delhi.&nbsp;

After the Pulwama attack, the Indian Air Force carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting what it said was a JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26.

The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 and captured its pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman who was handed over to India on Friday.&nbsp;

The foreign minister also thanked US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for his role in the current situation with India. "I did not want to say it but private diplomacy worked," he said.

"US through private diplomacy played a role in de-escalating tensions between Pakistan and India," he said.&nbsp;

Qureshi said foreign ministers of China, Russia, Turkey, the UAE and Jordan also played a significant role in reducing tension between the two countries.&nbsp;

Qureshi said that a Pakistani delegation will visit New Delhi to hold dialogue over the Kartarpur Corridor.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday said Pakistan is sending its envoy back to India and is ready to engage with New Delhi to reduce tensions which are "de-escalating" due to diplomatic efforts by countries like the US, China and Russia.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday said Pakistan is sending its envoy back to India and is ready to engage with New Delhi to reduce tensions which are "de-escalating" due to diplomatic efforts by countries like the US, China and Russia. Qureshi said it is time to end all our conflicts and move towards peace. He said that Pakistan wanted to sort out all issues with India which are hindering peace between the two countries. "Tensions between India and Pakistan appear to be de-escalating and this is a positive development," Qureshi said while speaking to the media here. "Pakistan has further increased diplomatic efforts and we have decided to send back the Pakistani high commissioner to New Delhi (Sohail Mahmood)," he added. Pakistan had called its envoy back to Islamabad for urgent consultations in the wake of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) which left 40 CRPF personnel dead. Islamabad took the step after India called back its envoy Ajay Bisaria to New Delhi. After the Pulwama attack, the Indian Air Force carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting what it said was a JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 and captured its pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman who was handed over to India on Friday. The foreign minister also thanked US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for his role in the current situation with India. "I did not want to say it but private diplomacy worked," he said. "US through private diplomacy played a role in de-escalating tensions between Pakistan and India," he said. Qureshi said foreign ministers of China, Russia, Turkey, the UAE and Jordan also played a significant role in reducing tension between the two countries. Qureshi said that a Pakistani delegation will visit New Delhi to hold dialogue over the Kartarpur Corridor.

Pakistan says it is sending High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood back to India

Pakistan on Tuesday informed India that its delegation will visit New Delhi on March 14 to discuss a draft agreement on the Kartarpur corridor, a positive development that could help ease tensions between the two neighbours.

Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal, who is also the Director General South Asia &amp; SAARC, invited India's acting High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia at the ministry of foreign affairs to convey the decision, according to a statement.

"The Pakistan delegation will visit New Delhi on 14 March 2019, followed by the return visit of the Indian delegation to Islamabad on 28 March 2019, to discuss the draft Agreement on Kartarpur Corridor," the statement said.

Faisal informed the Indian envoy that Pakistan's High Commissioner to India, Sohail Mahmood, will be returning to New Delhi after the completion of consultations in Islamabad.

He also conveyed that Pakistan was committed to continue weekly contact at the Military Operations Directorates level.

The positive development came as Pakistan launched a crackdown against banned outfits including Jaish-e-Mohammed.

JeM chief Masood Azhar's son Hammad Azhar and brother Mufti Abdur Rauf were among 44 members of the banned militant outfits detained by authorities in Pakistan on Tuesday, amid mounting pressure from the global community on Islamabad to rein in the terror groups operating on its soil.

India and Pakistan have agreed to open up a special border crossing linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district.

Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, the first Gurdwara, was established by Guru Nanak Dev in 1522, where he is said to have died.

The corridor will facilitate the visa-free travel of Indian Sikh pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur.

Pakistan on Tuesday informed India that its delegation will visit New Delhi on March 14 to discuss a draft agreement on the Kartarpur corridor, a positive development that could help ease tensions between the two neighbours.

Pakistan on Tuesday informed India that its delegation will visit New Delhi on March 14 to discuss a draft agreement on the Kartarpur corridor, a positive development that could help ease tensions between the two neighbours. Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal, who is also the Director General South Asia & SAARC, invited India's acting High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia at the ministry of foreign affairs to convey the decision, according to a statement. "The Pakistan delegation will visit New Delhi on 14 March 2019, followed by the return visit of the Indian delegation to Islamabad on 28 March 2019, to discuss the draft Agreement on Kartarpur Corridor," the statement said. Faisal informed the Indian envoy that Pakistan's High Commissioner to India, Sohail Mahmood, will be returning to New Delhi after the completion of consultations in Islamabad. He also conveyed that Pakistan was committed to continue weekly contact at the Military Operations Directorates level. The positive development came as Pakistan launched a crackdown against banned outfits including Jaish-e-Mohammed. JeM chief Masood Azhar's son Hammad Azhar and brother Mufti Abdur Rauf were among 44 members of the banned militant outfits detained by authorities in Pakistan on Tuesday, amid mounting pressure from the global community on Islamabad to rein in the terror groups operating on its soil. India and Pakistan have agreed to open up a special border crossing linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district. Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, the first Gurdwara, was established by Guru Nanak Dev in 1522, where he is said to have died. The corridor will facilitate the visa-free travel of Indian Sikh pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur.

Pakistan team to visit India on March 14 to discuss Kartarpur draft agreement

Pakistan has arrested the son and brother of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.&nbsp;

Minister of State for the Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi announced at a press conference Tuesday that Mufti Abdur Rauf, Azhar's brother, and Hammad Azhar, Azhar's son, had been arrested along with 42 other members of terror groups.&nbsp;

Khan Afridi added that a dossier handed over to Pakistan last week by India had had Mufti Abdur Rauf and Hammad Azhar's names in it.

Khan Afridi however said Tuesday's&nbsp;action had not been taken due to any pressure.&nbsp;

He added the crackdown would continue for two weeks and that action&nbsp;against the 44 people arrested would be taken on the basis of evidence.

Khan Afridi said his government's policy is that Pakistan's soil will not be allowed to be used for terror activities against anyone.

The arrests came a day after Pakistan issued a new order easier to&nbsp;implement&nbsp;UN sanctions against individuals and organisations.

Interpreting the order, Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said the order allowed the government to take control of the properties and assets of any banned outfits operating out of Pakistan. Faisal said the order was passed by Prime Minister Imran Khan's cabinet.&nbsp;

Masood Azhar, the big prize India is after, continues to remain a free man.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/qureshi-hints-pakistan-may-not-oppose-listing-of-jem-chief-azhar-as-global-terrorist-by-unsc-201171">Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi</a>&nbsp;had on Monday however hinted that Pakistan may not oppose a joint move by the US, Britain and France to list Masood Azhar as a global terrorist in the UN Security Council.

(With inputs from PTI)

Pakistan has arrested the son and brother of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. Minister of State for the Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi announced at a press conference Tuesday that Mufti Abdur Rauf, Azhar's brother, and Hammad Azhar, Azhar's son, had been arrested along with 42 other members of terror groups.

