In 2018, Pakistan had 69 million people living in poverty. By June 2020, 18 million more may slip below the poverty line. Pakistan has the worst infant mortality rate in the world.

Because the country spends less than one per cent of its GDP on health. Only 58 per cent of Pakistan's population was literate as of 2018.

And if you are a regular viewer of this show, you are well aware of the state of Pakistan's economy. They are surviving on loans, the inflation rate has broken records.

When the state of affairs is so dire, what should be the government's priority? The list is quite predictable - boost earnings, fix leakages within the system, spend on education, healthcare and create more opportunities for the common man. 
 
WATCH:

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Instead, Imran Khan focuses on Kashmir. The Kashmir issue dominated all his major speeches. It's clear that Imran Khan is chasing the wrong priorities. In 2018, he rode an anti-establishment wave and army support to secure the Prime Ministership of Pakistan.

But in the past two years, Imran Khan's tenure has been dominated by Pakistan's economic crisis, violence - especially against the minorities, clashes with India and the rise of Islamists and extremists.

That brings us to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) review - that is underway in Paris as we speak. The world shouldn't take Pakistan seriously when it says it is cracking down on terror financing.

Islamabad's claim that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jaish-e-mohammeds-masood-azhar-has-gone-missing-with-his-family-pakistan-informs-fatf-280971">Masood Azhar</a> has gone missing is simply laughable. Pakistan has been also emboldened by the fact that it has support to escape scrutiny. Its all-weather ally China, alongside Turkey and Malaysia, have bailed out Imran Khan before&nbsp;there is a strong possibility that they will save Pakistan again.

That doesn't mean that Pakistan gets to escape scrutiny, it is likely to remain on FATF's Grey List, but it reflects on how helpless international institutions are when they are at the mercy of a select few.&nbsp;

Last year, we witnessed a major anti-government protest against Imran Khan. There could be another protest against Khan soon and the signs are already showing.&nbsp;

Families of students stranded in China after the coronavirus outbreak are protesting. They are angry because Imran Khan has refused to bring their kids back.

With the rising cost of living, inaction on the economic front and international pressure - people might find more reasons to hit the streets, the same citizens who elected Imran Khan might turn against him.

If the past is any proof, Pakistan is unlikely to give up its Kashmir obsession. The international community should turn its attention towards the performance of Imran Khan. Instability in Pakistan puts the entire region at risk.

India must play its role to mobilise support for an international vote of no confidence against Imran Khan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

In 2018, Pakistan had 69 million people living in poverty. By June 2020, 18 million more may slip below the poverty line. Pakistan has the worst infant mortality rate in the world.

In 2018, Pakistan had 69 million people living in poverty. By June 2020, 18 million more may slip below the poverty line. Pakistan has the worst infant mortality rate in the world. Because the country spends less than one per cent of its GDP on health. Only 58 per cent of Pakistan's population was literate as of 2018. And if you are a regular viewer of this show, you are well aware of the state of Pakistan's economy. They are surviving on loans, the inflation rate has broken records. When the state of affairs is so dire, what should be the government's priority? The list is quite predictable - boost earnings, fix leakages within the system, spend on education, healthcare and create more opportunities for the common man. WATCH: × Instead, Imran Khan focuses on Kashmir. The Kashmir issue dominated all his major speeches. It's clear that Imran Khan is chasing the wrong priorities. In 2018, he rode an anti-establishment wave and army support to secure the Prime Ministership of Pakistan. But in the past two years, Imran Khan's tenure has been dominated by Pakistan's economic crisis, violence - especially against the minorities, clashes with India and the rise of Islamists and extremists. That brings us to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) review - that is underway in Paris as we speak. The world shouldn't take Pakistan seriously when it says it is cracking down on terror financing. Islamabad's claim that Masood Azhar has gone missing is simply laughable. Pakistan has been also emboldened by the fact that it has support to escape scrutiny. Its all-weather ally China, alongside Turkey and Malaysia, have bailed out Imran Khan before there is a strong possibility that they will save Pakistan again. That doesn't mean that Pakistan gets to escape scrutiny, it is likely to remain on FATF's Grey List, but it reflects on how helpless international institutions are when they are at the mercy of a select few. Last year, we witnessed a major anti-government protest against Imran Khan. There could be another protest against Khan soon and the signs are already showing. Families of students stranded in China after the coronavirus outbreak are protesting. They are angry because Imran Khan has refused to bring their kids back. With the rising cost of living, inaction on the economic front and international pressure - people might find more reasons to hit the streets, the same citizens who elected Imran Khan might turn against him. If the past is any proof, Pakistan is unlikely to give up its Kashmir obsession. The international community should turn its attention towards the performance of Imran Khan. Instability in Pakistan puts the entire region at risk. India must play its role to mobilise support for an international vote of no confidence against Imran Khan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Why Pakistan's Imran Khan is chasing the wrong priorities

In this video of WION, watch Hardeep Singh Puri, Ex-Indian Envoy to UN reaction to Massod Azhar listing as a global terrorist. Watch the full video to know more.

Hardeep Singh Puri, Ex-Indian Envoy to UN reacts to listing of Masood Azhar as global terrorist

After China said "positive changes" had been made towards listing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/masood-azhars-terror-listing-huge-diplomatic-win-for-india-as-china-says-positive-progress-made-214766">Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief</a> Masood Azhar as an international terrorist, Pakistan government sources said Masood Azhar will be detained for any pending FIRs after his listing is done today.

Geng Shuang, spokesperson of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-may-remove-hold-on-masood-azhars-terror-listing-at-un-sources-to-wion-214289">China's foreign ministry</a> had said on Monday that "at present, the relevant consultations are underway in the 1267 Committee (of United Nations Security Council). Within the framework. And positive progress has been made."

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India has been pushing the UNSC to designate Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, a move which gathered further momentum after the February 14th terror attack on a CRPF bus at Pulwama in which over 40 soldiers were killed.

The US, along with UK and France had proposed listing Pak-based Masood Azhar as an international terrorist in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack.

China had put a hold on the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist on March 13 at the 1267 sanctions committee of the UNSC.

"We have stated our position many times. I won't go detail here. I just want to emphasise that, first, China supports the issue of listing, which should be resolved through political consultation within the framework of the 1267 Committee. I think that is also the consensus of the overwhelming majority of the members of the Council," China's spokesperson had said on Monday.

WION had reported on Sunday that China is willing to soften its stand on listing of Masood Azhar and could soon announce his listing. The remarks from China comes just few days after Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to the country for the Belt and Road forum.

British High Commissioner to India Dominic Asquith had said last week that his country supports listing of Masood as an international terrorist. Without taking China's name he had said, "We are waiting to see whether the country that is so far been resisting agreeing to its listing will lift that objection," hoping, "we will get to that conclusion of listing Azhar".

Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said that all evidence of terrorist activities of Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Muhammad and its leader Masood Azhar had been shared with China.&nbsp;

China had earlier dismissed reports that it had been served an ultimatum until April 23 by the US, UK and France to lift its "technical hold" on designating Masood Azhar as a global terrorist&nbsp;

After China said "positive changes" had been made towards listing Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist, Pakistan government sources said Masood Azhar will be detained for any pending FIRs after his listing is done today.

After China said "positive changes" had been made towards listing Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist, Pakistan government sources said Masood Azhar will be detained for any pending FIRs after his listing is done today. Geng Shuang, spokesperson of China's foreign ministry had said on Monday that "at present, the relevant consultations are underway in the 1267 Committee (of United Nations Security Council). Within the framework. And positive progress has been made." India has been pushing the UNSC to designate Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, a move which gathered further momentum after the February 14th terror attack on a CRPF bus at Pulwama in which over 40 soldiers were killed. The US, along with UK and France had proposed listing Pak-based Masood Azhar as an international terrorist in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack. China had put a hold on the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist on March 13 at the 1267 sanctions committee of the UNSC. "We have stated our position many times. I won't go detail here. I just want to emphasise that, first, China supports the issue of listing, which should be resolved through political consultation within the framework of the 1267 Committee. I think that is also the consensus of the overwhelming majority of the members of the Council," China's spokesperson had said on Monday. WION had reported on Sunday that China is willing to soften its stand on listing of Masood Azhar and could soon announce his listing. The remarks from China comes just few days after Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to the country for the Belt and Road forum. British High Commissioner to India Dominic Asquith had said last week that his country supports listing of Masood as an international terrorist. Without taking China's name he had said, "We are waiting to see whether the country that is so far been resisting agreeing to its listing will lift that objection," hoping, "we will get to that conclusion of listing Azhar". Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said that all evidence of terrorist activities of Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Muhammad and its leader Masood Azhar had been shared with China. China had earlier dismissed reports that it had been served an ultimatum until April 23 by the US, UK and France to lift its "technical hold" on designating Masood Azhar as a global terrorist

Pak to detain Masood Azhar as China may lift 'technical hold' at UNSC: Sources

China is expected to remove its hold on the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-evidence-on-masood-azhar-jaish-shared-with-china-will-continue-to-pursue-all-avenues-india-212579"> listing of Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM)</a> chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist in coming few weeks, multiple sources have confirmed to WION.

Though any timeframe hasn't been given, sources on condition of anonymity have said&nbsp;they are quite positive and hopeful.&nbsp;

China had put a hold on the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist on March 13th&nbsp;at the 1267 sanctions committee of the UNSC. Bejing has nine&nbsp;months still to decided and remove the hold after the March decision.&nbsp;

The development comes even as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-optimistic-masood-azhar-will-be-listed-as-an-international-terrorist-213730">UK last week expressed optimism</a> that JeM&nbsp;chief Masood Azhar will be soon be listed.

Speaking to reporters in Delhi, British High Commissioner Sir Dominic Asquith on Friday said: "We are strong supporters of listing of Masood Azhar for a decade. So that we will get to that conclusion shortly. I do remain optimistic that it will be resolved and very much it will be."

Without taking China's name, he said, "We are waiting to see whether the country that is so far been resisting agreeing to its listing will lift that objection." Hoping, "that we will get to that conclusion" of listing Azhar, he added.

The Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was in China last Monday and gave&nbsp;evidence regarding JeM's involvement in terror attacks in India. During his visit, he met Chinese officials including Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi.

India's external affairs ministry after the visit said, "We have shared with China all evidence of terrorist activities of JeM&nbsp;and its leader Masood Azhar. It is now for the 1267 Sanctions Committee and other authorized bodies of the UN&nbsp;to take a decision on the listing of Masood Azhar. "

China has been also making positive comments on the listing of Azhar in last few weeks with China MOFA saying, "things are moving towards a settlement".&nbsp;

JeM was responsible for the February 14th Pulwama attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel.

The US, along with UK and France had proposed listing Masood Azhar as an international terrorist in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack.

A United Nations Security Council resolution was also proposed by the US at UNSC after China's hold on listing in March. The listing of Azhar at UNSC will put travel, an arms embargo and freeze his assets which will impact his activities.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

China is expected to remove its hold on the listing of Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist in coming few weeks, multiple sources have confirmed to WION.

China is expected to remove its hold on the listing of Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist in coming few weeks, multiple sources have confirmed to WION. Though any timeframe hasn't been given, sources on condition of anonymity have said they are quite positive and hopeful. China had put a hold on the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist on March 13th at the 1267 sanctions committee of the UNSC. Bejing has nine months still to decided and remove the hold after the March decision. The development comes even as the UK last week expressed optimism that JeM chief Masood Azhar will be soon be listed. Speaking to reporters in Delhi, British High Commissioner Sir Dominic Asquith on Friday said: "We are strong supporters of listing of Masood Azhar for a decade. So that we will get to that conclusion shortly. I do remain optimistic that it will be resolved and very much it will be." Without taking China's name, he said, "We are waiting to see whether the country that is so far been resisting agreeing to its listing will lift that objection." Hoping, "that we will get to that conclusion" of listing Azhar, he added. The Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was in China last Monday and gave evidence regarding JeM's involvement in terror attacks in India. During his visit, he met Chinese officials including Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi. India's external affairs ministry after the visit said, "We have shared with China all evidence of terrorist activities of JeM and its leader Masood Azhar. It is now for the 1267 Sanctions Committee and other authorized bodies of the UN to take a decision on the listing of Masood Azhar. " China has been also making positive comments on the listing of Azhar in last few weeks with China MOFA saying, "things are moving towards a settlement". JeM was responsible for the February 14th Pulwama attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel. The US, along with UK and France had proposed listing Masood Azhar as an international terrorist in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack. A United Nations Security Council resolution was also proposed by the US at UNSC after China's hold on listing in March. The listing of Azhar at UNSC will put travel, an arms embargo and freeze his assets which will impact his activities.

