Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist, Salman Rehman Khan, was extradited by Rwanda to India in an operation coordinated by the NIA and the CBI. He was accused of providing arms and funds to Bengaluru-based militant modules from Rwanda.&nbsp;

"The Global Operations Centre of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has closely coordinated with the NIA and Interpol National Central Bureau - Kigali for the return to India from Rwanda of Salman Rehman Khan, wanted by the NIA for terror-related offences," a CBI spokesperson said in a statement.

Khan is also accused of providing material support to LeT along with being part of the Pakistan-based terror organisation.&nbsp;

"Part of a terror radicalization and recruitment case of Bengaluru Central Prison, Salman was taken into custody by the NIA, with the assistance of the RIB, Interpol and NCBs, on November 27 and brought to India this morning," the NIA said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-shocker-live-in-partner-rapes-and-kills-woman-chops-her-body-into-40-pieces-779842">TRIGGER WARNING: Jharkhand shocker | Live-in partner rapes and kills woman, chops her body into 40 pieces</a>

In 2023, a case was registered against him by NIA under the Arms Act, the Explosive Substances Act, and various provisions related to terrorism.

The case regarding him was registered after the Bengaluru Police seized around seven pistols, four hand grenades, four walkie-talkies, and other materials.&nbsp;

The NIA took over the case in October 2023 and identified Khan as the main accused in the case.&nbsp;

Khan was tracked to Rwanada and was brought back to India by the NIA security team for further investigation.&nbsp;

Khan is the third wanted criminal to be extradited by the CBI in November 2024.&nbsp;

Previously, the CBI extradited Barkat Ali Khan on November 14 who was wanted in a rioting and explosion case in Mumbai. He was extradited from Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;A Red Notice was issued against him by the CBI in December 2022.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-navy-coast-guard-ndrf-on-alert-over-brewing-cyclone-fengal-779858">India: Navy, Coast Guard, NDRF on alert over brewing Cyclone Fengal</a>

The second wanted criminal, Raihan Arabikkalalarikkal, was also extradited from Saudi Arabia. He was accused of raping a minor in Kerala.&nbsp;

In the year 2024 so far, the CBI has extradited around 26 wanted criminals.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist, Salman Rehman Khan, was extradited by Rwanda to India in an operation coordinated by the NIA and the CBI. He was accused of providing arms and funds to Bengaluru-based militant modules from Rwanda.

Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist, Salman Rehman Khan, was extradited by Rwanda to India in an operation coordinated by the NIA and the CBI. He was accused of providing arms and funds to Bengaluru-based militant modules from Rwanda. "The Global Operations Centre of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has closely coordinated with the NIA and Interpol National Central Bureau - Kigali for the return to India from Rwanda of Salman Rehman Khan, wanted by the NIA for terror-related offences," a CBI spokesperson said in a statement. Khan is also accused of providing material support to LeT along with being part of the Pakistan-based terror organisation. "Part of a terror radicalization and recruitment case of Bengaluru Central Prison, Salman was taken into custody by the NIA, with the assistance of the RIB, Interpol and NCBs, on November 27 and brought to India this morning," the NIA said in a statement. Also read | TRIGGER WARNING: Jharkhand shocker | Live-in partner rapes and kills woman, chops her body into 40 pieces In 2023, a case was registered against him by NIA under the Arms Act, the Explosive Substances Act, and various provisions related to terrorism. The case regarding him was registered after the Bengaluru Police seized around seven pistols, four hand grenades, four walkie-talkies, and other materials. The NIA took over the case in October 2023 and identified Khan as the main accused in the case. Khan was tracked to Rwanada and was brought back to India by the NIA security team for further investigation. Khan is the third wanted criminal to be extradited by the CBI in November 2024. Previously, the CBI extradited Barkat Ali Khan on November 14 who was wanted in a rioting and explosion case in Mumbai. He was extradited from Saudi Arabia. A Red Notice was issued against him by the CBI in December 2022. Also read | India: Navy, Coast Guard, NDRF on alert over brewing Cyclone Fengal The second wanted criminal, Raihan Arabikkalalarikkal, was also extradited from Saudi Arabia. He was accused of raping a minor in Kerala. In the year 2024 so far, the CBI has extradited around 26 wanted criminals. (With inputs from agencies)

LeT member, accused of funding terror groups in India, extradited from Rwanda

Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the Jewish country has designated as “terrorist organisation” a Pakistan-based militant group infamous for staging heinous attacks on Indian soil.

Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was responsible for the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, and the move by Israel comes just days ahead of the 15th anniversary of those attacks.

The announcement came from Israel’s embassy in New Delhi, in which it made clear that the Indian government didn’t ask it to do so.

“Despite not being requested by the Government of India to do so, the state of Israel has formally completed all necessary procedures and has satisfied all required checks and regulations to the result of introducing Lashkar-e-Taiba into the Israeli list of illegal terror organizations,” Israeli embassy said in a statement.