Pakistan has arrested the son and brother of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. Minister of State for the Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi announced at a press conference Tuesday that Mufti Abdur Rauf, Azhar's brother, and Hammad Azhar, Azhar's son, had been arrested along with 42 other members of terror groups. Khan Afridi added that a dossier handed over to Pakistan last week by India had had Mufti Abdur Rauf and Hammad Azhar's names in it. Khan Afridi however said Tuesday's action had not been taken due to any pressure. He added the crackdown would continue for two weeks and that action against the 44 people arrested would be taken on the basis of evidence. Khan Afridi said his government's policy is that Pakistan's soil will not be allowed to be used for terror activities against anyone. The arrests came a day after Pakistan issued a new order easier to implement UN sanctions against individuals and organisations. Interpreting the order, Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said the order allowed the government to take control of the properties and assets of any banned outfits operating out of Pakistan. Faisal said the order was passed by Prime Minister Imran Khan's cabinet. Masood Azhar, the big prize India is after, continues to remain a free man. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had on Monday however hinted that Pakistan may not oppose a joint move by the US, Britain and France to list Masood Azhar as a global terrorist in the UN Security Council. (With inputs from PTI)

Pakistan arrests Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar's son, brother

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-options-available-if-there-is-another-terrorist-strike-official-sources-201309">All options available if there is another terrorist strike: Official sources</a>

Sources in the Indian government have said "all options will be available" if the country is hit by another terrorist strike.&nbsp;

The sources told the news agency PTI that India will insist on "concrete steps" by Pakistan to dismantle terrorist infrastructure on its soil and that since Balakot, India has been "trying to build maximum pressure on Pakistan".&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-puts-jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhars-son-brother-under-preventive-detention-201325">Pakistan arrests Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar's brother</a>

Pakistan has arrested the brother of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.&nbsp;

Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi said Tuesday at a press conference that Mufti Abdur Rauf had been arrested.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-says-it-stopped-indian-submarine-from-entering-its-waters-201282">Pakistan says it stopped Indian submarine from entering its waters</a>

Pakistan has stopped an Indian submarine from entering its waters, the navy said Tuesday, as tensions continue to run high between the nuclear-armed foes.

The development came days after a rare aerial dogfight between India and Pakistan over the disputed territory of Kashmir ignited fears of an all-out conflict, with world powers rushing to urge restraint.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-foreign-minister-jeremy-hunt-says-reasonably-positive-signs-from-eu-over-brexit-deal-changes-201281">UK Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt says 'reasonably positive' signs from EU over Brexit deal changes</a>

Foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Tuesday the European Union was giving "reasonably positive" signals about giving Britain changes to Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal which could help it get parliamentary backing.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/live-score-india-all-set-to-face-visitors-australia-in-2nd-odi-201250">Live score: Finch, Khawaja fall in quick succession, Australia 83/2 after 15.3 overs</a>

India all-out for 250 in 48.2 overs. India captain Virat Kohli top-scored with 116 off 120 balls while Vijay Shankar made 46 of 41.

All options available if there is another terrorist strike: Official sources Sources in the Indian government have said "all options will be available" if the country is hit by another terrorist strike.

All options available if there is another terrorist strike: Official sources Sources in the Indian government have said "all options will be available" if the country is hit by another terrorist strike. The sources told the news agency PTI that India will insist on "concrete steps" by Pakistan to dismantle terrorist infrastructure on its soil and that since Balakot, India has been "trying to build maximum pressure on Pakistan". Pakistan arrests Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar's brother Pakistan has arrested the brother of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi said Tuesday at a press conference that Mufti Abdur Rauf had been arrested. Pakistan says it stopped Indian submarine from entering its waters Pakistan has stopped an Indian submarine from entering its waters, the navy said Tuesday, as tensions continue to run high between the nuclear-armed foes. The development came days after a rare aerial dogfight between India and Pakistan over the disputed territory of Kashmir ignited fears of an all-out conflict, with world powers rushing to urge restraint. UK Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt says 'reasonably positive' signs from EU over Brexit deal changes Foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Tuesday the European Union was giving "reasonably positive" signals about giving Britain changes to Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal which could help it get parliamentary backing. Live score: Finch, Khawaja fall in quick succession, Australia 83/2 after 15.3 overs India all-out for 250 in 48.2 overs. India captain Virat Kohli top-scored with 116 off 120 balls while Vijay Shankar made 46 of 41.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-says-it-stopped-indian-submarine-from-entering-its-waters-201282">Pakistan has made</a> it easier to seize and freeze the assets of people and groups facing UN sanctions, the foreign ministry said, part of intensified efforts to dismantle Islamist militant groups.

Pakistan is under increasing pressure from global powers to act against militant groups carrying out attacks in India, including Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary police in a suicide bombing last month in the disputed Kashmir region.

The bomb attack led to the most serious conflict in years between the nuclear-armed neighbours with cross-border air strikes and a brief dogfight over the skies of Kashmir.

Tension cooled when Pakistan returned a downed Indian pilot on Friday.

Pakistan has long used some Islamist groups to pursue its aims in the region, but it has denied Indian accusations it actively supports militants fighting Indian forces in India's part of the disputed Muslim-majority region of Kashmir.

From time to time - usually as a result of outside pressure - Pakistan has cracked down on anti-India militants but most factions manage to survive and resume activities.

Pakistan's foreign ministry late on Monday said a new order, updating existing laws that deal with those on UN sanctions lists, had been issued "to streamline the procedure for implementation of Security Council sanctions against designated individuals and entities".

Ministry spokesman Mohammad Faisal said the order was passed by the cabinet of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Many Pakistani groups and individuals are sanctioned by the United Nations, including the JeM, and Hafiz Saeed, the founder of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant group that carried out the 2008 attacks in Mumbai, in which 166 people were killed.

Saeed, who holds public gatherings in Pakistan, has been at the heart of criticism that Pakistan does not enforce its anti-militancy laws.

On Monday, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said Pakistan had developed a "full-fledged strategy" to deal with militants and the government was looking to close "loopholes" that allowed banned groups to operate.

"With banned groups it will be made sure that they will be banned in practical terms also," he said.

A senior counter-terrorism official told Reuters the government was looking to set up a coordination "cell" to oversee action against militants.

"This cell will coordinate with finance ministry, counter-terrorism departments, state bank, and financial monitoring units to see what actions have been taken against the militant groups, their assets and their sources of income," he said.

The ministry had no immediate comment.

Over the weekend, both the United States and Britain urged Pakistan to deal with militant groups. Britain urged Khan to "address the causes of this conflict" with its neighbour.

Pakistan and India have gone to war three times, twice over the divided Himalayan region of Kashmir, which they both rule in part. India controls most of the region, including the populous Kashmir Valley.