China may soon remove hold on Masood Azhar's terror listing at UN

Outraged by China blocking for the fourth time a move to designate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/were-disappointed-says-india-after-china-blocks-move-to-designate-masood-azhar-as-a-global-terrorist-203180">JeM chief Masood Azhar </a>a global terrorist, responsible <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-again-blocks-indias-bid-to-have-masood-azhar-designated-a-global-terrorist-203175">UNSC members</a> warned they "may be forced to pursue other actions" at the Security Council if Beijing continued with this policy. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"If China continues to block this designation, responsible member-states may be forced to pursue other actions at the Security Council. It shouldn't have to come to that," a Security Council diplomat told PTI in an unusually tough warning to China. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity to give a sense of the feeling of other members of the Security Council after China blocked the move to designate Azhar a global terrorist. Beijing previously put a technical hold on similar proposals at the UNSC thrice. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
In the aftermath of the Pulwama terrorist attack, three permanent members of Security Council — the US, France and the UK — had moved a resolution to designate Azhar a glocal terrorist. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Except for China, which wields veto power in the Security Council, all other UNSC members were on board with the move before the al-Qaida (1267) Sanctions Committee. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
India has expressed disappointment over China's decision but said it will "pursue all available avenues" to bring to justice terrorist leaders involved in the attack on Indians. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"This is the fourth time that China has placed a hold on this listing. China should not prevent the Committee from doing the job the Security Council has entrusted it to do," another security council diplomat told PTI in response to a question. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"China's move to hold the listing is inconsistent with its own stated goals of combatting terrorism and furthering regional stability in South Asia," said the diplomat, requesting not to be named to speak frankly, given that the deliberations of the UN sanctions committee are confidential, thus preventing member-countries from talking about it in public. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The second security council diplomat also slammed Pakistan for depending on China to protect terrorist groups and leaders that operate from its soil. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"Pakistan has quite often depended on China to protect it from the listing of Pakistan-based terrorist groups and individuals in the UN 1267 sanctions committee," the diplomat said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"The case for designating Masood Azhar — the leader of a group the UN already calls an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organization — is undeniable," the diplomat said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; 
On Tuesday, the Trump administration had said that Azhar meets the criteria for designation by the United Nations. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"Our views on Jaish-e-Mohammad and its founder are well known. JeM is a UN-designated terrorist group," State Department deputy spokesperson Robert Palladino told reporters. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"Azhar is the founder and the leader of JEM, and he meets the criteria for designation by the United Nations. JEM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and is a threat to regional stability and peace," Palladino said.

The State Department referred to this statement on Wednesday when asked about the latest developments in New York. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
“I would say that the United States and China share a mutual interest in achieving regional stability and peace and that a failure to designate Azhar would run counter to this goal,” Palladino said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Congressman Brad Sherman described the Chinese move as unacceptable. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
“Once again, China has blocked the UN from imposing sanctions on Masood Azhar, the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed, which carried out the Pulwama attack in India in February. This is unacceptable,” he said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
“I urge Beijing to allow the UN to place sanctions on Azhar, the leader of a UN-recognized terrorist organization,” Sherman said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Several American think-tank members slammed China for its decision delaying the Azhar listing. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
“Today, China doubled down on a very bad bet. It blocked yet another round of UN sanctions on Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar weeks after the group claimed credit for the deadliest terror attack in Kashmir,” Jeff Smith from the Heritage Foundation said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
“This one won't be undone by another romantic stroll through Wuhan,” he said, indicating that such a move by Beijing would only escalate the tension between India and China. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
“Not entirely unexpected, but nonetheless a slap to India's face after last month's bloody suicide-bombing in Kashmir. Also raises serious questions about the benefits of Modi’s photo-op diplomacy with Xi Jinping,” tweeted Sadanand Dhume from American Enterprise Institute.

Outraged by China blocking for the fourth time a move to designate JeM chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist, responsible UNSC members warned they "may be forced to pursue other actions" at the Security Council if Beijing continued with this policy.

Outraged by China blocking for the fourth time a move to designate JeM chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist, responsible UNSC members warned they "may be forced to pursue other actions" at the Security Council if Beijing continued with this policy. "If China continues to block this designation, responsible member-states may be forced to pursue other actions at the Security Council. It shouldn't have to come to that," a Security Council diplomat told PTI in an unusually tough warning to China. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity to give a sense of the feeling of other members of the Security Council after China blocked the move to designate Azhar a global terrorist. Beijing previously put a technical hold on similar proposals at the UNSC thrice. In the aftermath of the Pulwama terrorist attack, three permanent members of Security Council — the US, France and the UK — had moved a resolution to designate Azhar a glocal terrorist. Except for China, which wields veto power in the Security Council, all other UNSC members were on board with the move before the al-Qaida (1267) Sanctions Committee. India has expressed disappointment over China's decision but said it will "pursue all available avenues" to bring to justice terrorist leaders involved in the attack on Indians. "This is the fourth time that China has placed a hold on this listing. China should not prevent the Committee from doing the job the Security Council has entrusted it to do," another security council diplomat told PTI in response to a question. "China's move to hold the listing is inconsistent with its own stated goals of combatting terrorism and furthering regional stability in South Asia," said the diplomat, requesting not to be named to speak frankly, given that the deliberations of the UN sanctions committee are confidential, thus preventing member-countries from talking about it in public. The second security council diplomat also slammed Pakistan for depending on China to protect terrorist groups and leaders that operate from its soil. "Pakistan has quite often depended on China to protect it from the listing of Pakistan-based terrorist groups and individuals in the UN 1267 sanctions committee," the diplomat said. "The case for designating Masood Azhar — the leader of a group the UN already calls an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organization — is undeniable," the diplomat said. On Tuesday, the Trump administration had said that Azhar meets the criteria for designation by the United Nations. "Our views on Jaish-e-Mohammad and its founder are well known. JeM is a UN-designated terrorist group," State Department deputy spokesperson Robert Palladino told reporters. "Azhar is the founder and the leader of JEM, and he meets the criteria for designation by the United Nations. JEM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and is a threat to regional stability and peace," Palladino said. The State Department referred to this statement on Wednesday when asked about the latest developments in New York. “I would say that the United States and China share a mutual interest in achieving regional stability and peace and that a failure to designate Azhar would run counter to this goal,” Palladino said. Congressman Brad Sherman described the Chinese move as unacceptable. “Once again, China has blocked the UN from imposing sanctions on Masood Azhar, the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed, which carried out the Pulwama attack in India in February. This is unacceptable,” he said. “I urge Beijing to allow the UN to place sanctions on Azhar, the leader of a UN-recognized terrorist organization,” Sherman said. Several American think-tank members slammed China for its decision delaying the Azhar listing. “Today, China doubled down on a very bad bet. It blocked yet another round of UN sanctions on Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar weeks after the group claimed credit for the deadliest terror attack in Kashmir,” Jeff Smith from the Heritage Foundation said. “This one won't be undone by another romantic stroll through Wuhan,” he said, indicating that such a move by Beijing would only escalate the tension between India and China. “Not entirely unexpected, but nonetheless a slap to India's face after last month's bloody suicide-bombing in Kashmir. Also raises serious questions about the benefits of Modi’s photo-op diplomacy with Xi Jinping,” tweeted Sadanand Dhume from American Enterprise Institute.

Responsible UNSC members may be forced to pursue other actions: UNSC diplomat on Masood Azhar

India on Wednesday night expressed "disappointment" after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-again-blocks-indias-bid-to-have-masood-azhar-designated-a-global-terrorist-203175">China blocked</a> yet another move at the United Nations to designate Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's <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">chief Masood Azhar </a>as a "global terrorist".

In its reaction, the External Affairs Ministry, without naming China, said the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee was not able to come to a decision on the proposal to list Azhar on account of a member country placing the proposal on hold.

The proposal was a fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. China has been blocking the moves.

The External Affairs Ministry said India will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that leaders of terror groups involved in heinous attacks on Indian citizens are brought to justice.