“While Israel only lists terror organizations who are actively operating against it from within or around its borders, or in a similar manner to India – those globally recognized by UNSC or the US State Department; the Israeli ministries of Defense and Foreign affairs, have jointly worked in the last few months towards an expedited and extraordinary listing of the Lashkar -e- Taiba organization on this date, to highlight the importance of a Unified Global Front in combating terrorism,” the embassy further said.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Palestine war rages on: US army bases attacked in Iraq with armed drones

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“Lashkar-e-Taiba is a deadly and reprehensible terror organization, responsible for the murder of hundreds of Indian civilians as well as others. Its heinous actions on November 26, 2008, still reverberate in force, through all peace-seeking nations and societies,” it said.

The move comes amidst overwhelming support for Israel from Indian people during the ongoing war in Gaza.&nbsp;

Israel's Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon in October said he received phone calls from ministers, officials and business persons extending support to Israel.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-west-asia-crisis-arab-and-islamic-foreign-ministers-delegation-to-visit-new-delhi-661060">Also read:&nbsp;Amid West Asia crisis, Arab and Islamic foreign ministers` delegation to visit New Delhi</a>

He also boasted that India's support to Israel was so strong that he “could have another IDF (Israeli Defence Forces) with the Indian volunteers”.

“Look at the social media of the embassy (Israeli Embassy), it's amazing. I could have another IDF with volunteers (Indians). Everyone is telling me I want to volunteer and I want to go and fight for Israel...this strong support is unprecedented for me," he was quoted as saying by Indian news agency ANI.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the Jewish country has designated as “terrorist organisation” a Pakistan-based militant group infamous for staging heinous attacks on Indian soil.

Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the Jewish country has designated as “terrorist organisation” a Pakistan-based militant group infamous for staging heinous attacks on Indian soil. Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was responsible for the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, and the move by Israel comes just days ahead of the 15th anniversary of those attacks. The announcement came from Israel’s embassy in New Delhi, in which it made clear that the Indian government didn’t ask it to do so. “Despite not being requested by the Government of India to do so, the state of Israel has formally completed all necessary procedures and has satisfied all required checks and regulations to the result of introducing Lashkar-e-Taiba into the Israeli list of illegal terror organizations,” Israeli embassy said in a statement. “While Israel only lists terror organizations who are actively operating against it from within or around its borders, or in a similar manner to India – those globally recognized by UNSC or the US State Department; the Israeli ministries of Defense and Foreign affairs, have jointly worked in the last few months towards an expedited and extraordinary listing of the Lashkar -e- Taiba organization on this date, to highlight the importance of a Unified Global Front in combating terrorism,” the embassy further said. Watch: Israel-Palestine war rages on: US army bases attacked in Iraq with armed drones × “Lashkar-e-Taiba is a deadly and reprehensible terror organization, responsible for the murder of hundreds of Indian civilians as well as others. Its heinous actions on November 26, 2008, still reverberate in force, through all peace-seeking nations and societies,” it said. The move comes amidst overwhelming support for Israel from Indian people during the ongoing war in Gaza. Israel's Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon in October said he received phone calls from ministers, officials and business persons extending support to Israel. Also read: Amid West Asia crisis, Arab and Islamic foreign ministers` delegation to visit New Delhi He also boasted that India's support to Israel was so strong that he “could have another IDF (Israeli Defence Forces) with the Indian volunteers”. “Look at the social media of the embassy (Israeli Embassy), it's amazing. I could have another IDF with volunteers (Indians). Everyone is telling me I want to volunteer and I want to go and fight for Israel...this strong support is unprecedented for me," he was quoted as saying by Indian news agency ANI. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel designates Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba as terror organisation

A 19-year-old Lashkar-e-Taiba was arrested from Jammu and Kashmir's Baramullah district on Tuesday.

According to a report, the terrorist, identified as Sajid Faroo Das, was arrested from Angergam village during a search operation.

He was a resident of Bandipora.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-lashkar-e-taiba-terrorist-arrested-272041">Also read: Jammu and Kashmir: Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist arrested</a>

This is the second LeT terrorist who was arrested from Kashmir this month. Earlier this month, Jammu and Kashmir police arrested Nisar Dar who had earlier escaped from an encounter in Kullan village of Ganderbal district.

"Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorist Nisar Dar arrested by J&amp;K Police &amp; Security Forces. He had escaped from an encounter in Kullan Ganderbal in which one Pakistani terrorist of proscribed terror outfit was killed. This dreaded terrorist was wanted in many terror crimes," Jammu and Kashmir police officer Imtiyaz Hussain said.

&nbsp;

A 19-year-old Lashkar-e-Taiba was arrested from Jammu and Kashmir's Baramullah district on Tuesday. According to a report, the terrorist, identified as Sajid Faroo Das, was arrested from Angergam village during a search operation.