Pakistan says Kashmir was unfairly made part of India when British India was partitioned at the end of colonial rule, and the people of Kashmir should be allowed to decide if they want to join Pakistan or remain part of India.

India rules that out.

Pakistan has made it easier to seize and freeze the assets of people and groups facing UN sanctions, the foreign ministry said, part of intensified efforts to dismantle Islamist militant groups.

Pakistan has made it easier to seize and freeze the assets of people and groups facing UN sanctions, the foreign ministry said, part of intensified efforts to dismantle Islamist militant groups. Pakistan is under increasing pressure from global powers to act against militant groups carrying out attacks in India, including Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary police in a suicide bombing last month in the disputed Kashmir region. The bomb attack led to the most serious conflict in years between the nuclear-armed neighbours with cross-border air strikes and a brief dogfight over the skies of Kashmir. Tension cooled when Pakistan returned a downed Indian pilot on Friday. Pakistan has long used some Islamist groups to pursue its aims in the region, but it has denied Indian accusations it actively supports militants fighting Indian forces in India's part of the disputed Muslim-majority region of Kashmir. From time to time - usually as a result of outside pressure - Pakistan has cracked down on anti-India militants but most factions manage to survive and resume activities. Pakistan's foreign ministry late on Monday said a new order, updating existing laws that deal with those on UN sanctions lists, had been issued "to streamline the procedure for implementation of Security Council sanctions against designated individuals and entities". Ministry spokesman Mohammad Faisal said the order was passed by the cabinet of Prime Minister Imran Khan. Many Pakistani groups and individuals are sanctioned by the United Nations, including the JeM, and Hafiz Saeed, the founder of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant group that carried out the 2008 attacks in Mumbai, in which 166 people were killed. Saeed, who holds public gatherings in Pakistan, has been at the heart of criticism that Pakistan does not enforce its anti-militancy laws. On Monday, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said Pakistan had developed a "full-fledged strategy" to deal with militants and the government was looking to close "loopholes" that allowed banned groups to operate. "With banned groups it will be made sure that they will be banned in practical terms also," he said. A senior counter-terrorism official told Reuters the government was looking to set up a coordination "cell" to oversee action against militants. "This cell will coordinate with finance ministry, counter-terrorism departments, state bank, and financial monitoring units to see what actions have been taken against the militant groups, their assets and their sources of income," he said. The ministry had no immediate comment. Over the weekend, both the United States and Britain urged Pakistan to deal with militant groups. Britain urged Khan to "address the causes of this conflict" with its neighbour. Pakistan and India have gone to war three times, twice over the divided Himalayan region of Kashmir, which they both rule in part. India controls most of the region, including the populous Kashmir Valley. Pakistan says Kashmir was unfairly made part of India when British India was partitioned at the end of colonial rule, and the people of Kashmir should be allowed to decide if they want to join Pakistan or remain part of India. India rules that out.

Pakistan makes it easier to go after assets of UN-sanctioned militants

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday hinted that his country may not oppose a joint move by France, Britain and the US in the UN Security Council to list Jaish-e-Mohammed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/masood-azhar-the-moulvi-with-a-limp-who-became-indias-most-wanted-man-201022">terror group's chief Masood Azhar</a> as a global terrorist.

"Time has come for Pakistan to decide in its own interests. We will do what's in Pakistan's interests," Qureshi told Geo TV in an interview.

Last week, the US, the UK and France moved a fresh proposal in the UN Security Council to designate Azhar as a global terrorist, a listing that will subject him to global travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo.

The Security Council Sanctions Committee has 10 working days to consider the fresh proposal submitted by the three members. It is the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist.

When asked whether Pakistan will request its close ally China to veto the resolution once again in the UNSC, Qureshi said his government will try to build a consensus among all parties and do what's in Pakistan's interests.

"We have some global commitments...We will have to take action which doesn't harm our global reputation," he said, without elaborating. Describing the situation following the Pulwama terror attack as a "defining moment" for Pakistan, he said Pakistan doesn't want to go for a war with India.

"We want peace. Our people want jobs, they want reforms in institutions, they want us to crack down on corruption...," he added.

In 2009, India moved a proposal to designate Azhar, whose UN-proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for the suicide attack against Indian security forces in Pulwama on February 14 in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed.

In 2016 again, India moved the proposal with the P3 - the US, the UK and France in the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the airbase in Pathankot in January 2016.

In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, on all occasions, China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, blocked India's proposal from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee.

It remains to be seen how China will vote on the proposal this time.

India has strongly reiterated its appeal to all members of the international community to support the proposal to list terrorists, including Azhar, as designated terrorists under the 1267 Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council, and to ban terrorist organisations operating from territories controlled by Pakistan.

Tensions between India and Pakistan flared up after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based JeM killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir on February 14.&nbsp;

India Wednesday handed over to Pakistan a dossier on "specific details" of involvement of JeM in the attack.

When asked about the dossier on JeM handed over by India, Qureshi said, "We are examining it and we will respond accordingly."

According to a top government source here, Pakistan has decided to launch a crackdown on terror outfits, including JeM and its chief Azhar, in order to de-escalate the tensions with India and the action is "expected any time soon".

Pakistan Monday promulgated a law to streamline the procedure for the implementation of the UN sanctions against individuals and organisations, amid mounting pressure from the global community to rein in the terror groups operating on its soil and curb their financing.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday hinted that his country may not oppose a joint move by France, Britain and the US in the UN Security Council to list Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday hinted that his country may not oppose a joint move by France, Britain and the US in the UN Security Council to list Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. "Time has come for Pakistan to decide in its own interests. We will do what's in Pakistan's interests," Qureshi told Geo TV in an interview. Last week, the US, the UK and France moved a fresh proposal in the UN Security Council to designate Azhar as a global terrorist, a listing that will subject him to global travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo. The Security Council Sanctions Committee has 10 working days to consider the fresh proposal submitted by the three members. It is the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. When asked whether Pakistan will request its close ally China to veto the resolution once again in the UNSC, Qureshi said his government will try to build a consensus among all parties and do what's in Pakistan's interests. "We have some global commitments...We will have to take action which doesn't harm our global reputation," he said, without elaborating. Describing the situation following the Pulwama terror attack as a "defining moment" for Pakistan, he said Pakistan doesn't want to go for a war with India. "We want peace. Our people want jobs, they want reforms in institutions, they want us to crack down on corruption...," he added. In 2009, India moved a proposal to designate Azhar, whose UN-proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for the suicide attack against Indian security forces in Pulwama on February 14 in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed. In 2016 again, India moved the proposal with the P3 - the US, the UK and France in the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the airbase in Pathankot in January 2016. In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, on all occasions, China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, blocked India's proposal from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee. It remains to be seen how China will vote on the proposal this time. India has strongly reiterated its appeal to all members of the international community to support the proposal to list terrorists, including Azhar, as designated terrorists under the 1267 Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council, and to ban terrorist organisations operating from territories controlled by Pakistan. Tensions between India and Pakistan flared up after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based JeM killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir on February 14. India Wednesday handed over to Pakistan a dossier on "specific details" of involvement of JeM in the attack. When asked about the dossier on JeM handed over by India, Qureshi said, "We are examining it and we will respond accordingly." According to a top government source here, Pakistan has decided to launch a crackdown on terror outfits, including JeM and its chief Azhar, in order to de-escalate the tensions with India and the action is "expected any time soon". Pakistan Monday promulgated a law to streamline the procedure for the implementation of the UN sanctions against individuals and organisations, amid mounting pressure from the global community to rein in the terror groups operating on its soil and curb their financing.