"We are disappointed by this outcome. This has prevented action by the international community to designate the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a proscribed and active terrorist organisation which has claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14," the MEA said.

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, nearly two weeks after the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The JeM had claimed responsibility for the attack.

"We are grateful for the efforts of the Member States who moved the designation proposal and the unprecedented number of all other Security Council members as well as non-members who joined as co-sponsors. We will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that terrorist leaders who are involved in heinous attacks on our citizens are brought to justice," the MEA said.

The Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee members had 10 working days to raise any objections to the proposal. China put a hold on the proposal just before the deadline to raise any objection to the move was coming to an end.

An inkling of China's stand on the issue came during it's 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.

In 2009, India moved a proposal by itself to designate Azhar. In 2016, India again 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 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 UN Security Council, blocked the proposals from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee.

India on Wednesday night expressed "disappointment" after China blocked yet another move at the United Nations to designate Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's chief Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist".

India on Wednesday night expressed "disappointment" after China blocked yet another move at the United Nations to designate Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's chief Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist". In its reaction, the External Affairs Ministry, without naming China, said the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee was not able to come to a decision on the proposal to list Azhar on account of a member country placing the proposal on hold. The proposal was a fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. China has been blocking the moves. The External Affairs Ministry said India will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that leaders of terror groups involved in heinous attacks on Indian citizens are brought to justice. "We are disappointed by this outcome. This has prevented action by the international community to designate the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a proscribed and active terrorist organisation which has claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14," the MEA said. 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, nearly two weeks after the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The JeM had claimed responsibility for the attack. "We are grateful for the efforts of the Member States who moved the designation proposal and the unprecedented number of all other Security Council members as well as non-members who joined as co-sponsors. We will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that terrorist leaders who are involved in heinous attacks on our citizens are brought to justice," the MEA said. The Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee members had 10 working days to raise any objections to the proposal. China put a hold on the proposal just before the deadline to raise any objection to the move was coming to an end. An inkling of China's stand on the issue came during it's 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. In 2009, India moved a proposal by itself to designate Azhar. In 2016, India again 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 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 UN Security Council, blocked the proposals from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee.

We're disappointed, says India after China blocks move to designate Masood Azhar as a global terrorist

G Parthasarthy, Ex-Indian High commissioner to Pakistan on China's decision

The United states has said China's failure to back the listing of Pakistan-based terror group <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/address-concerns-on-terrorism-including-cross-border-terrorism-us-india-to-pak-202988">Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) chief </a>Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) can impact regional stability and peace.

Replying to a question at the State Department presser, deputy spokesperson of State Department Robert Palladino said,"United States and China share a mutual interest in achieving regional stability and peace, and that a failure to designate Azhar would run counter to this goal".

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SN36SQjqYRs" width="560"></iframe>

He also said that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-slam-pakistan-ahead-of-the-decision-on-masood-azhar-highlights-islamabads-role-pulwama-attack-202967">Azhar meets the criteria</a> for designation by the United Nations and both United States and India are working "closely together" on counterterrorism efforts, and that includes at the United Nations.

Palladino said, "JeM is a United Nations-designated terrorist group. Azhar is the founder and the leader of JeM, and he meets the criteria for designation by the United Nations. JeM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and is a threat to regional stability and peace."

China has been reluctant in declaring Azhar as an international terrorist and has blocked his listing at United Nation's Security Council's 1267 committee three times - 2009, 2016 and 2017.

Azhar's JeM has already been listed under the UN terror list. Jaish was responsible for the deadly Pulwama attack on 14th February that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel.

France, UK, US proposed the listing of Azhar on the UN terror list with Russia also backing the move.

The United states has said China's failure to back the listing of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) can impact regional stability and peace.

The United states has said China's failure to back the listing of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) can impact regional stability and peace. Replying to a question at the State Department presser, deputy spokesperson of State Department Robert Palladino said,"United States and China share a mutual interest in achieving regional stability and peace, and that a failure to designate Azhar would run counter to this goal". He also said that Azhar meets the criteria for designation by the United Nations and both United States and India are working "closely together" on counterterrorism efforts, and that includes at the United Nations. Palladino said, "JeM is a United Nations-designated terrorist group. Azhar is the founder and the leader of JeM, and he meets the criteria for designation by the United Nations. JeM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and is a threat to regional stability and peace." China has been reluctant in declaring Azhar as an international terrorist and has blocked his listing at United Nation's Security Council's 1267 committee three times - 2009, 2016 and 2017. Azhar's JeM has already been listed under the UN terror list. Jaish was responsible for the deadly Pulwama attack on 14th February that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel. France, UK, US proposed the listing of Azhar on the UN terror list with Russia also backing the move.

China's failure to designate Masood Azhar would run counter to goal of regional stability: US

The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a recent statement, mentioned ‘age-old ties’ and ‘friendship’ that India and China have sustained using the metaphor of life-sustaining streams of water meandering through vast stretches of land in their long journey from source to the sea.&nbsp;

Names of rivers like Ganga and Yangtze do evoke historic civilisational memories of people but it would be naive to imagine that poetic imagery alone can help sustain meaningful, substantial relationships between nations. In the same speech, Wang reiterated that for China friendship with Pakistan remain important and he expressed hope that both India and Pakistan would respect each other's sovereignty and work for a stable peace. 
 
We can’t overlook that even after the terrorist attack in Pulwama and its aftermath nothing seems to have changed as far as China is concerned. 
 
It may be argued that the great rivers in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent all originate in the Tibetan plateau-conceded by India to be an integral part of the Peoples Republic of China albeit autonomous, and hence, China is entwined inextricably with events in neighbourhood downstream. It cant be denied that the most populous country in the world also shares thousands of kilometres long land border with India Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar. 
 
Bilateral disputes regarding border apart, this fact too appears to strengthen China’s claims to be ‘an interested party’ in South Asia’s future. However, to concede this without voicing legitimate apprehensions can only jeopardise our national interests. 
 
At the moment China, like the US, has also offered to help resolve explosive outstanding disputes between India and Pakistan. The wording may be cautious and euphemistic but let there be no doubt it is trying to make bilateral issues trilateral. By no stretch of imagination can China be considered an unbiased ‘honest broker’.&nbsp; 
 
Ever since Donald Trump declared ‘trade war’ against China there has been loose talk about unprecedented opportunities opening up for India to leverage this in its relations with China particularly in the context of its relations with Pakistan. Months have passed and by now it is clear there is no point in chasing this mirage. If we are to successfully resist arm twisting by anyone we have to rely on our own strength and unwavering resolve. Once we concede that any external power is ‘required’ to reduce ‘dangerous tensions’ in South Asian Nuclear Flashpoint, we will lose our autonomy forever. It is only in Pakistan’s interest to ‘invite’ friends getting impatient to gatecrash.

India at the moment should be consolidating its ties with other South Asian neighbours to make the point that it is a predominant regional power.

