A Pakistani terrorist linked to the banned terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) who was engaged in the Pulwama attack was shot and killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama area on Saturday, according to a senior police official.

He was involved in organising the 2019 Pulwama attack, according to Inspector General of Kashmir Police Vijay Kumar, in which at least 40 CRPF jawans were martyred.

The terrorist was a relative of Maulana Masood Azhar, the founder of Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Abu Saifullah, also known as Adnan, Ismail, and Lamboo, was slain together with another terrorist at Hangalmarg in the Pulwama district's Tral.

He has been active in the valley since 2017.

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Top most <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistani</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/terrorist?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#terrorist</a> affiliated with proscribed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/terror?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#terror</a> outfit JeM Lamboo killed in today’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/encounter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#encounter</a>. Identification of second terrorist being ascertained. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Congratulations?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Congratulations</a> to Army &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/AwantiporPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AwantiporPolice</a>: IGP Kashmir<a href="https://twitter.com/JmuKmrPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JmuKmrPolice</a>
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"He was involved in a series of terror attacks, including the Pulwama attack of February 14, 2019, along with others. "Adnan was a very strong associate of the Pakistan-based top JeM hierarchy of Rauf Azhar, Maulana Masood Azhar, and Ammar," the senior official said.

Lamboo, a citizen of Pakistan's Punjab province, operated out of the Awantipora area.

He was believed to be a specialist in encrypted texting and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

He's suspected of making the IED that was used in the Pulwama attack.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Pakistani terrorist linked to the banned terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) who was engaged in the Pulwama attack was shot and killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama area on Saturday, according to a senior police official.

A Pakistani terrorist linked to the banned terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) who was engaged in the Pulwama attack was shot and killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama area on Saturday, according to a senior police official. He was involved in organising the 2019 Pulwama attack, according to Inspector General of Kashmir Police Vijay Kumar, in which at least 40 CRPF jawans were martyred. The terrorist was a relative of Maulana Masood Azhar, the founder of Jaish-e-Mohammed. Abu Saifullah, also known as Adnan, Ismail, and Lamboo, was slain together with another terrorist at Hangalmarg in the Pulwama district's Tral. He has been active in the valley since 2017. Top most #Pakistani #terrorist affiliated with proscribed #terror outfit JeM Lamboo killed in today’s #encounter. Identification of second terrorist being ascertained. #Congratulations to Army & @AwantiporPolice: IGP Kashmir@JmuKmrPolice — Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) July 31, 2021 × "He was involved in a series of terror attacks, including the Pulwama attack of February 14, 2019, along with others. "Adnan was a very strong associate of the Pakistan-based top JeM hierarchy of Rauf Azhar, Maulana Masood Azhar, and Ammar," the senior official said. Lamboo, a citizen of Pakistan's Punjab province, operated out of the Awantipora area. He was believed to be a specialist in encrypted texting and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). He's suspected of making the IED that was used in the Pulwama attack. (With inputs from agencies)

Terrorist Masood Azhar's relative who planned the Pulwama attack killed in Kashmir: Police

UN-designated global terrorist Masood Azhar, chief of the banned Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), should be arrested by January 18 in connection with a terror-financing case, an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has asked the Punjab Police, a court official said on Saturday.

The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Gujranwala issued an arrest warrant against Azhar in the terror-financing case instituted by the CTD in the previous hearing on Thursday.

"ATC Gujranwala judge Natasha Naseem Supra during the case hearing on Friday directed the CTD to arrest JeM chief Masood Azhar by January 18 and present him in the court. In case of failure (to arrest him), the court may begin proceedings to declare him a proclaimed offender,"&nbsp;a court official told PTI on Saturday.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-terms-lakhvi-sentencing-masood-azhar-arrest-warrant-farcical-actions-355442" hreflang="en">India terms Lakhvi sentencing, Masood Azhar arrest warrant 'farcical actions'</a>

Azhar is facing charges of terror financing and selling jihadi literature.

Following the Pulwama terror attack in February 2019, Pakistan's Punjab police had launched a crackdown on terrorism financing and arrested six militants of the JeM in Gujranwala, some 130 km from Lahore. Azhar is facing the trial in this case.