Foreign Minister Qureshi hints Pakistan may not oppose listing of JeM chief Azhar as global terrorist by UNSC

Pakistan plans to take action against militant groups operating on its soil, a minister said on Monday, amid global pressure to act after a suicide bomber killed 40 Indian paramilitary police in Kashmir last month.

But Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry denied Indian accusations that Pakistan was involved in the Feb. 14 attack, which led to a sharp rise in hostilities, saying it "had nothing to do with us".

Nuclear-armed Pakistan and India both carried out aerial bombing missions last week and on Wednesday fought a brief dogfight in the skies over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, but they stepped back from the brink after Islamabad on Friday handed back a captured Indian pilot as a peace gesture.

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Britain and the United States welcomed the pilot's return but urged Islamabad to take action against militant groups carrying out attacks on Indian soil. Islamabad denies assisting the groups or using them as proxies in its rivalry with India.

Previous vows by the Pakistan government to crack down on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-government-not-to-oppose-masood-azhars-listing-as-global-terrorist-at-un-sources-to-wion-201062">anti-India militant groups</a> have largely come to nothing, with militant leaders living freely in Pakistan.

Pakistan's powerful military dictates the South Asian nation's security plans and foreign policy, including relations with India.

Chaudhry said the decision to act was taken at a meeting of the National Security Committee before the suicide bombing, claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), in Kashmir.

"A full-fledged strategy is now in place," Chaudhry told Reuters. "We have different strategies for different groups, but the main aim is that we have to enforce the writ of the state. We have to demilitarise if there are groups (on our soil)."

Pakistan's English-language Dawn newspaper said a source briefed journalists that a crackdown against militant groups was imminent.

"The action would soon be visible as things progress," Dawn cited the source as saying. It did not identify the source or say whether it was from the military or government.

In September 2017, Reuters reported that Pakistan's military had decided to deradicalise armed militant groups and try to get them involved in politics.

That strategy was criticised by civil society groups and the previous civilian government after the emergence of a new party linked to Hafiz Saeed, the alleged mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people. Saeed denied a role in the attack but the new party was later banned.

DRYING UP MILITANTS' FUNDS

Chaudhry said Pakistan would use an "economic, political and administrative strategy" that would adhere to Pakistan's National Action Plan (NAP) formulated in 2014, which vowed to stamp out militant groups.

Analysts say security services carrying out NAP did not target anti-India outfits.

Chaudhry added that Pakistan would also fulfil demands set out by a global watchdog, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which put Pakistan on a terrorism watch list in 2018 on the urging of the United States and European nations.

"We have to implement FATF conditionalities, and likewise, we have taken strict measures on money laundering to dry the source of funding for these groups," Chaudhry said.

Chaudhry said the government was looking to close "loopholes" that allowed banned groups to operate.

"With banned groups it will be made sure that they will be banned in practical terms also," he said. "The problem is that they change names and start operating from other names. This needs to be taken care of."

India accused Pakistan of playing a role in the Feb. 14 JeM attack in the Kashmiri city of Pulwama.

"We have looked at the incident and it is our considered opinion that Pulwama has nothing to do with us," Chaudhry said.

The United States, Britain and France proposed last week that the U.N. Security Council blacklist the head of JeM, Masood Azhar. A vote is due to be held in mid-March with a focus on Pakistan's staunch ally China, which has blocked previous attempts by world powers to sanction the JeM chief.

Pakistan's foreign minister last week told CNN that Azhar was in Pakistan and "really unwell".

India on Tuesday bombed what New Delhi called a JeM militant training camp in a forest area in northern Pakistan, killing "many terrorists". Islamabad denied such a camp existed and invited journalists to visit the site.

Villagers in the area said there was no active militant camp but pointed to a nearby madrasa and said it was run by JeM. The military prevented Reuters reports from visiting the madrasa.

Pakistan plans to take action against militant groups operating on its soil, a minister said on Monday, amid global pressure to act after a suicide bomber killed 40 Indian paramilitary police in Kashmir last month.

Pakistan plans to take action against militant groups operating on its soil, a minister said on Monday, amid global pressure to act after a suicide bomber killed 40 Indian paramilitary police in Kashmir last month. But Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry denied Indian accusations that Pakistan was involved in the Feb. 14 attack, which led to a sharp rise in hostilities, saying it "had nothing to do with us". Nuclear-armed Pakistan and India both carried out aerial bombing missions last week and on Wednesday fought a brief dogfight in the skies over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, but they stepped back from the brink after Islamabad on Friday handed back a captured Indian pilot as a peace gesture. Pakistan's English-language Dawn newspaper meanwhile quoted a source as saying a crackdown against terrorist groups is imminent × Britain and the United States welcomed the pilot's return but urged Islamabad to take action against militant groups carrying out attacks on Indian soil. Islamabad denies assisting the groups or using them as proxies in its rivalry with India. Previous vows by the Pakistan government to crack down on anti-India militant groups have largely come to nothing, with militant leaders living freely in Pakistan. Pakistan's powerful military dictates the South Asian nation's security plans and foreign policy, including relations with India. Chaudhry said the decision to act was taken at a meeting of the National Security Committee before the suicide bombing, claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), in Kashmir. "A full-fledged strategy is now in place," Chaudhry told Reuters. "We have different strategies for different groups, but the main aim is that we have to enforce the writ of the state. We have to demilitarise if there are groups (on our soil)." Pakistan's English-language Dawn newspaper said a source briefed journalists that a crackdown against militant groups was imminent. "The action would soon be visible as things progress," Dawn cited the source as saying. It did not identify the source or say whether it was from the military or government. In September 2017, Reuters reported that Pakistan's military had decided to deradicalise armed militant groups and try to get them involved in politics. That strategy was criticised by civil society groups and the previous civilian government after the emergence of a new party linked to Hafiz Saeed, the alleged mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people. Saeed denied a role in the attack but the new party was later banned. DRYING UP MILITANTS' FUNDS Chaudhry said Pakistan would use an "economic, political and administrative strategy" that would adhere to Pakistan's National Action Plan (NAP) formulated in 2014, which vowed to stamp out militant groups. Analysts say security services carrying out NAP did not target anti-India outfits. Chaudhry added that Pakistan would also fulfil demands set out by a global watchdog, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which put Pakistan on a terrorism watch list in 2018 on the urging of the United States and European nations. "We have to implement FATF conditionalities, and likewise, we have taken strict measures on money laundering to dry the source of funding for these groups," Chaudhry said. Chaudhry said the government was looking to close "loopholes" that allowed banned groups to operate. "With banned groups it will be made sure that they will be banned in practical terms also," he said. "The problem is that they change names and start operating from other names. This needs to be taken care of." India accused Pakistan of playing a role in the Feb. 14 JeM attack in the Kashmiri city of Pulwama. "We have looked at the incident and it is our considered opinion that Pulwama has nothing to do with us," Chaudhry said. The United States, Britain and France proposed last week that the U.N. Security Council blacklist the head of JeM, Masood Azhar. A vote is due to be held in mid-March with a focus on Pakistan's staunch ally China, which has blocked previous attempts by world powers to sanction the JeM chief. Pakistan's foreign minister last week told CNN that Azhar was in Pakistan and "really unwell". India on Tuesday bombed what New Delhi called a JeM militant training camp in a forest area in northern Pakistan, killing "many terrorists". Islamabad denied such a camp existed and invited journalists to visit the site. Villagers in the area said there was no active militant camp but pointed to a nearby madrasa and said it was run by JeM. The military prevented Reuters reports from visiting the madrasa.