Much too easily, we have fallen in the trap laid by foreign analysts who have ‘theorised’ that India’s smaller neighbours look at it as a ‘bullying Big Brother’; they don’t trust her. In the past few decades, this analysis has spawned diplomatic strategies and economic aid programmes by the US, China and some European countries to alienate Nepal and Sri Lanka from India. Apprehensions have been systematically fuelled to become anxieties causing serious alienation.&nbsp; 
 
Take a close look, from Bangladesh and Myanmar to the Maldives, India is being encircled to cripple and curb it from operating in its natural sphere of influence. After all the subcontinent and the Ocean are identified as Indian. The legacy of history can't be wished away. The footprint of Indian civilisation-Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic- extends from Central Asia to Farthest reaches of South East Asia. It is this footprint that China is keen to erode and as fast as possible. If it succeeds in this design then it will emerge as the solitary power in Asia. Neither the US nor Russia could then think of balancing it with India.&nbsp; 
 
It is in this context that India needs to assess developments in the region and recast its policies. In Nepal, the rebel leadership has made peace with Kathmandu and the remains splinter group of Maoist guerrillas have signalled a willingness to join mainstream politics. This should remove outstanding irritants in our bilateral relationships with that landlocked neighbour. Rohingya refugees are a common problem shared by Myanmar, Bangladesh and India. One has to be extremely sensitive to its dangerous potential. The violation of human rights and genocide are allegations that are used opportunistically as weapons of mass destructions by Big Powers. Sri Lanka continues to be in the dock for atrocities committed by its armed forces particularly in the last phase of its long drawn civil war but one dare not question the US about its savagery in Iraq and Syria.

Nor are such concerns raised about Israel and Palestine or China and Tibet. Words like ‘People’s Inherent and Inalienable Right to Self Determination’ have lost all meaning due to selective prejudiced use and hypocrisy. India doesn’t have to be defensive at all.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

&nbsp;

The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a recent statement, mentioned ‘age-old ties’ and ‘friendship’ that India and China have sustained using the metaphor of life-sustaining streams of water meandering through vast stretches of land in their long journey from source to the sea.

The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a recent statement, mentioned ‘age-old ties’ and ‘friendship’ that India and China have sustained using the metaphor of life-sustaining streams of water meandering through vast stretches of land in their long journey from source to the sea. Names of rivers like Ganga and Yangtze do evoke historic civilisational memories of people but it would be naive to imagine that poetic imagery alone can help sustain meaningful, substantial relationships between nations. In the same speech, Wang reiterated that for China friendship with Pakistan remain important and he expressed hope that both India and Pakistan would respect each other's sovereignty and work for a stable peace. We can’t overlook that even after the terrorist attack in Pulwama and its aftermath nothing seems to have changed as far as China is concerned. It may be argued that the great rivers in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent all originate in the Tibetan plateau-conceded by India to be an integral part of the Peoples Republic of China albeit autonomous, and hence, China is entwined inextricably with events in neighbourhood downstream. It cant be denied that the most populous country in the world also shares thousands of kilometres long land border with India Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar. Bilateral disputes regarding border apart, this fact too appears to strengthen China’s claims to be ‘an interested party’ in South Asia’s future. However, to concede this without voicing legitimate apprehensions can only jeopardise our national interests. At the moment China, like the US, has also offered to help resolve explosive outstanding disputes between India and Pakistan. The wording may be cautious and euphemistic but let there be no doubt it is trying to make bilateral issues trilateral. By no stretch of imagination can China be considered an unbiased ‘honest broker’. Ever since Donald Trump declared ‘trade war’ against China there has been loose talk about unprecedented opportunities opening up for India to leverage this in its relations with China particularly in the context of its relations with Pakistan. Months have passed and by now it is clear there is no point in chasing this mirage. If we are to successfully resist arm twisting by anyone we have to rely on our own strength and unwavering resolve. Once we concede that any external power is ‘required’ to reduce ‘dangerous tensions’ in South Asian Nuclear Flashpoint, we will lose our autonomy forever. It is only in Pakistan’s interest to ‘invite’ friends getting impatient to gatecrash. India at the moment should be consolidating its ties with other South Asian neighbours to make the point that it is a predominant regional power. Much too easily, we have fallen in the trap laid by foreign analysts who have ‘theorised’ that India’s smaller neighbours look at it as a ‘bullying Big Brother’; they don’t trust her. In the past few decades, this analysis has spawned diplomatic strategies and economic aid programmes by the US, China and some European countries to alienate Nepal and Sri Lanka from India. Apprehensions have been systematically fuelled to become anxieties causing serious alienation. Take a close look, from Bangladesh and Myanmar to the Maldives, India is being encircled to cripple and curb it from operating in its natural sphere of influence. After all the subcontinent and the Ocean are identified as Indian. The legacy of history can't be wished away. The footprint of Indian civilisation-Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic- extends from Central Asia to Farthest reaches of South East Asia. It is this footprint that China is keen to erode and as fast as possible. If it succeeds in this design then it will emerge as the solitary power in Asia. Neither the US nor Russia could then think of balancing it with India. It is in this context that India needs to assess developments in the region and recast its policies. In Nepal, the rebel leadership has made peace with Kathmandu and the remains splinter group of Maoist guerrillas have signalled a willingness to join mainstream politics. This should remove outstanding irritants in our bilateral relationships with that landlocked neighbour. Rohingya refugees are a common problem shared by Myanmar, Bangladesh and India. One has to be extremely sensitive to its dangerous potential. The violation of human rights and genocide are allegations that are used opportunistically as weapons of mass destructions by Big Powers. Sri Lanka continues to be in the dock for atrocities committed by its armed forces particularly in the last phase of its long drawn civil war but one dare not question the US about its savagery in Iraq and Syria. Nor are such concerns raised about Israel and Palestine or China and Tibet. Words like ‘People’s Inherent and Inalienable Right to Self Determination’ have lost all meaning due to selective prejudiced use and hypocrisy. India doesn’t have to be defensive at all. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India needs to recast its neighbourhood policies as China remains cryptic on Masood Azhar

India is reaching out to China and other 14 member countries of the UN Security Council to designate as a global terrorist <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/over-200-kg-of-explosives-was-used-in-pulwamas-terror-attack-197469">Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar </a>as a fresh move has been made to ban him by the world body, official sources said.

The US, Britain and France have moved a proposal at the United Nations Security Council last week to designate the chief of the JeM, which has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack.

The sources said any UNSC member country can seek clarification on the proposal till March 13 following which the process to listing will commence.

“We are reaching out to all the 15 UNSC member countries both in New Delhi as well as in their respective capitals. We will leave no stone unturned to get the support of all member countries,” said a source.

Azhar’s listing by the UNSC will subject him to the global travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo. It is the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist.

In 2009, India unsuccessfully moved a proposal to designate Azhar. In 2016 again, India moved the proposal with the P3 – the US, the United Kingdom and France in the UN’s 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar.

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.