A 19-year-old Lashkar-e-Taiba was arrested from Jammu and Kashmir's Baramullah district on Tuesday. According to a report, the terrorist, identified as Sajid Faroo Das, was arrested from Angergam village during a search operation. He was a resident of Bandipora. Also read: Jammu and Kashmir: Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist arrested This is the second LeT terrorist who was arrested from Kashmir this month. Earlier this month, Jammu and Kashmir police arrested Nisar Dar who had earlier escaped from an encounter in Kullan village of Ganderbal district. "Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorist Nisar Dar arrested by J&K Police & Security Forces. He had escaped from an encounter in Kullan Ganderbal in which one Pakistani terrorist of proscribed terror outfit was killed. This dreaded terrorist was wanted in many terror crimes," Jammu and Kashmir police officer Imtiyaz Hussain said.

J&K: Police arrest 19-year-old LeT terrorist from Baramulla

Tamil Nadu Police are on high alert following intelligence inputs which had warned that up to six terrorists of the Lashkar-e-Taiba may have infiltrated the state. It is suspected that one of the six is a Pakistani National whereas the other members are Sri Lankan nationals.&nbsp;

Security in the state capital Chennai and the second-largest district Coimbatore has been tightened, with an increased vigil and police deployment at sensitive areas, religious gatherings, places of worship, public places, and places of transit.&nbsp;

Around 2000 police personnel have been deployed in Coimbatore where a red alert has been sounded. Check posts have been set-up at entry and crucial borders to check the incoming and outgoing vehicular traffic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, Sumit Sharan, Commissioner of Police, Coimbatore said, "the intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the developments and the police force is maintaining a strict vigil at the airport, railways stations, sensitive areas and vital installations".

Earlier in the day, Chennai Police Commissioner, A K Viswanathan told reporters, "Chennai Police are on heightened alert to avoid any untoward incidents and storming operations are also in progress".

Meanwhile, the neighbouring state Kerala was also on high alert after the report.

Taking cognizance of the alert, Kerala Director General of Police (DGP) Lokanath Behera has sent a directive to all district police chiefs to take caution.

In 1988, Coimbatore was struck by terrorism when over 50 people were killed due to serial blasts that occurred in various parts of the city.&nbsp;

In July this year, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had conducted searches at the residences of 14 men who were deported to India from the UAE. They were arrested on July 15 for owing allegiance to the proscribed terrorist organisations Islamic State/Daesh, Al-Qaeda and SIMI, while being within and beyond India. They had allegedly conspired and made preparations to wage war against the government of India by forming the terror gang Ansarulla. After the interrogation of the initial 14 members, the agency also arrested two more members from Nagapattinam, hence taking the toll to 16.

Meanwhile, the neighbouring state Kerala was also on high alert after the report.

Taking cognizance of the alert, Kerala Director General of Police (DGP) Lokanath Behera has sent a directive to all district police chiefs to take caution. 
&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu Police are on high alert following intelligence inputs which had warned that up to six terrorists of the Lashkar-e-Taiba may have infiltrated the state.

Tamil Nadu Police are on high alert following intelligence inputs which had warned that up to six terrorists of the Lashkar-e-Taiba may have infiltrated the state. It is suspected that one of the six is a Pakistani National whereas the other members are Sri Lankan nationals. Security in the state capital Chennai and the second-largest district Coimbatore has been tightened, with an increased vigil and police deployment at sensitive areas, religious gatherings, places of worship, public places, and places of transit. Around 2000 police personnel have been deployed in Coimbatore where a red alert has been sounded. Check posts have been set-up at entry and crucial borders to check the incoming and outgoing vehicular traffic. Speaking to WION, Sumit Sharan, Commissioner of Police, Coimbatore said, "the intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the developments and the police force is maintaining a strict vigil at the airport, railways stations, sensitive areas and vital installations". Earlier in the day, Chennai Police Commissioner, A K Viswanathan told reporters, "Chennai Police are on heightened alert to avoid any untoward incidents and storming operations are also in progress". Meanwhile, the neighbouring state Kerala was also on high alert after the report. Taking cognizance of the alert, Kerala Director General of Police (DGP) Lokanath Behera has sent a directive to all district police chiefs to take caution. In 1988, Coimbatore was struck by terrorism when over 50 people were killed due to serial blasts that occurred in various parts of the city. In July this year, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had conducted searches at the residences of 14 men who were deported to India from the UAE. They were arrested on July 15 for owing allegiance to the proscribed terrorist organisations Islamic State/Daesh, Al-Qaeda and SIMI, while being within and beyond India. They had allegedly conspired and made preparations to wage war against the government of India by forming the terror gang Ansarulla. After the interrogation of the initial 14 members, the agency also arrested two more members from Nagapattinam, hence taking the toll to 16. Meanwhile, the neighbouring state Kerala was also on high alert after the report. Taking cognizance of the alert, Kerala Director General of Police (DGP) Lokanath Behera has sent a directive to all district police chiefs to take caution.