Pakistan plans to take action against terrorists operating from its soil: Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary

After reports emerged that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amid-conflicting-reports-sources-say-masood-azhar-never-hospitalised-plans-to-release-message-soon-201024">Masood Azhar was still alive</a> in Pakistan, sources have told WION that Pakistan government will not oppose listing of Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" at the UN.

Sources have told WION that the Pakistan government will act "decisively" against all non-state actors. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhar-alive-says-pakistan-media-200960">Masood's Jaish-e-Mohammed</a>(JeM) had taken responsibility for the Pulwama attack on February 14th in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

Listing Masood as a global terrorist would mean a global travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo on the JeM chief.

Last week, US, the UK and France had moved a fresh proposal in the UN Security Council to designate Azhar as a global terrorist. The Security Council Sanctions Committee has&nbsp;10 days to consider the fresh proposal submitted by the three permanent members.&nbsp;

Reports say the proposal will be discussed at the UNSC on March 13th.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JL-WOo28n0k" width="560"></iframe>

China has veted the proposal on Masood Azhar thrice&nbsp;earlier. Meanwhile, reports had indicated earlier that Masood was dead, however, it was denied by Pakistani officials. &nbsp;Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had told a US news channel that the JeM chief was in the country and was "very unwell"

"He is in Pakistan, according to my information. He is unwell to the extent that he can't leave his house, because he's really unwell," Qureshi told the US news channel.

Earlier, a Pakistani media report had said a security official had hinted that Pakistan may withdraw its opposition to the listing of JeM chief as global terrorist by the UN Security Council.

In 2009, India had moved a proposal to designate Azhar as a global terrorist but it was vetoed by China. In 2016 again, India moved the proposal with the P3 - the United States, the United Kingdom and France in the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the air base in Pathankot in January, 2016.

In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. On all occasions&nbsp;it was vetoed by China.

After reports emerged that Masood Azhar was still alive in Pakistan, sources have told WION that Pakistan government will not oppose listing of Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" at the UN.

After reports emerged that Masood Azhar was still alive in Pakistan, sources have told WION that Pakistan government will not oppose listing of Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" at the UN. Sources have told WION that the Pakistan government will act "decisively" against all non-state actors. Masood's Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) had taken responsibility for the Pulwama attack on February 14th in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. Listing Masood as a global terrorist would mean a global travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo on the JeM chief. Last week, US, the UK and France had moved a fresh proposal in the UN Security Council to designate Azhar as a global terrorist. The Security Council Sanctions Committee has 10 days to consider the fresh proposal submitted by the three permanent members. Reports say the proposal will be discussed at the UNSC on March 13th. China has veted the proposal on Masood Azhar thrice earlier. Meanwhile, reports had indicated earlier that Masood was dead, however, it was denied by Pakistani officials. Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had told a US news channel that the JeM chief was in the country and was "very unwell" "He is in Pakistan, according to my information. He is unwell to the extent that he can't leave his house, because he's really unwell," Qureshi told the US news channel. Earlier, a Pakistani media report had said a security official had hinted that Pakistan may withdraw its opposition to the listing of JeM chief as global terrorist by the UN Security Council. In 2009, India had moved a proposal to designate Azhar as a global terrorist but it was vetoed by China. In 2016 again, India moved the proposal with the P3 - the United States, the United Kingdom and France in the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the air base in Pathankot in January, 2016. In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. On all occasions it was vetoed by China.

Pak government not to oppose Masood Azhar's listing as global terrorist at UN: Sources to WION

Pakistan may take "decisive action" against all proscribed organisations, including Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and even withdraw its opposition to the move to list <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/intel-agencies-trying-to-ascertain-reports-on-masood-azhars-death-officials-200916">the terror outfit's chief Masood Azhar</a> in the UN Security Council terror list, according to a media report on Sunday.

The US, the UK and France on Wednesday moved a fresh proposal in the UN Security Council to designate Pakistan-based chief Azhar as a global terrorist, a listing that will subject him to global travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo.

In a major policy decision, Pakistan is set to take decisive action against all proscribed organisations as well as against the head of banned JeM, a senior security official familiar with the development was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune.

It is not clear what specific action would be taken against Azhar but the official hinted that Pakistan may withdraw its opposition to the listing of JeM chief as global terrorist by the UN Security Council.

"The state has to decide whether individual is important or the larger national interest of the country," the official said when asked if Pakistan would no more oppose the UNSC action against Azhar.

The Security Council Sanctions Committee will consider within 10 days on the fresh proposal moved by the three permanent veto-wielding members of the 15-nation Security Council.

The proposal is the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist.

In 2009, India moved a proposal to designate Azhar, whose UN-proscribed JeM claimed responsibility for the suicide attack against Indian security forces in Pulwama on February 14 in which over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed.

In 2016 again, India moved the proposal with the P3 - the United States, the United Kingdom and France in the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the air base in Pathankot in January, 2016.

In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, on all occasions, China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, blocked India's proposal from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee.

The official, however, insisted that the move to take action against such individuals was taken before the Pulwama attack, the report said.

He also clarified Pakistan's decision to act decisively was taken not to give any "face saving" to India.

"We need to correct ourselves in our own national interests and not someone else's," the official was quoted as saying in the report.

The official further said that the Pakistani authorities had conducted investigations into the Pulwama terror attack on CRPF personnel in and found "no evidence whatsoever of any involvement of Pakistan or any organisation in it."