Following the immense international pressure after the Pulwama attack, the Pakistan government arrested over 100 members of the banned militant outfits including the JeM chief's son and brother.

The government also took control of the JeM, Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) and Falahai Insaniat Foundation (FIF) properties including seminaries and mosques across the country.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-issues-arrest-warrant-against-jem-chief-masood-azhar-355173" hreflang="en">Pakistan court issues arrest warrant against JeM chief Masood Azhar</a>

The JeM had claimed responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF soldiers were killed.

Pakistan's Punjab government claimed to have taken over the administrative control of the JeM headquarters — comprising Madressatul Sabir and Jama-e-Masjid Subhanallah&nbsp;— in Bahawalpur.

In May 2019, the United Nations designated Azhar as a "global terrorist" after China lifted its hold on a proposal to blacklist the Pakistan-based JeM chief, a decade after New Delhi approached the world body for the first time on the issue.

The UN committee listed Azhar on May 1, 2019, as being associated with al-Qaeda for "participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf of, or in support of", "supplying, selling or transferring arms and related material to", "recruiting for", "otherwise supporting acts or activities of", and "other acts or activities indicating an association with" the JeM.

Azhar is a fugitive released by India in exchange of passengers of the hijacked Indian Airlines plane IC-814 in 1999. After his release, Azhar formed the JeM and scripted many terror attacks in India.

On February 26, 2019, India launched airstrikes on JeM's biggest training camp in Pakistan's Balakot.

Paris-based global terror financing watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is instrumental in pushing Pakistan to take measures against terrorists roaming freely in Pakistan and using its territory to carry out attacks in India and elsewhere.

The FATF placed Pakistan on the Grey List in June 2018 and asked Islamabad to implement a plan of action to curb money laundering and terror financing by the end of 2019 but the deadline was extended later on due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Reacting to the jail sentence handed out to Mumbai attack mastermind and UN proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and the issuance of an arrest warrant against JeM chief Azhar, India on Friday scoffed at Pakistan, saying it has become a routine for Islamabad to come up with "farcical actions" prior to key international meetings.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said the timing clearly suggests the intention of conveying a sense of compliance ahead of APG (Asia-Pacific Group) meet and the next FATF plenary meet in February 2021.

"It has become routine for Pakistan to come up with such farcical actions prior to important meetings.

"UN proscribed entities and designated terrorists act as proxies for Pakistani establishment to fulfil its anti-India agenda. It is for the international community to hold Pakistan to account and ensure that it takes credible action against terror groups, terror infrastructure and individual terrorists," Srivastava added.&nbsp;

UN-designated global terrorist Masood Azhar, chief of the banned Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), should be arrested by January 18 in connection with a terror-financing case, an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has asked the Punjab Police, a court official said on Saturday.