Kerala, Tamil Nadu on high alert after suspected infiltration of six Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists

Pakistan has failed to complete 25 of the 27 action points given by the international <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-stay-on-fatfs-grey-list-official-to-wion-222508">terror financing watchdog FATF</a> to check funding to terrorist groups such as LeT and JeM and frontal groups like Jamat-ud-Dawah and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation.

With this, multilateral lenders like the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-currency-reaches-all-time-low-against-us-dollar-219221"> IMF</a>, the World Bank and the EU may continue downgrading Pakistan, making its financial situation more precarious.

The Paris-headquartered Financial Action Task Force has asked Pakistan to explain whether it has launched any investigation into the seven million US dollars allocated to maintain schools, madrasas, clinics and ambulances originally operated by terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-three-jem-terrorists-shot-in-pulwama-encounter-soldier-civilian-also-killed-219169">Jaish-e-Mohammed</a>, and LeT fronts Jamat-ud-Dawah and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation.

JuD and FIF are founded by terror mastermind Hafiz Saeed.

LeT is responsible for a number of terrorist strikes in India, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the hijacking of an Indian Airlines aircraft to Afghanistan in 1999.

Most recently, it attacked a CRPF bus in Pulwama in Feb this year, killing 40 soldiers.

Pakistan is in deep trouble at the FATF meeting beginning Sunday in Florida in the US, people aware of the development said.

"It has been unable to complete 25 of its 27 action points. It has one last chance, till its 15-month deadline ends in October 2019, when the FATF Plenary will be held," one of them added.

In June 2018, Pakistan was placed in the 'Gray' list and given a 27-point action plan by FATF. This plan was reviewed at the last plenary in October 2018 and for the second time in February this year, when the country was again put into the 'Gray' list after India submitted new information about Pakistan-based terrorist groups.

The FATF continuing Pakistan in the 'Gray' list means its downgrading by IMF, World Bank, ADB, EU and also a reduction in risk rating by Moody's, S&amp;P and Fitch.

This will add to the financial problems of Pakistan, which is seeking aid from all possible international avenues.

In a bid to bluff the financial watchdog, Pakistani authorities have shown arrests of LeT, JeM, JuD and FiF cadres. But all were apprehended under its Maintenance of Public Order Act and not under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

Under the MPO Act, authorities cannot hold a detainee beyond 60 days.

Pakistan has detained JeM founder Masood Azhar and LeT founder Hafiz Saeed mostly under the laws that provide for detention for the apprehension of breach of peace; they have never been prosecuted under anti-terror laws.

The FATF implements UN designations, which do not warrant arrest. They ask only for the freeze of funds, denial of access to weapons and travel embargo. The financial watchdog also wants nations to impose penalties that are proportionate and dissuasive.

The MPO Act is not seen as satisfying either of the two conditions. Therefore, none of these arrests will satisfy the FATF or the UN Designations Committee.

Pakistan has also seized several hundred properties of LeT, JuD, FiF and JeM, including schools and madrasas.

However, these properties are now being run by its provincial governments.

The Punjab provincial government has allocated $2 million (Pakistani Rs 30 crore or Indian Rs 14 crore) per annum for their upkeep. Similarly, other provinces have allocated&nbsp;5 million US dollars.

The annual expense allocated by Pakistan totals $7 million (Pakistani Rs 105 or Indian Rs 49 crore).

The FATF has now asked Pakistan to explain whether there are any terror-funding investigations to unearth the sources and entities that funded these organisations with $7 million per annum for the past several years.

The FATF currently has 35 members and two regional organisations,&nbsp;the European Commission and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

In the last meeting of the FATF in Paris, the FATF said Pakistan should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address its strategic deficiencies, including by adequately demonstrating its proper understanding of the terror financing risks posed by the terrorist groups and conducting supervision on a risk-sensitive basis, demonstrating that remedial actions and sanctions are applied in cases of Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism violations and that these actions have an effect on AML/CFT compliance by financial institutions.

Pakistan, it said, should demonstrate that competent authorities are cooperating and taking action to identify and take enforcement action against illegal money or value transfer services, demonstrating that authorities are identifying cash couriers and enforcing controls on illicit movement of currency and understanding the risk of cash couriers being used for terror financing (TF), improving inter-agency coordination including between provincial and federal authorities on combating TF risks besides others.

Pakistan has failed to complete 25 of the 27 action points given by the international terror financing watchdog FATF to check funding to terrorist groups such as LeT and JeM and frontal groups like Jamat-ud-Dawah and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation.