Stressing that the country's leadership was determined to take action against anyone found involved in the Pulwama attack, he said the dossier shared by India with Pakistan had nothing in it that suggested involvement of any Pakistani organisation.&nbsp;

Pakistan may take "decisive action" against all proscribed organisations, including Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and even withdraw its opposition to the move to list the terror outfit's chief Masood Azhar in the UN Security Council terror list, according to a media report on Sunday.

Pakistan may take "decisive action" against all proscribed organisations, including Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and even withdraw its opposition to the move to list the terror outfit's chief Masood Azhar in the UN Security Council terror list, according to a media report on Sunday. The US, the UK and France on Wednesday moved a fresh proposal in the UN Security Council to designate Pakistan-based chief Azhar as a global terrorist, a listing that will subject him to global travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo. In a major policy decision, Pakistan is set to take decisive action against all proscribed organisations as well as against the head of banned JeM, a senior security official familiar with the development was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune. It is not clear what specific action would be taken against Azhar but the official hinted that Pakistan may withdraw its opposition to the listing of JeM chief as global terrorist by the UN Security Council. "The state has to decide whether individual is important or the larger national interest of the country," the official said when asked if Pakistan would no more oppose the UNSC action against Azhar. The Security Council Sanctions Committee will consider within 10 days on the fresh proposal moved by the three permanent veto-wielding members of the 15-nation Security Council. The proposal is the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. In 2009, India moved a proposal to designate Azhar, whose UN-proscribed JeM claimed responsibility for the suicide attack against Indian security forces in Pulwama on February 14 in which over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed. In 2016 again, India moved the proposal with the P3 - the United States, the United Kingdom and France in the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the air base in Pathankot in January, 2016. In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, on all occasions, China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, blocked India's proposal from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee. The official, however, insisted that the move to take action against such individuals was taken before the Pulwama attack, the report said. He also clarified Pakistan's decision to act decisively was taken not to give any "face saving" to India. "We need to correct ourselves in our own national interests and not someone else's," the official was quoted as saying in the report. The official further said that the Pakistani authorities had conducted investigations into the Pulwama terror attack on CRPF personnel in and found "no evidence whatsoever of any involvement of Pakistan or any organisation in it." Stressing that the country's leadership was determined to take action against anyone found involved in the Pulwama attack, he said the dossier shared by India with Pakistan had nothing in it that suggested involvement of any Pakistani organisation.

Pakistan may take 'decisive action' against Jaish-e-Mohammed: Report

India's most wanted terrorist and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-may-take-decisive-action-against-jaish-e-mohammed-report-200955">Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar</a> is "alive", a Pakistani media report said on Sunday, quoting unnamed sources close to his family.

The media reports claiming that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/intel-agencies-trying-to-ascertain-reports-on-masood-azhars-death-officials-200916">JeM leader is dead are false</a>, Geo Urdu News reported.

The report came amid speculation on social media that JeM founder has died.

However, there was no official confirmation.

Quoting unnamed sources close to the family of the JeM chief, the channel said Azhar is "alive", without elaborating on his health condition.

There was no official word on Azhar's fate from the Pakistan government.

"I don't know anything at this moment," Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry told PTI, when asked about media reports claiming the death of Azhar.

A resident of Bahawalpur in Pakistan's Punjab province, Azhar formed the&nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammed in 2000.

The 50-year-old Azhar, who was released by the NDA government in 1999 in exchange of hostages of the hijacked Indian Airlines plane IC-814, has been accused of being the mastermind of the 2001 Parliament attack, suicide attack on Jammu and Kashmir state assembly, attack on Pathankot IAF base and the latest Pulwama terror strike.

Meanwhile, Intelligence agencies in New Delhi were trying to ascertain reports on social media about the death of Azhar in Pakistan.

The Indian officials said they had no information other than that Azhar was undergoing treatment at an army hospital after suffering renal failure. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Jaish terror group's Balakot camp, where training was imparted to recruits to carry out suicide attacks, was targeted by the IAF in an air strike last week, following the Pulwama terror attack in which over 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

The Indian government has claimed that it achieved spectacular success by destroying the facility.

In an interview to CNN, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi earlier admitted that the JeM chief is in his country and is "very unwell", but said the government can act against him only if India presents "solid" and "inalienable" evidence that can stand in a court of law.

"He is in Pakistan, according to my information. He is unwell to the extent that he can't leave his house, because he's really unwell," Qureshi said.

The US, the UK and France last week moved a fresh proposal in the UN Security Council to designate Azhar as a global terrorist, a listing that will subject him to global travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo.

The proposal was moved Wednesday by the three permanent veto-wielding members of the 15-nation Security Council. The Security Council Sanctions Committee will have 10 working days to consider the fresh proposal submitted by the three permanent members.&nbsp;

India's most wanted terrorist and Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar is "alive", a Pakistani media report said on Sunday, quoting unnamed sources close to his family.

India's most wanted terrorist and Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar is "alive", a Pakistani media report said on Sunday, quoting unnamed sources close to his family. The media reports claiming that JeM leader is dead are false, Geo Urdu News reported. The report came amid speculation on social media that JeM founder has died. However, there was no official confirmation. Quoting unnamed sources close to the family of the JeM chief, the channel said Azhar is "alive", without elaborating on his health condition. There was no official word on Azhar's fate from the Pakistan government. "I don't know anything at this moment," Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry told PTI, when asked about media reports claiming the death of Azhar. A resident of Bahawalpur in Pakistan's Punjab province, Azhar formed the Jaish-e-Mohammed in 2000. The 50-year-old Azhar, who was released by the NDA government in 1999 in exchange of hostages of the hijacked Indian Airlines plane IC-814, has been accused of being the mastermind of the 2001 Parliament attack, suicide attack on Jammu and Kashmir state assembly, attack on Pathankot IAF base and the latest Pulwama terror strike. Meanwhile, Intelligence agencies in New Delhi were trying to ascertain reports on social media about the death of Azhar in Pakistan. The Indian officials said they had no information other than that Azhar was undergoing treatment at an army hospital after suffering renal failure. Jaish terror group's Balakot camp, where training was imparted to recruits to carry out suicide attacks, was targeted by the IAF in an air strike last week, following the Pulwama terror attack in which over 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The Indian government has claimed that it achieved spectacular success by destroying the facility. In an interview to CNN, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi earlier admitted that the JeM chief is in his country and is "very unwell", but said the government can act against him only if India presents "solid" and "inalienable" evidence that can stand in a court of law. "He is in Pakistan, according to my information. He is unwell to the extent that he can't leave his house, because he's really unwell," Qureshi said. The US, the UK and France last week moved a fresh proposal in the UN Security Council to designate Azhar as a global terrorist, a listing that will subject him to global travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo. The proposal was moved Wednesday by the three permanent veto-wielding members of the 15-nation Security Council. The Security Council Sanctions Committee will have 10 working days to consider the fresh proposal submitted by the three permanent members.

Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar 'alive', says Pakistan media

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-audio-message-jem-admits-damage-incurred-at-training-camp-in-pak-after-indian-strikes-200817">In </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-audio-message-jem-admits-damage-incurred-at-training-camp-in-pak-after-indian-strikes-200817">audio</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-audio-message-jem-admits-damage-incurred-at-training-camp-in-pak-after-indian-strikes-200817"> message, JeM admits damage to training camp in Pakistan after Indian strikes</a>

In the latest development with respect to the Pulwama terror attack, an audio clip has emerged which is believed to carry a message from Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar's brother.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-internal-matter-says-india-in-reaction-to-oic-resolution-200820">Jammu and Kashmir integral to us: India in reaction to OIC resolution</a>

Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and the issue is strictly internal to the country, New Delhi asserted Saturday, in reaction to a resolution on the matter by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in its two-day foreign ministers' conclave in Abu Dhabi.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blasts-mueller-probe-at-cpac-says-opponents-trying-to-take-me-out-200813">Trump blasts Mueller probe at CPAC, says opponents 'trying to take me out'</a>

President Donald Trump on Saturday (March 2) attacked US Special Counsel Robert Mueller ahead of his report on alleged Russia collusion by the Trump campaign in 2016 and said his political opponents were "trying to take me out with bu****it."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-reciprocal-tax-on-india-to-match-tariffs-on-us-exports-says-donald-trump-200816">Want 'reciprocal tax' on India to match tariffs on US exports, says Donald Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (local time) accused India of being a “high tariff nation” and threatened to impose “a reciprocal tax” to match the heavy duties that New Delhi imposes on goods imported from the United States.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/50-believed-to-be-dead-in-nigeria-after-oil-pipeline-explosion-200821">50 believed to be dead in Nigeria after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/50-believed-to-be-dead-in-nigeria-after-oil-pipeline-explosion-200821">oil</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/50-believed-to-be-dead-in-nigeria-after-oil-pipeline-explosion-200821"> pipeline explosion</a>

Fifty people in Nigeria are believed to be dead after an oil pipeline exploded in Nembe town in eastern Nigeria early on Friday morning (local time), the local media reported.

&nbsp;

In audio message, JeM admits damage to training camp in Pakistan after Indian strikes In the latest development with respect to the Pulwama terror attack, an audio clip has emerged which is believed to carry a message from Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar's brother.

In audio message, JeM admits damage to training camp in Pakistan after Indian strikes In the latest development with respect to the Pulwama terror attack, an audio clip has emerged which is believed to carry a message from Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar's brother. Jammu and Kashmir integral to us: India in reaction to OIC resolution Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and the issue is strictly internal to the country, New Delhi asserted Saturday, in reaction to a resolution on the matter by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in its two-day foreign ministers' conclave in Abu Dhabi. Trump blasts Mueller probe at CPAC, says opponents 'trying to take me out' President Donald Trump on Saturday (March 2) attacked US Special Counsel Robert Mueller ahead of his report on alleged Russia collusion by the Trump campaign in 2016 and said his political opponents were "trying to take me out with bu****it." Want 'reciprocal tax' on India to match tariffs on US exports, says Donald Trump US President Donald Trump on Saturday (local time) accused India of being a “high tariff nation” and threatened to impose “a reciprocal tax” to match the heavy duties that New Delhi imposes on goods imported from the United States. 50 believed to be dead in Nigeria after oil pipeline explosion Fifty people in Nigeria are believed to be dead after an oil pipeline exploded in Nembe town in eastern Nigeria early on Friday morning (local time), the local media reported.

Intelligence agencies were trying to ascertain reports on social media about <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jem-chief-masood-azhar-suspected-to-be-afflicted-with-renal-failure-undergoes-regular-dialysis-200758">the death of Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group chief Masood Azhar in Pakistan,</a>&nbsp;officials said on Sunday.

The officials said they had no information other than that Azhar was undergoing treatment at an army hospital after suffering renal failure.

A resident of Bahawalpur in Pakistan's Punjab province, Azhar formed the Jaish-e-Mohammed in 2000.

The 50-year-old Azhar, who was released by the NDA government in 1999 in exchange of hostages of the hijacked Indian Airlines plane IC-814, has been accused of being the mastermind of the 2001 Parliament attack, suicide attack on Jammu and Kashmir state assembly, attack on Pathankot IAF base and the latest Pulwama terror strike.

The social media was filled with reports that Azhar had died, but there was no confirmation as of now, the officials said.&nbsp;

Jaish terror group's Balakot camp, where training was imparted to recruits to carry out suicide attacks, was targeted by the IAF in an air strike last week, following the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

The government has claimed that it achieved spectacular success by destroying the facility.

In an interview to CNN, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi earlier admitted that the JeM chief is in Pakistan and is "very unwell", but said the government can act against him only if India presents "solid" and "inalienable" evidence that can stand in a court of law.

"He is in Pakistan, according to my information. He is unwell to the extent that he can't leave his house, because he's really unwell," Qureshi said.&nbsp;

Intelligence agencies were trying to ascertain reports on social media about the death of Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group chief Masood Azhar in Pakistan, officials said on Sunday.

Intelligence agencies were trying to ascertain reports on social media about the death of Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group chief Masood Azhar in Pakistan, officials said on Sunday. The officials said they had no information other than that Azhar was undergoing treatment at an army hospital after suffering renal failure. A resident of Bahawalpur in Pakistan's Punjab province, Azhar formed the Jaish-e-Mohammed in 2000. The 50-year-old Azhar, who was released by the NDA government in 1999 in exchange of hostages of the hijacked Indian Airlines plane IC-814, has been accused of being the mastermind of the 2001 Parliament attack, suicide attack on Jammu and Kashmir state assembly, attack on Pathankot IAF base and the latest Pulwama terror strike. The social media was filled with reports that Azhar had died, but there was no confirmation as of now, the officials said. Jaish terror group's Balakot camp, where training was imparted to recruits to carry out suicide attacks, was targeted by the IAF in an air strike last week, following the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The government has claimed that it achieved spectacular success by destroying the facility. In an interview to CNN, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi earlier admitted that the JeM chief is in Pakistan and is "very unwell", but said the government can act against him only if India presents "solid" and "inalienable" evidence that can stand in a court of law. "He is in Pakistan, according to my information. He is unwell to the extent that he can't leave his house, because he's really unwell," Qureshi said.

Is JeM chief Masood Azhar dead? Intelligence agencies verifying reports, say officials

A day after admitting Masood Azhar's presence in his country,&nbsp;Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi denied&nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammed's role in the ghastly Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14.