Sources said a listing of Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC will send a huge political signal to Pakistan that it must dismantle the terror infrastructure in its territory.

Meanwhile, sources said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale postponed a scheduled visit to Iran and China following the escalation in Indo-Pak ties. Gokhale was to travel to Tehran on March 3.

India is reaching out to China and other 14 member countries of the UN Security Council to designate as a global terrorist Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a fresh move has been made to ban him by the world body, official sources said.

India is reaching out to China and other 14 member countries of the UN Security Council to designate as a global terrorist Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a fresh move has been made to ban him by the world body, official sources said. The US, Britain and France have moved a proposal at the United Nations Security Council last week to designate the chief of the JeM, which has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack. The sources said any UNSC member country can seek clarification on the proposal till March 13 following which the process to listing will commence. “We are reaching out to all the 15 UNSC member countries both in New Delhi as well as in their respective capitals. We will leave no stone unturned to get the support of all member countries,” said a source. Azhar’s listing by the UNSC will subject him to the global travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo. It is the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. In 2009, India unsuccessfully moved a proposal to designate Azhar. In 2016 again, India moved the proposal with the P3 – the US, the United Kingdom and France in the UN’s 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar. 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. Sources said a listing of Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC will send a huge political signal to Pakistan that it must dismantle the terror infrastructure in its territory. Meanwhile, sources said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale postponed a scheduled visit to Iran and China following the escalation in Indo-Pak ties. Gokhale was to travel to Tehran on March 3.

India reaching out to all UNSC members seeking support to ban Masood Azhar by UN

Breaking News: Pakistan government bans Masood Azhar's JeM

China on Friday welcomed Pakistan's decision to release the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-india-awaits-pilots-return-beating-the-retreat-ceremony-cancelled-at-wagah-border-200496"> Indian Air Force pilot and encouraged</a> the two countries to engage in more counter-terrorism cooperation and dialogue for the regional peace and stability.

Pakistan is set to release captured Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot&nbsp;as a "first step" to open negotiations with India.

Pakistan detained the pilot following a fierce engagement between air forces of the two sides along the Line of Control(LoC) when his MiG-21 fighter jet was downed.

Asked how China views Pakistan's decision to release the pilot and whether Beijing played any behind-the-scenes role in it, foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters: "Well, from the start China has been calling upon the two sides exercise restraint and take measures to ease tensions, engage in dialogue to resolve the differences".

"I have taken note of the developments. China welcomes the goodwill signals released by the Pakistani side. De-escalation serves the common interests of both the countries. We encourage the two sides to engage in more dialogue for the peace and stability in the region," he said.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NXXrB8ofVmw" width="560"></iframe>

About Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's offer to investigate the Pulwama terror attack if credible evidence is provided, Lu said: "We encourage the two sides to take more measures to create favourable atmosphere for the joint efforts to deal with the relevant issue."

"The cooperation on counter-terrorism and jointly uphold the regional peace and stability, this is what China hopes to see".

China's call for more India-Pakistan cooperation on the counter-terrorism comes in the backdrop of Beijing endorsing India's demand for elimination of breeding grounds of terrorism and extremism and agreeing to have joint policy coordination under the aegis of Russia, India, China (RIC) Foreign Ministers mechanism.

Briefing the media after the RIC ministers talks held on February 27th at the Chinese city of Wuzhen, Wang said: "We agreed to jointly combat all forms of terrorism through closer policy coordination and practical cooperation. Especially important is to eradicate the breeding grounds of terrorism and extremism".

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, who attended the meeting, held talks with Wang before the RIC meeting.

Wang, in his concluding remarks, tried to strike a balance by backing Pakistan, saying "we believe that Pakistan has always been opposed to terrorism".

But at the same time, he said China would play a constructive role to de-escalate the tense stand-off between India and Pakistan after the Pulwama attack carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mahammed (JeM).

China, however, is yet to disclose the stand it would take in the UN Security Council when the US, the UK and France resolution to list <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-asks-world-community-to-take-action-against-jem-and-its-leadership-200408">JeM chief Masood Azhar </a>as a global terrorist comes up for discussion.China has blocked previous three attempts by India and the three countries on the same issue.

On Thursday, it sounded no-committal about the US, the UK and France resolution to list Azhar as a global terrorist.

"As we have said on many occasions, the 1267 committee of the UN Security Council has clear norms on the listing of terrorist organisations or individuals and relevant procedures," Lu said in response to a question on the issue.

China will continue to take a responsible attitude and participate in the discussions of the Security Council's relevant sanctions committees and other subsidiary bodies, he added.

China on Friday welcomed Pakistan's decision to release the Indian Air Force pilot and encouraged the two countries to engage in more counter-terrorism cooperation and dialogue for the regional peace and stability.

China on Friday welcomed Pakistan's decision to release the Indian Air Force pilot and encouraged the two countries to engage in more counter-terrorism cooperation and dialogue for the regional peace and stability. Pakistan is set to release captured Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot as a "first step" to open negotiations with India. Pakistan detained the pilot following a fierce engagement between air forces of the two sides along the Line of Control(LoC) when his MiG-21 fighter jet was downed. Asked how China views Pakistan's decision to release the pilot and whether Beijing played any behind-the-scenes role in it, foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters: "Well, from the start China has been calling upon the two sides exercise restraint and take measures to ease tensions, engage in dialogue to resolve the differences". "I have taken note of the developments. China welcomes the goodwill signals released by the Pakistani side. De-escalation serves the common interests of both the countries. We encourage the two sides to engage in more dialogue for the peace and stability in the region," he said. About Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's offer to investigate the Pulwama terror attack if credible evidence is provided, Lu said: "We encourage the two sides to take more measures to create favourable atmosphere for the joint efforts to deal with the relevant issue." "The cooperation on counter-terrorism and jointly uphold the regional peace and stability, this is what China hopes to see". China's call for more India-Pakistan cooperation on the counter-terrorism comes in the backdrop of Beijing endorsing India's demand for elimination of breeding grounds of terrorism and extremism and agreeing to have joint policy coordination under the aegis of Russia, India, China (RIC) Foreign Ministers mechanism. Briefing the media after the RIC ministers talks held on February 27th at the Chinese city of Wuzhen, Wang said: "We agreed to jointly combat all forms of terrorism through closer policy coordination and practical cooperation. Especially important is to eradicate the breeding grounds of terrorism and extremism". External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, who attended the meeting, held talks with Wang before the RIC meeting. Wang, in his concluding remarks, tried to strike a balance by backing Pakistan, saying "we believe that Pakistan has always been opposed to terrorism". But at the same time, he said China would play a constructive role to de-escalate the tense stand-off between India and Pakistan after the Pulwama attack carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mahammed (JeM). China, however, is yet to disclose the stand it would take in the UN Security Council when the US, the UK and France resolution to list JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist comes up for discussion.China has blocked previous three attempts by India and the three countries on the same issue. On Thursday, it sounded no-committal about the US, the UK and France resolution to list Azhar as a global terrorist. "As we have said on many occasions, the 1267 committee of the UN Security Council has clear norms on the listing of terrorist organisations or individuals and relevant procedures," Lu said in response to a question on the issue. China will continue to take a responsible attitude and participate in the discussions of the Security Council's relevant sanctions committees and other subsidiary bodies, he added.