Pakistan has failed to complete 25 of the 27 action points given by the international terror financing watchdog FATF to check funding to terrorist groups such as LeT and JeM and frontal groups like Jamat-ud-Dawah and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation. With this, multilateral lenders like the IMF, the World Bank and the EU may continue downgrading Pakistan, making its financial situation more precarious. The Paris-headquartered Financial Action Task Force has asked Pakistan to explain whether it has launched any investigation into the seven million US dollars allocated to maintain schools, madrasas, clinics and ambulances originally operated by terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and LeT fronts Jamat-ud-Dawah and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation. JuD and FIF are founded by terror mastermind Hafiz Saeed. LeT is responsible for a number of terrorist strikes in India, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the hijacking of an Indian Airlines aircraft to Afghanistan in 1999. Most recently, it attacked a CRPF bus in Pulwama in Feb this year, killing 40 soldiers. Pakistan is in deep trouble at the FATF meeting beginning Sunday in Florida in the US, people aware of the development said. "It has been unable to complete 25 of its 27 action points. It has one last chance, till its 15-month deadline ends in October 2019, when the FATF Plenary will be held," one of them added. In June 2018, Pakistan was placed in the 'Gray' list and given a 27-point action plan by FATF. This plan was reviewed at the last plenary in October 2018 and for the second time in February this year, when the country was again put into the 'Gray' list after India submitted new information about Pakistan-based terrorist groups. The FATF continuing Pakistan in the 'Gray' list means its downgrading by IMF, World Bank, ADB, EU and also a reduction in risk rating by Moody's, S&P and Fitch. This will add to the financial problems of Pakistan, which is seeking aid from all possible international avenues. In a bid to bluff the financial watchdog, Pakistani authorities have shown arrests of LeT, JeM, JuD and FiF cadres. But all were apprehended under its Maintenance of Public Order Act and not under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. Under the MPO Act, authorities cannot hold a detainee beyond 60 days. Pakistan has detained JeM founder Masood Azhar and LeT founder Hafiz Saeed mostly under the laws that provide for detention for the apprehension of breach of peace; they have never been prosecuted under anti-terror laws. The FATF implements UN designations, which do not warrant arrest. They ask only for the freeze of funds, denial of access to weapons and travel embargo. The financial watchdog also wants nations to impose penalties that are proportionate and dissuasive. The MPO Act is not seen as satisfying either of the two conditions. Therefore, none of these arrests will satisfy the FATF or the UN Designations Committee. Pakistan has also seized several hundred properties of LeT, JuD, FiF and JeM, including schools and madrasas. However, these properties are now being run by its provincial governments. The Punjab provincial government has allocated $2 million (Pakistani Rs 30 crore or Indian Rs 14 crore) per annum for their upkeep. Similarly, other provinces have allocated 5 million US dollars. The annual expense allocated by Pakistan totals $7 million (Pakistani Rs 105 or Indian Rs 49 crore). The FATF has now asked Pakistan to explain whether there are any terror-funding investigations to unearth the sources and entities that funded these organisations with $7 million per annum for the past several years. The FATF currently has 35 members and two regional organisations, the European Commission and the Gulf Cooperation Council. In the last meeting of the FATF in Paris, the FATF said Pakistan should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address its strategic deficiencies, including by adequately demonstrating its proper understanding of the terror financing risks posed by the terrorist groups and conducting supervision on a risk-sensitive basis, demonstrating that remedial actions and sanctions are applied in cases of Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism violations and that these actions have an effect on AML/CFT compliance by financial institutions. Pakistan, it said, should demonstrate that competent authorities are cooperating and taking action to identify and take enforcement action against illegal money or value transfer services, demonstrating that authorities are identifying cash couriers and enforcing controls on illicit movement of currency and understanding the risk of cash couriers being used for terror financing (TF), improving inter-agency coordination including between provincial and federal authorities on combating TF risks besides others.

Pakistan fails to complete points given by terror financing watchdog FATF: Report

The United Nations in 2008 described the 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) as a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), or Army of the Pure, which the United States and India blame for the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

In the 1990s, Saeed founded Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), one of the largest and best-funded Islamist militant organisations in South Asia. He abandoned its leadership after India accused it and another militant group of being behind an attack on the Indian parliament in December 2001.

The LeT was nurtured by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) spy agency to fight Indian forces in Jammu and Kashmir and analysts say it is still unofficially tolerated by Pakistan, though it was banned there in 2002.

JuD continued to operate openly in Pakistan with its leaders holding public rallies and interviews until this week when Pakistan banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat (FiF) by issuing a United Nations Security Council (Freezing and Seizure) Order (SRO), 2019.

The ban comes as Pakistan faces international pressure to act against militant groups, amid escalating tension with India, following the&nbsp;Pulwama terror attack in Kashmir which killed over 40 CRPF personnel.

Saeed denies being the mastermind of the Mumbai attacks and says he has no links to militant violence. He maintains that the two charities - the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) - are vital for helping the poor and have no militant ties.

Saeed has been placed under house arrest several times over the past decade but he has always been released after a few months and has mostly been living freely in Pakistan, to the anger of both India and the United States.

The United States has repeatedly complained about Pakistan's failure to shut down the charities it deems "terrorist fronts" for LeT.