In an interview to BBC, Qureshi said people&nbsp;contacted JeM over its responsibility in the attack with the terror group clarifying they had no responsibility. &nbsp;

Qureshi said&nbsp;"They have not claimed (responsibility)... there is confusion on that... leadership was contacted and they said no". When asked who contacted JeM leadership, the Pak minister said "There are people who are known to them".

Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed responsibility for the attack and released a video of suicide bomber&nbsp;Adil Ahmad Dar who had carried out the attack.

India has already given a dossier regarding JeM's involvement in the attack to Pakistan.

When asked about the dossier, Qureshi reacted said "we are studying it".

On Friday, speaking to CNN, Qureshi said JeM chief Masood <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jem-chief-masood-azhar-is-in-pakistan-and-is-very-unwell-pakistan-foreign-minister-shah-mahmood-qureshi-200428">Azhar is in Pakistan but very unwell</a>.&nbsp;

Qureshi told CNN," He is in Pakistan... He is unwell to the extent that he can't leave his house, because he is really unwell".

India is hoping that Azhar is listed as an international terrorist under the United Nations Security Council's 1267 committee. France, UK, US have already proposed his listing. China is the only worry for New Delhi since Beijing has been scuttling India's effort citing lack of consensus.&nbsp;

A day after admitting Masood Azhar's presence in his country, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi denied Jaish-e-Mohammed's role in the ghastly Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14.

A day after admitting Masood Azhar's presence in his country, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi denied Jaish-e-Mohammed's role in the ghastly Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14. In an interview to BBC, Qureshi said people contacted JeM over its responsibility in the attack with the terror group clarifying they had no responsibility. Qureshi said "They have not claimed (responsibility)... there is confusion on that... leadership was contacted and they said no". When asked who contacted JeM leadership, the Pak minister said "There are people who are known to them". Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed responsibility for the attack and released a video of suicide bomber Adil Ahmad Dar who had carried out the attack. India has already given a dossier regarding JeM's involvement in the attack to Pakistan. When asked about the dossier, Qureshi reacted said "we are studying it". On Friday, speaking to CNN, Qureshi said JeM chief Masood Azhar is in Pakistan but very unwell. Qureshi told CNN," He is in Pakistan... He is unwell to the extent that he can't leave his house, because he is really unwell". India is hoping that Azhar is listed as an international terrorist under the United Nations Security Council's 1267 committee. France, UK, US have already proposed his listing. China is the only worry for New Delhi since Beijing has been scuttling India's effort citing lack of consensus.

Day after admitting Masood Azhar's presence in country, Pakistan denies JeM role in Pulwama terror attack

One civilian was injured Friday in a ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops along the LoC in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing towards Indian posts and villages in Kamalkote area of Uri in Baramulla district on Thursday evening, the officials said.&nbsp;

They said the intermittent firing continued throughout the night. One civilian has been injured in the firing.&nbsp;

Indian Army has responded to the Pakistani firing inadequate measure, the officials said.&nbsp;

The ceasefire violation by the Pakistani troops comes as tensions between India and Pakistan rose following the February 14 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in which 40 CRPF soldiers were killed.&nbsp;

Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group claimed responsibility for the attack. 
&nbsp;

One civilian was injured Friday in a ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops along the LoC in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing towards Indian posts and villages in Kamalkote area of Uri in Baramulla district on Thursday evening, the officials said.

One civilian was injured Friday in a ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops along the LoC in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing towards Indian posts and villages in Kamalkote area of Uri in Baramulla district on Thursday evening, the officials said. They said the intermittent firing continued throughout the night. One civilian has been injured in the firing. Indian Army has responded to the Pakistani firing inadequate measure, the officials said. The ceasefire violation by the Pakistani troops comes as tensions between India and Pakistan rose following the February 14 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in which 40 CRPF soldiers were killed. Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Pakistan violates ceasefire in Uri sector, civilian injured

The United States has asked the world community to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and its leadership which will cut resources to the group.&nbsp;

JeM is behind the February 14 terror attack in Pulwama that killed more than 40 of India's security personnel. JeM is also responsible for Indian Parliament attack in 2001, Pathankot and Uri terror attack in 2016.

US State Department's coordinator for counterterrorism Nathan Sales in a reply to a question said, "We call on the international community as a whole to follow our lead in designating the organisation and its leadership."

The US has already designated JeM and its leadership under its domestic laws.

Nathan said, "The US has designated JeM and its leadership...to cut of the flow of money and deprive them of the resources they need to commit attack like the one we witnessed a couple of weeks ago."

Urging the world community to "amplify those unilateral efforts", US is "taking under our own laws with multilateral efforts."

The US, France and UK on Thursday proposed to list JeM Chief Masood Azhar under the 1267 committee of the United Nations Security Council.

India has been proposing listing of Azhar since 2016 but the effort has been scuttled by China who has been citing lack of consensus.&nbsp;

 
Meanwhile, Pakistani foreign minister SM Qureshi speaking to a western media outlet earlier today said Azhar is in Pakistan but very unwell.

Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Eliot L. Engel said Washington "remain extremely concerned about ongoing Pakistani support for terrorist groups, including Jaish-e-Mohammad" and "to avoid the kind of miscalculation Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan rightly fears, Pakistani leaders must take demonstrable action against Jaish-e-Mohammed and the terrorist infrastructure on Pakistan’s soil."

The United States has asked the world community to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and its leadership which will cut resources to the group. JeM is behind the February 14 terror attack in Pulwama that killed more than 40 of India's security personnel.

The United States has asked the world community to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and its leadership which will cut resources to the group. JeM is behind the February 14 terror attack in Pulwama that killed more than 40 of India's security personnel. JeM is also responsible for Indian Parliament attack in 2001, Pathankot and Uri terror attack in 2016. US State Department's coordinator for counterterrorism Nathan Sales in a reply to a question said, "We call on the international community as a whole to follow our lead in designating the organisation and its leadership." The US has already designated JeM and its leadership under its domestic laws. Nathan said, "The US has designated JeM and its leadership...to cut of the flow of money and deprive them of the resources they need to commit attack like the one we witnessed a couple of weeks ago." Urging the world community to "amplify those unilateral efforts", US is "taking under our own laws with multilateral efforts." The US, France and UK on Thursday proposed to list JeM Chief Masood Azhar under the 1267 committee of the United Nations Security Council. India has been proposing listing of Azhar since 2016 but the effort has been scuttled by China who has been citing lack of consensus. Meanwhile, Pakistani foreign minister SM Qureshi speaking to a western media outlet earlier today said Azhar is in Pakistan but very unwell. Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Eliot L. Engel said Washington "remain extremely concerned about ongoing Pakistani support for terrorist groups, including Jaish-e-Mohammad" and "to avoid the kind of miscalculation Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan rightly fears, Pakistani leaders must take demonstrable action against Jaish-e-Mohammed and the terrorist infrastructure on Pakistan’s soil."

US asks world community to take action against JeM and its leadership 

Three days of India-Pakistan power play

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