UN-designated global terrorist Masood Azhar, chief of the banned Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), should be arrested by January 18 in connection with a terror-financing case, an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has asked the Punjab Police, a court official said on Saturday. The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Gujranwala issued an arrest warrant against Azhar in the terror-financing case instituted by the CTD in the previous hearing on Thursday. "ATC Gujranwala judge Natasha Naseem Supra during the case hearing on Friday directed the CTD to arrest JeM chief Masood Azhar by January 18 and present him in the court. In case of failure (to arrest him), the court may begin proceedings to declare him a proclaimed offender," a court official told PTI on Saturday. Also read| India terms Lakhvi sentencing, Masood Azhar arrest warrant 'farcical actions' Azhar is facing charges of terror financing and selling jihadi literature. Following the Pulwama terror attack in February 2019, Pakistan's Punjab police had launched a crackdown on terrorism financing and arrested six militants of the JeM in Gujranwala, some 130 km from Lahore. Azhar is facing the trial in this case. Following the immense international pressure after the Pulwama attack, the Pakistan government arrested over 100 members of the banned militant outfits including the JeM chief's son and brother. The government also took control of the JeM, Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) and Falahai Insaniat Foundation (FIF) properties including seminaries and mosques across the country. Also read| Pakistan court issues arrest warrant against JeM chief Masood Azhar The JeM had claimed responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF soldiers were killed. Pakistan's Punjab government claimed to have taken over the administrative control of the JeM headquarters — comprising Madressatul Sabir and Jama-e-Masjid Subhanallah — in Bahawalpur. In May 2019, the United Nations designated Azhar as a "global terrorist" after China lifted its hold on a proposal to blacklist the Pakistan-based JeM chief, a decade after New Delhi approached the world body for the first time on the issue. The UN committee listed Azhar on May 1, 2019, as being associated with al-Qaeda for "participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf of, or in support of", "supplying, selling or transferring arms and related material to", "recruiting for", "otherwise supporting acts or activities of", and "other acts or activities indicating an association with" the JeM. Azhar is a fugitive released by India in exchange of passengers of the hijacked Indian Airlines plane IC-814 in 1999. After his release, Azhar formed the JeM and scripted many terror attacks in India. On February 26, 2019, India launched airstrikes on JeM's biggest training camp in Pakistan's Balakot. Paris-based global terror financing watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is instrumental in pushing Pakistan to take measures against terrorists roaming freely in Pakistan and using its territory to carry out attacks in India and elsewhere. The FATF placed Pakistan on the Grey List in June 2018 and asked Islamabad to implement a plan of action to curb money laundering and terror financing by the end of 2019 but the deadline was extended later on due to COVID-19 pandemic. Reacting to the jail sentence handed out to Mumbai attack mastermind and UN proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and the issuance of an arrest warrant against JeM chief Azhar, India on Friday scoffed at Pakistan, saying it has become a routine for Islamabad to come up with "farcical actions" prior to key international meetings. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said the timing clearly suggests the intention of conveying a sense of compliance ahead of APG (Asia-Pacific Group) meet and the next FATF plenary meet in February 2021. "It has become routine for Pakistan to come up with such farcical actions prior to important meetings. "UN proscribed entities and designated terrorists act as proxies for Pakistani establishment to fulfil its anti-India agenda. It is for the international community to hold Pakistan to account and ensure that it takes credible action against terror groups, terror infrastructure and individual terrorists," Srivastava added.

Pakistan's anti-terrorism court asks police to arrest JeM chief Masood Azhar by January 18

India has termed Pakistani actions of the sentencing of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and an arrest warrant against Masood Azhar as "routine farcical actions" done just ahead of the FATF meeting due next month. It has been more than 2 years that Pakistan remains at the FATF greylist due to non-fulfilment of its anti-terror financing commitments.

The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "the timing of these actions clearly suggests the intention of conveying a sense of compliance ahead of the APJG meeting and next FATF plenary meeting in February 2021".

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-terror-attack-mastermind-zaki-ur-rehman-lakhvi-sentenced-by-pakistan-court-for-15-years-355381">Mumbai terror attack mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi sentenced by Pakistan court for 15 years</a>

Highlighting," It has become routine for Pakistan to come up with such farcical actions prior to important meetings."

Lakhvi was sentenced on Friday by a Pakistani court for 15 years for terror financing. He was one of the key masterminds of 26/11, but no action has been taken by Islamabad. Last year, another 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed was sentenced many times by Pakistani court for terror financing, and the warrant for Azhar comes even as at FATF Islamabad claimed no knowledge on his location.

The MEA spokesperson said, "UN proscribed entities and designated terrorists act as proxies for Pakistani establishment to fulfill its anti-India agenda."

Adding," It is for the international community to hold Pakistan to account and ensure that it takes credible action against terror groups, terror infrastructure and individual terrorists."

It is interesting to point out, Pakistan had gone to United Nations Security Council to get "basic expense for both Saeed and Lakhvi. Both are United Nations listed international terrorist. Islamabad had defended the move saying the "exemption was in line with the established procedures and practices of the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee".&nbsp;

Asset freeze exemptions can be granted for what is called basic expenses for provisions such as payment for foodstuff, rent or mortgage, medicines and medical treatment etc. What is shocking is that the basic expense stands at around Pak 1,50,000 rupees a month, an amount that has raised eyebrows in many global capitals including New Delhi.