“In December 2001, the Department of State designated LET as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation. Since the original designation occurred, LET has repeatedly changed its name in an effort to avoid sanctions,” US State Department said in a statement in 2014.

“More specifically, LET created Jama’at-ud-Dawa as a front organisation, claiming that the group was an ‘organisation for the preaching of Islam, politics, and social work’,” the statement was reported by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

In 2012, the United States offered a $10 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Hafiz Saeed, who founded LET. He claims he has long abandoned its leadership and now heads Jamaat-ud-Dawa.

Pakistan has long banned the LeT but for many years allowed its charity wings to operate an extensive network including 300 seminaries and schools, hospitals, a publishing house and ambulance services.

Pakistan last year banned the two charities but the order was temporary and it lapsed.

Pakistan has also been placed on an international watchlist for failing to curb terrorist financing.

The United Nations in 2008 described the 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) as a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), or Army of the Pure, which the United States and India blame for the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

The United Nations in 2008 described the 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) as a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), or Army of the Pure, which the United States and India blame for the 2008 Mumbai attacks. In the 1990s, Saeed founded Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), one of the largest and best-funded Islamist militant organisations in South Asia. He abandoned its leadership after India accused it and another militant group of being behind an attack on the Indian parliament in December 2001. The LeT was nurtured by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) spy agency to fight Indian forces in Jammu and Kashmir and analysts say it is still unofficially tolerated by Pakistan, though it was banned there in 2002. JuD continued to operate openly in Pakistan with its leaders holding public rallies and interviews until this week when Pakistan banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat (FiF) by issuing a United Nations Security Council (Freezing and Seizure) Order (SRO), 2019. The ban comes as Pakistan faces international pressure to act against militant groups, amid escalating tension with India, following the Pulwama terror attack in Kashmir which killed over 40 CRPF personnel. Saeed denies being the mastermind of the Mumbai attacks and says he has no links to militant violence. He maintains that the two charities - the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) - are vital for helping the poor and have no militant ties. Saeed has been placed under house arrest several times over the past decade but he has always been released after a few months and has mostly been living freely in Pakistan, to the anger of both India and the United States. The United States has repeatedly complained about Pakistan's failure to shut down the charities it deems "terrorist fronts" for LeT. “In December 2001, the Department of State designated LET as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation. Since the original designation occurred, LET has repeatedly changed its name in an effort to avoid sanctions,” US State Department said in a statement in 2014. “More specifically, LET created Jama’at-ud-Dawa as a front organisation, claiming that the group was an ‘organisation for the preaching of Islam, politics, and social work’,” the statement was reported by news agency Reuters. In 2012, the United States offered a $10 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Hafiz Saeed, who founded LET. He claims he has long abandoned its leadership and now heads Jamaat-ud-Dawa. Pakistan has long banned the LeT but for many years allowed its charity wings to operate an extensive network including 300 seminaries and schools, hospitals, a publishing house and ambulance services. Pakistan last year banned the two charities but the order was temporary and it lapsed. Pakistan has also been placed on an international watchlist for failing to curb terrorist financing.

How Hafiz Saeed's JuD & LeT spread terror with ISI support

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

Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Jamaat-ud Dawa will contest the July 25 general elections on the platform of Allaha-u-Akbar Tehreek as the group's Milli Muslim League is yet to be registered as a political party, a senior member of the outfit said today.&nbsp

Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), a front for the Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist group that carried out the deadly 2008 Mumbai attack, launched its political front Milli Muslim League, but it has not been yet registered by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

With general elections approaching, the group has decided to contest on the platform of the "dormant" political entity Allaha-u-Akbar Tehreek (AAT), which was registered in the ECP.

"It was a kind of dormant party registered by a citizen Ehsan. There are several such parties registered with the ECP and such an arrangement is made ahead of the general elections if any mainstream party or organisation faces any issue or complication," a member of the JuD told PTI.

"Since the Milli Muslim League (MML) fails to get registered with the ECP it is going for this arrangement (contesting the upcoming polls on AAT platform)," he said.

MML president Saifullah Khalid will make a formal announcement regarding this shortly, he added.

The AAT's election symbol is 'chair'.

"Now the JuD/MML candidates will contest on the 'chair' symbol across the country," the member said.

He said since the MML has hardly any chance to get registered with the ECP as it had announced the election schedule and issued election symbols, it had no other option but to contest the election on any 'dormant' entity like AAT or support the Mutahidda Majlis Amal (MMA), an alliance of mainstream religious parties of the country.

"But Saeed chose to contest independently," he said.

The MML has also confirmed contesting the July 25 election on the 'chair' symbol.

"We have decided to support the candidates of AAT in July 25 elections," MML President Saifullah Khalid told PTI.

"We will play a role in the victory of those contesting on the symbol of chair. To save Pakistan, patriotic people should be supported in the elections," he said.

Khalid said the MML had been denied registration in the ECP for the last 11 months but will take part in the polls by supporting the candidates of AAT.