Welcome goodwill signal, Pakistan has always been opposed to terrorism: China

China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council on Friday sought to downplay the scathing statement issued by the powerful organ of the world body naming Jaish-e-Muhammad(JeM) in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/pulwama-attack-cannot-be-allowed-to-go-unanswered-198875">Pulwama terror attack</a>, saying the mention of the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fatf-comes-hard-on-pakistan-says-islamabad-has-not-demonstrated-proper-understanding-of-terror-financing-198944"> Pakistan-based outfit</a> was only in "general terms" and "does not represent a judgement".

At least 40 Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF) personnel were killed in a suicide attack by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-is-getting-globally-isolated-move-to-ban-jud-fif-is-cosmetic-response-to-our-diplomatic-campaign-india-198872">Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM)</a> in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14, sparking outrage in the country.

The powerful UN Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday strongly condemned the "heinous and cowardly" terror attack.

"The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir, which left 40 Indian paramilitary forces dead and dozens wounded on February 14, 2019, for which Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility," it said in a statement.

Asked about the statement highlighting the role of JeM claiming the responsibility of the Pulwama attack, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters that Beijing was closely following the developments related to the terror incident.

"Yesterday, the UN Security Council issued a press statement that mentioned that a particular organisation but only in general terms. It does not represent a judgement on the attack," Geng said.

His remarks were seen as an attempt by China, without whose endorsement the UNSC statement could not have been released, aimed at placating its close ally Pakistan and play down the indictment of the JeM.

China has been repeatedly blocking India and several other countries' efforts to bring about a global ban on JeM chief Masood Azhar in the UN's anti-terror 1267 committee.

While China's endorsement of the UNSC statement was reflection of wariness on the part of Beijing to repeatedly defend JeM in the UN body, which casts a shadow on its relations with India, observers say it is to be seen what stand Beijing would take when France moves its resolution seeking to list Azhar as a global terrorist in the UN.

France, also a member of the permanent five of the UNSC, has officially announced that it would move a resolution soon in the 1267 committee seeking Azhar's listing.

Since 2016, China has consistently blocked moves first by India and later by the US, the UK and France to designate Azhar as a global terrorist by putting repeated technical holds.

In his response on Friday Geng said that "China also noted that the Pakistani government showed readiness to cooperate with India on the investigation and that it is also ready to resolve differences with India through dialogue".

"China hopes all parties will work to find the truth about this attack. We hope Pakistan and India will engage in dialogue to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability," he said.

The UN statement also underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of these "reprehensible acts of terrorism" accountable and bring them to justice".

The UN condemnation came a day after Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN Maleeha Lodhi met top UN leaders including with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to brief them about the escalating tensions in the region in the wake of the Pulwama attack. PTI

China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council on Friday sought to downplay the scathing statement issued by the powerful organ of the world body naming Jaish-e-Muhammad(JeM) in the Pulwama terror attack, saying the mention of the Pakistan-based outfit was only in "general terms" and "does not represent a judgement".

China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council on Friday sought to downplay the scathing statement issued by the powerful organ of the world body naming Jaish-e-Muhammad(JeM) in the Pulwama terror attack, saying the mention of the Pakistan-based outfit was only in "general terms" and "does not represent a judgement". At least 40 Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF) personnel were killed in a suicide attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14, sparking outrage in the country. The powerful UN Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday strongly condemned the "heinous and cowardly" terror attack. "The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir, which left 40 Indian paramilitary forces dead and dozens wounded on February 14, 2019, for which Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility," it said in a statement. Asked about the statement highlighting the role of JeM claiming the responsibility of the Pulwama attack, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters that Beijing was closely following the developments related to the terror incident. "Yesterday, the UN Security Council issued a press statement that mentioned that a particular organisation but only in general terms. It does not represent a judgement on the attack," Geng said. His remarks were seen as an attempt by China, without whose endorsement the UNSC statement could not have been released, aimed at placating its close ally Pakistan and play down the indictment of the JeM. China has been repeatedly blocking India and several other countries' efforts to bring about a global ban on JeM chief Masood Azhar in the UN's anti-terror 1267 committee. While China's endorsement of the UNSC statement was reflection of wariness on the part of Beijing to repeatedly defend JeM in the UN body, which casts a shadow on its relations with India, observers say it is to be seen what stand Beijing would take when France moves its resolution seeking to list Azhar as a global terrorist in the UN. France, also a member of the permanent five of the UNSC, has officially announced that it would move a resolution soon in the 1267 committee seeking Azhar's listing. Since 2016, China has consistently blocked moves first by India and later by the US, the UK and France to designate Azhar as a global terrorist by putting repeated technical holds. In his response on Friday Geng said that "China also noted that the Pakistani government showed readiness to cooperate with India on the investigation and that it is also ready to resolve differences with India through dialogue". "China hopes all parties will work to find the truth about this attack. We hope Pakistan and India will engage in dialogue to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability," he said. The UN statement also underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of these "reprehensible acts of terrorism" accountable and bring them to justice". The UN condemnation came a day after Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN Maleeha Lodhi met top UN leaders including with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to brief them about the escalating tensions in the region in the wake of the Pulwama attack. PTI

UNSC statement mentioned JeM in general terms, it does not represent judgement on Pulwama attack: China

China on Monday indicated that it would<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-once-again-blocks-us-move-to-designate-masood-azhar-global-terrorist-18563"> yet again block India&#39;s bid to blacklist the chief of the terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) Masood Azha</a>r by the United Nations Security Council because there was no consensus.

India, backed by the United States, has been trying to get Maulana Masood Azhar on a UN list of groups with ties to al Qaeda.

China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, has repeatedly put a technical hold on India&#39;s move to put a ban on the JeM terrorist under the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the Council, the latest&nbsp;is due to end on Thursday.

China had in August extended by three months its technical hold on the proposal to list the JeM founder as a global terrorist after having blocked the move in February this year at the United Nations.

China&#39;s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the country had proposed a technical hold on the move to ban Masood Azhar so that UN committee members had time for further consultations but they were unable to reach a consensus.

The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said there were clear rules for listing a person or group as a terrorist, and that China has always believed the relevant UN committee should operate on the principles of objectivity, fairness and professionalism on this matter.

Jaish-e-Mohammad has already been blacklisted by the 15-nation Security Council, but not Azhar.

&quot;China proposed a technical hold, the aim of which was to give more time for the committee members to discuss it and for relevant parties to have further consultations,&quot; Hua said. &quot;But regrettably, the committee has yet to reach consensus&quot;.

India blames Masood Azhar&#39;s JeM for a series of terrorist attacks in India, including one an airbase in Pathankot in 2016 and on its parliament in 2002.