 
&nbsp;

India has termed Pakistani actions of the sentencing of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and an arrest warrant against Masood Azhar as "routine farcical actions" done just ahead of the FATF meeting due next month.

India has termed Pakistani actions of the sentencing of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and an arrest warrant against Masood Azhar as "routine farcical actions" done just ahead of the FATF meeting due next month. It has been more than 2 years that Pakistan remains at the FATF greylist due to non-fulfilment of its anti-terror financing commitments. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "the timing of these actions clearly suggests the intention of conveying a sense of compliance ahead of the APJG meeting and next FATF plenary meeting in February 2021". Also read | Mumbai terror attack mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi sentenced by Pakistan court for 15 years Highlighting," It has become routine for Pakistan to come up with such farcical actions prior to important meetings." Lakhvi was sentenced on Friday by a Pakistani court for 15 years for terror financing. He was one of the key masterminds of 26/11, but no action has been taken by Islamabad. Last year, another 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed was sentenced many times by Pakistani court for terror financing, and the warrant for Azhar comes even as at FATF Islamabad claimed no knowledge on his location. The MEA spokesperson said, "UN proscribed entities and designated terrorists act as proxies for Pakistani establishment to fulfill its anti-India agenda." Adding," It is for the international community to hold Pakistan to account and ensure that it takes credible action against terror groups, terror infrastructure and individual terrorists." It is interesting to point out, Pakistan had gone to United Nations Security Council to get "basic expense for both Saeed and Lakhvi. Both are United Nations listed international terrorist. Islamabad had defended the move saying the "exemption was in line with the established procedures and practices of the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee". Asset freeze exemptions can be granted for what is called basic expenses for provisions such as payment for foodstuff, rent or mortgage, medicines and medical treatment etc. What is shocking is that the basic expense stands at around Pak 1,50,000 rupees a month, an amount that has raised eyebrows in many global capitals including New Delhi.

India terms Lakhvi sentencing, Masood Azhar arrest warrant 'farcical actions'

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

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

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

Pakistan court issues arrest warrant against JeM chief Masood Azhar

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

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

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

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

A day after Pakistani's Federal Investigation Agency(FIA) issued its most-wanted terrorist list, India has highlighted that it "glaringly omits the mastermind and key conspirators" of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. The list mentions 1210 high profile and most wanted terrorists of Pakistan but makes no mention of <a href="JuD spokesperson sentenced for 32 years, Hafiz Saeed's brother-in-law also gets jail term">Hafiz Saeed</a>, Masood Azhar, or Dawood Ibrahim.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-accepts-presence-of-11-lashkar-terrorists-who-facilitated-2611-on-its-territory-342370">Also Read:&nbsp;Pakistan accepts presence of 11 Lashkar terrorists who facilitated 26/11 on its territory</a>

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava in response to a WION question said, " While the list includes a select few members of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/collective-action-against-lashkar-jaish-terror-groups-will-serve-humankind-well-says-india-at-unsc-318898">Lashkar-e-Toiba</a>, an UN-designated terror entity based in Pakistan, including the crew members of the boats used to execute the 26/11 attack, it glaringly omits the mastermind and key conspirators of the heinous terror attack."

WION on Wednesday first reported that 11 Pakistani Lashkar-e-Toiba&nbsp;terrorists who were involved in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/victims-of-2611-mumbai-terror-attack-and-pathankot-terror-attack-still-waiting-for-justice-says-india-331104">26/11</a> attacks are on the list. These include Muhammad Amjad Khan of Multan who was involved in the purchase of the boat Al Fouz involved in the 2008 terror attack, the captain of the boat Shahid Gafoor and 9 other crew members.

The spokesperson highlighted that list "makes it clear that Pakistan possesses all the necessary information and evidence on the conspirators and facilitators of the Mumbai terror attack based in Pakistan."

The list says Muhammad Amjad Khan had purchased Yamaha Motorboat engine, life jackets, inflatable boats from ARZ water sport, Karachi, things that were used in Mumbai terror attacks and "recovered by Indian authorities".