"Meanwhile we will continue fighting our case (registration of MML) in the court and ECP," he added.

The MML president said over 350 political parties were registered with the ECP but there is an objection regarding the MML.

"I ask the MML workers to get ready and make full preparations across the country to make the AAT candidates successful in the upcoming elections. We have to serve humanity and no one can stop us from our political struggle," he said.

Meanwhile, the MML has filed a contempt of court petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the ECP for using delaying tactics regarding its enlisting as a political party as per law. June 11 is fixed for the case hearing in the IHC.

The court in March had set aside the ECP order declining registration of the MML.

Justice Aamer Farooq of the IHC bench had referred the matter to the ECP, directing the electoral body to pass a speaking order.

The MML had challenged the October 11 order of the ECP declining registration to the MML as a political party allegedly on the behest of the interior ministry.

The interior ministry had opposed enlisting of the MML as a political party arguing it's an offshoot of the Jamaatud Dawa of Hafiz Saeed banned under a UN resolution.

The JuD formed MML at the time when Saeed was detained in Lahore. Saeed and his four aides - Abdullah Ubaid, Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdul Rehman Abid and Qazi Kashif Hussain - were placed under house arrest in Lahore on January 30 under anti- terrorism act.

The JuD was declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014. The JuD chief also carries a USD 10 million American bounty on his head for his role in terror activities.

Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), a front for the Lashkar-e- Taiba terrorist group that carried out the deadly 2008 Mumbai attack, launched its political front Milli Muslim League, but it has not been yet registered by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Jamaat-ud Dawa will contest the July 25 general elections on the platform of Allaha-u-Akbar Tehreek as the group's Milli Muslim League is yet to be registered as a political party, a senior member of the outfit said today. Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), a front for the Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist group that carried out the deadly 2008 Mumbai attack, launched its political front Milli Muslim League, but it has not been yet registered by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). With general elections approaching, the group has decided to contest on the platform of the "dormant" political entity Allaha-u-Akbar Tehreek (AAT), which was registered in the ECP. "It was a kind of dormant party registered by a citizen Ehsan. There are several such parties registered with the ECP and such an arrangement is made ahead of the general elections if any mainstream party or organisation faces any issue or complication," a member of the JuD told PTI. "Since the Milli Muslim League (MML) fails to get registered with the ECP it is going for this arrangement (contesting the upcoming polls on AAT platform)," he said. MML president Saifullah Khalid will make a formal announcement regarding this shortly, he added. The AAT's election symbol is 'chair'. "Now the JuD/MML candidates will contest on the 'chair' symbol across the country," the member said. He said since the MML has hardly any chance to get registered with the ECP as it had announced the election schedule and issued election symbols, it had no other option but to contest the election on any 'dormant' entity like AAT or support the Mutahidda Majlis Amal (MMA), an alliance of mainstream religious parties of the country. "But Saeed chose to contest independently," he said. The MML has also confirmed contesting the July 25 election on the 'chair' symbol. "We have decided to support the candidates of AAT in July 25 elections," MML President Saifullah Khalid told PTI. "We will play a role in the victory of those contesting on the symbol of chair. To save Pakistan, patriotic people should be supported in the elections," he said. Khalid said the MML had been denied registration in the ECP for the last 11 months but will take part in the polls by supporting the candidates of AAT. "Meanwhile we will continue fighting our case (registration of MML) in the court and ECP," he added. The MML president said over 350 political parties were registered with the ECP but there is an objection regarding the MML. "I ask the MML workers to get ready and make full preparations across the country to make the AAT candidates successful in the upcoming elections. We have to serve humanity and no one can stop us from our political struggle," he said. Meanwhile, the MML has filed a contempt of court petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the ECP for using delaying tactics regarding its enlisting as a political party as per law. June 11 is fixed for the case hearing in the IHC. The court in March had set aside the ECP order declining registration of the MML. Justice Aamer Farooq of the IHC bench had referred the matter to the ECP, directing the electoral body to pass a speaking order. The MML had challenged the October 11 order of the ECP declining registration to the MML as a political party allegedly on the behest of the interior ministry. The interior ministry had opposed enlisting of the MML as a political party arguing it's an offshoot of the Jamaatud Dawa of Hafiz Saeed banned under a UN resolution. The JuD formed MML at the time when Saeed was detained in Lahore. Saeed and his four aides - Abdullah Ubaid, Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdul Rehman Abid and Qazi Kashif Hussain - were placed under house arrest in Lahore on January 30 under anti- terrorism act. The JuD was declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014. The JuD chief also carries a USD 10 million American bounty on his head for his role in terror activities.

Hafiz Saeed to fight Pakistan polls from another party as his group awaits nod

China has asserted that there is no contradiction in its policy to block India&#39;s bid to designate Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN, saying the BRICS declaration was against terror groups and not individuals, Pakistani media today reported.

A veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, China has repeatedly blocked India&#39;s move to impose a ban on the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief under the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the Council.