China&#39;s repeated technical hold has become a point of friction between China and India, which fears Beijing is disregarding its concerns over terrorism.&nbsp;

India also fears that China will protect its &quot;all-weather&quot; ally Pakistan, no matter how much the evidence against Islamabad which said&nbsp;it interrogated Azhar and his associates in the JeM after the January 2016 Pathankot attack but found no evidence linking him to it.

Asked if China is resorting to block the move repeatedly at the behest of Pakistan, Hua said: &quot;We believe that the Committee should follow the principles of objectivity, professionalism, and fairness and reach decision by a consensus based on solid proof&quot;.

Hua also defended Pakistan&#39;s track record on terrorism, saying that Pakistan is also a victim of terrorism and China supports Islamabad in countering terrorism in accordance with its own national conditions.

&quot;On counterterrorism, China always advocates greater international cooperation in fighting it,&quot; she added.

In the last two years, China has stonewalled efforts by India and then later by the US, the UK and France to declare Azhar as a global terrorist, stating that there was no consensus on the issue.

Last year in March, China was the only member in the UN Security Council to put a hold on India&#39;s application with all other 14 members of the Council supporting New Delhi&#39;s bid to place Azhar on the 1267 sanctions list that would subject him to an assets freeze and travel ban.

(with inputs from Reuters, PTI)

China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the country had proposed a technical hold on the move to ban Masood Azhar so that UN committee members had time for further consultations but they were unable to reach a consensus

China on Monday indicated that it would yet again block India's bid to blacklist the chief of the terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) Masood Azhar by the United Nations Security Council because there was no consensus. India, backed by the United States, has been trying to get Maulana Masood Azhar on a UN list of groups with ties to al Qaeda. China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, has repeatedly put a technical hold on India's move to put a ban on the JeM terrorist under the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the Council, the latest is due to end on Thursday. China had in August extended by three months its technical hold on the proposal to list the JeM founder as a global terrorist after having blocked the move in February this year at the United Nations. China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the country had proposed a technical hold on the move to ban Masood Azhar so that UN committee members had time for further consultations but they were unable to reach a consensus. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said there were clear rules for listing a person or group as a terrorist, and that China has always believed the relevant UN committee should operate on the principles of objectivity, fairness and professionalism on this matter. Jaish-e-Mohammad has already been blacklisted by the 15-nation Security Council, but not Azhar. "China proposed a technical hold, the aim of which was to give more time for the committee members to discuss it and for relevant parties to have further consultations," Hua said. "But regrettably, the committee has yet to reach consensus". India blames Masood Azhar's JeM for a series of terrorist attacks in India, including one an airbase in Pathankot in 2016 and on its parliament in 2002. China's repeated technical hold has become a point of friction between China and India, which fears Beijing is disregarding its concerns over terrorism. India also fears that China will protect its "all-weather" ally Pakistan, no matter how much the evidence against Islamabad which said it interrogated Azhar and his associates in the JeM after the January 2016 Pathankot attack but found no evidence linking him to it. Asked if China is resorting to block the move repeatedly at the behest of Pakistan, Hua said: "We believe that the Committee should follow the principles of objectivity, professionalism, and fairness and reach decision by a consensus based on solid proof". Hua also defended Pakistan's track record on terrorism, saying that Pakistan is also a victim of terrorism and China supports Islamabad in countering terrorism in accordance with its own national conditions. "On counterterrorism, China always advocates greater international cooperation in fighting it," she added. In the last two years, China has stonewalled efforts by India and then later by the US, the UK and France to declare Azhar as a global terrorist, stating that there was no consensus on the issue. Last year in March, China was the only member in the UN Security Council to put a hold on India's application with all other 14 members of the Council supporting New Delhi's bid to place Azhar on the 1267 sanctions list that would subject him to an assets freeze and travel ban. (with inputs from Reuters, PTI)

China indicates will again block Indian bid to blacklist Masood Azhar at UN

China today said it will remain in touch with India and &quot;relevant parties&quot; on Beijing blocking India&#39;s bid for a UN ban on Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar, as it mulled further options after its technical hold on the ban expires this month.

&quot;On the issue of listing in the UNSC 1267 Committee, I have already explained China&#39;s position many times,&quot; Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told PTI.

&quot;China will continue to keep in touch with relevant parties including India on this issue,&quot; he said in a written response to minister of state for external affairs M J Akbar&#39;s comments that India has urged China to reverse its technical hold on New Delhi&#39;s request.

Akbar said in the Rajya Sabha yesterday that India&#39;s request on Azhar&#39;s ban is co-sponsored by several prominent countries.

Akbar said China has often repeated its concern on the spread of terrorism and its desire to cooperate with India on the issue.

Geng&#39;s response to Akbar&#39;s comments came as the second technical hold put by China in October following the Uri terrorist attack which was also blamed on the JeM, is due to expire later this month.

On March 31, China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, had blocked India&#39;s move to impose a ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed leader and Pathankot terror attack mastermind Azhar under the Sanctions Committee of the Council.

China was the only member in the 15-nation UN body to put a hold on India&#39;s application with all other 14 members of the Council supporting New Delhi&#39;s bid to place Azhar on the 1267 sanctions list that would subject him to an assets freeze and travel ban.

The two foreign ministries have been holding talks on this issue which was also discussed during the recent two meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping.

The two leaders met at the G20 meeting in Hangzhou and BRICS summit in Goa.&nbsp;

(PTI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Beijing said it will keep in touch with India, in response to New Delhi's request to reverse its technical hold on UN ban on JeM chief Azhar

China today said it will remain in touch with India and "relevant parties" on Beijing blocking India's bid for a UN ban on Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar, as it mulled further options after its technical hold on the ban expires this month. "On the issue of listing in the UNSC 1267 Committee, I have already explained China's position many times," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told PTI. "China will continue to keep in touch with relevant parties including India on this issue," he said in a written response to minister of state for external affairs M J Akbar's comments that India has urged China to reverse its technical hold on New Delhi's request. Akbar said in the Rajya Sabha yesterday that India's request on Azhar's ban is co-sponsored by several prominent countries. Akbar said China has often repeated its concern on the spread of terrorism and its desire to cooperate with India on the issue. Geng's response to Akbar's comments came as the second technical hold put by China in October following the Uri terrorist attack which was also blamed on the JeM, is due to expire later this month. On March 31, China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, had blocked India's move to impose a ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed leader and Pathankot terror attack mastermind Azhar under the Sanctions Committee of the Council. China was the only member in the 15-nation UN body to put a hold on India's application with all other 14 members of the Council supporting New Delhi's bid to place Azhar on the 1267 sanctions list that would subject him to an assets freeze and travel ban. The two foreign ministries have been holding talks on this issue which was also discussed during the recent two meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping. The two leaders met at the G20 meeting in Hangzhou and BRICS summit in Goa. (PTI)

China: Will be in touch with India on Masood Azhar ban

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