India has been repeatedly calling the Pakistan&nbsp;government&nbsp;to "give up its obfuscation and dilatory tactics" in "discharging its international obligations" in the Mumbai terror attacks trial, the spokesperson said, pointing out that "several other countries have also called upon Pakistan to expeditiously bring the perpetrators of the dastardly terror attacks to justice."

US had recently called on Pakistan to act on the perpetrator of 26/11 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-drops-nearly-4000-terrorists-names-from-its-watchlist-including-one-2611-mastermind-report-293762">Mumbai terror </a>attacks. 166 people from 15 countries had died in the 2008 attacks on India's financial center.&nbsp;

A day after Pakistani's Federal Investigation Agency(FIA) issued its most-wanted terrorist list, India has highlighted that it "glaringly omits the mastermind and key conspirators" of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

A day after Pakistani's Federal Investigation Agency(FIA) issued its most-wanted terrorist list, India has highlighted that it "glaringly omits the mastermind and key conspirators" of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. The list mentions 1210 high profile and most wanted terrorists of Pakistan but makes no mention of Hafiz Saeed, Masood Azhar, or Dawood Ibrahim. Also Read: Pakistan accepts presence of 11 Lashkar terrorists who facilitated 26/11 on its territory Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava in response to a WION question said, " While the list includes a select few members of the Lashkar-e-Toiba, an UN-designated terror entity based in Pakistan, including the crew members of the boats used to execute the 26/11 attack, it glaringly omits the mastermind and key conspirators of the heinous terror attack." WION on Wednesday first reported that 11 Pakistani Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists who were involved in the 26/11 attacks are on the list. These include Muhammad Amjad Khan of Multan who was involved in the purchase of the boat Al Fouz involved in the 2008 terror attack, the captain of the boat Shahid Gafoor and 9 other crew members. The spokesperson highlighted that list "makes it clear that Pakistan possesses all the necessary information and evidence on the conspirators and facilitators of the Mumbai terror attack based in Pakistan." The list says Muhammad Amjad Khan had purchased Yamaha Motorboat engine, life jackets, inflatable boats from ARZ water sport, Karachi, things that were used in Mumbai terror attacks and "recovered by Indian authorities". India has been repeatedly calling the Pakistan government to "give up its obfuscation and dilatory tactics" in "discharging its international obligations" in the Mumbai terror attacks trial, the spokesperson said, pointing out that "several other countries have also called upon Pakistan to expeditiously bring the perpetrators of the dastardly terror attacks to justice." US had recently called on Pakistan to act on the perpetrator of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. 166 people from 15 countries had died in the 2008 attacks on India's financial center.

Pak FIA list has omitted 26/11 masterminds, highlights India; says Pak has all information on conspirators

Pakistan's failure to fulfil six key obligations of the FATF, including action against two of India's most wanted terrorists Maulana Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed, and the sudden disappearance of more than 4,000 terrorists from its official list will most likely lead to its continuation in the 'grey list' of the Global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog, officials said on Sunday.

The virtual plenary of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), to be held on October 21-23, will take the final call on Pakistan's continuation on its grey list after a thorough review of Islamabad's performance in fulfilling the global commitments and standards in the fight against money laundering and terror financing.

The FATF had given Pakistan a total of 27 action plan obligations for completely checking terror financing of which so far it has cleared 21 but has failed in some of the key tasks, an official privy to the developments said.

The mandates which Pakistan has failed include action against all UN-designated terrorists like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Azhar, Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Seed and the outfit's operational commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi. 
Besides, FATF has strongly noted the fact that there was sudden disappearance of the names of more than 4,000 terrorists from its original list of 7,600 under Schedule IV of its Anti Terrorism Act.

"Under these circumstances, it is almost certain that Pakistan will continue in the FATF grey list," the official said.

Also, the four nominating countries -- the United States, Britain, France and Germany -- are also not satisfied with Islamabad's commitment to taking strong action against the terror groups operating from its soil.