The latest technical hold by China came on November 2 when it blocked another proposal by the US, France and the UK to list Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN. Beijing had blocked such a move in February this year.

Speaking to a delegation of Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors in Beijing this week, Counselor and Asia Division Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chen Feng said vetoing a resolution against Azhar after the BRICS declaration against terror outfits did not reflect a contradiction in China&#39;s policy as BRICS members have not entered into any such agreement.

The Chinese move was not in contradiction with Chinese policy in the context of BRICS declaration against terrorism, Chen was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune.

Chen clarified that the BRICS summit discussed only banned organisations and not individuals, Pakistan Today reported.

The BRICS nations - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - at a summit in China in September named, for the first time, Pakistan-based groups like the Lashkar-e- Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Haqqani network in a joint declaration condemning terror.

In early November, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said: &quot;we raised a technical hold so as to allow more time for the committee and its members to deliberate on this matter. But there is still an absence of consensus on this matter.&quot;

Defending the repeated technical holds, Hua said China&#39;s actions are meant to ensure and safeguard the authority and effectiveness of the 1267 Committee of the UN Security Council.

China in the past has also asked India to discuss the issue directly with Pakistan to reach an understanding on Azhar&#39;s listing.

In the last two years, China has stonewalled efforts by India to declare Azhar as a global terrorist.

The senior Chinese Foreign Ministry official also briefed the Pakistani editors about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), an ambitious project that is opposed by India as it is passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Chen said Beijing was trying to convince India that the multibillion-dollar project is based on economic cooperation and that its main aim is to promote peace and prosperity in the region.

&quot;The CPEC is neither a way to achieve political aims nor to be used in regional conflicts. The basic aim of the economic plan is to expand the mutual relations. China wants to engage other countries in the economic corridor too,&quot; Chen said.

He said China had time and again clarified it to India that it had no hegemonic designs in the region.

&quot;We rather view CPEC as a way of forming equal relationships with regional countries and to promote friendship and neighborhood in the region,&quot; he added.

Feng clarified that China was not a party in the Kashmir dispute.

&quot;India&#39;s accusation of Chinese occupation on any part of Kashmir is baseless. We have denied such claims in the past as well. Kashmir is a bone of contention between India and Pakistan, peaceful solution of which is the only way to regional peace and prosperity,&quot; he was quoted as saying.

The latest technical hold by China came on November 2 when it blocked another proposal by the US, France and the UK to list Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN.

China has asserted that there is no contradiction in its policy to block India's bid to designate Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN, saying the BRICS declaration was against terror groups and not individuals, Pakistani media today reported. A veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, China has repeatedly blocked India's move to impose a ban on the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief under the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the Council. The latest technical hold by China came on November 2 when it blocked another proposal by the US, France and the UK to list Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN. Beijing had blocked such a move in February this year. Speaking to a delegation of Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors in Beijing this week, Counselor and Asia Division Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chen Feng said vetoing a resolution against Azhar after the BRICS declaration against terror outfits did not reflect a contradiction in China's policy as BRICS members have not entered into any such agreement. The Chinese move was not in contradiction with Chinese policy in the context of BRICS declaration against terrorism, Chen was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune. Chen clarified that the BRICS summit discussed only banned organisations and not individuals, Pakistan Today reported. The BRICS nations - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - at a summit in China in September named, for the first time, Pakistan-based groups like the Lashkar-e- Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Haqqani network in a joint declaration condemning terror. In early November, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said: "we raised a technical hold so as to allow more time for the committee and its members to deliberate on this matter. But there is still an absence of consensus on this matter." Defending the repeated technical holds, Hua said China's actions are meant to ensure and safeguard the authority and effectiveness of the 1267 Committee of the UN Security Council. China in the past has also asked India to discuss the issue directly with Pakistan to reach an understanding on Azhar's listing. In the last two years, China has stonewalled efforts by India to declare Azhar as a global terrorist. The senior Chinese Foreign Ministry official also briefed the Pakistani editors about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), an ambitious project that is opposed by India as it is passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Chen said Beijing was trying to convince India that the multibillion-dollar project is based on economic cooperation and that its main aim is to promote peace and prosperity in the region. "The CPEC is neither a way to achieve political aims nor to be used in regional conflicts. The basic aim of the economic plan is to expand the mutual relations. China wants to engage other countries in the economic corridor too," Chen said. He said China had time and again clarified it to India that it had no hegemonic designs in the region. "We rather view CPEC as a way of forming equal relationships with regional countries and to promote friendship and neighborhood in the region," he added. Feng clarified that China was not a party in the Kashmir dispute. "India's accusation of Chinese occupation on any part of Kashmir is baseless. We have denied such claims in the past as well. Kashmir is a bone of contention between India and Pakistan, peaceful solution of which is the only way to regional peace and prosperity," he was quoted as saying.

No contradiction in blocking resolution on Masood Azhar: China

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