Azhar, Saeed and Lakhvi are most wanted terrorists in India for their involvement in numerous terrorist acts, including the 26/11 Mumbai terror strikes and the bombing of a CRPF bus at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir last year.

With Pakistan's continuation in the grey list, it is increasingly becoming difficult for Islamabad to get financial aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Union, thus further enhancing problems for the neighbouring country which is in a precarious financial situation.

The FATF will also judge if competent authorities in Pakistan were cooperating and taking action to identify and taking enforcement action against illegal money or value transfer services and had proven implementation of cross-border currency and bearer negotiable instruments controls at all ports of entry, including applying effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions.

The country's outstanding action areas also include effective implementation of targeted financial sanctions (supported by a comprehensive legal obligation) against all 1,267 and 1,373 designated terrorists and those acting for or on their behalf, including preventing the raising and moving of funds, identifying and freezing assets (movable and immovable), and prohibiting access to funds and financial services, another official said.

The FATF plenary was earlier scheduled in June, but Pakistan got an unexpected breather after the global watchdog against financial crimes temporarily postponed all mutual evaluations and follow-up deadlines in the wake of grave health risk due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The watchdog also put a general pause in the review process, thus giving additional four months to Pakistan to meet the requirements.

Pakistan needed 12 votes out of 39 to exit the grey list and move to the white list. To avoid the blacklist, it needs the support of three countries. China, Turkey and Malaysia are its consistent supporters.

Currently, North Korea and Iran are on the FATF blacklist.

Pakistan was placed on the grey list by the FATF in June 2018 and was given a plan of action to complete it by October 2019. Since then, the country continues to be on that list due to its failure to comply with the FATF mandates.

The FATF is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 to combat money laundering, terror financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.

The FATF currently has 39 members, including two regional organisations -- the European Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council.

India is a member of the FATF consultations and its Asia Pacific Group.&nbsp;

Pakistan's failure to fulfil six key obligations of the FATF, including action against two of India's most wanted terrorists Maulana Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed, and the sudden disappearance of more than 4,000 terrorists from its official list will most likely lead to its continuation in the 'grey list' of the Global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog, officials said on Sunday.

Pakistan's failure to fulfil six key obligations of the FATF, including action against two of India's most wanted terrorists Maulana Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed, and the sudden disappearance of more than 4,000 terrorists from its official list will most likely lead to its continuation in the 'grey list' of the Global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog, officials said on Sunday. The virtual plenary of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), to be held on October 21-23, will take the final call on Pakistan's continuation on its grey list after a thorough review of Islamabad's performance in fulfilling the global commitments and standards in the fight against money laundering and terror financing. The FATF had given Pakistan a total of 27 action plan obligations for completely checking terror financing of which so far it has cleared 21 but has failed in some of the key tasks, an official privy to the developments said. The mandates which Pakistan has failed include action against all UN-designated terrorists like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Azhar, Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Seed and the outfit's operational commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi. Besides, FATF has strongly noted the fact that there was sudden disappearance of the names of more than 4,000 terrorists from its original list of 7,600 under Schedule IV of its Anti Terrorism Act. "Under these circumstances, it is almost certain that Pakistan will continue in the FATF grey list," the official said. Also, the four nominating countries -- the United States, Britain, France and Germany -- are also not satisfied with Islamabad's commitment to taking strong action against the terror groups operating from its soil. Azhar, Saeed and Lakhvi are most wanted terrorists in India for their involvement in numerous terrorist acts, including the 26/11 Mumbai terror strikes and the bombing of a CRPF bus at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir last year. With Pakistan's continuation in the grey list, it is increasingly becoming difficult for Islamabad to get financial aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Union, thus further enhancing problems for the neighbouring country which is in a precarious financial situation. The FATF will also judge if competent authorities in Pakistan were cooperating and taking action to identify and taking enforcement action against illegal money or value transfer services and had proven implementation of cross-border currency and bearer negotiable instruments controls at all ports of entry, including applying effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions. The country's outstanding action areas also include effective implementation of targeted financial sanctions (supported by a comprehensive legal obligation) against all 1,267 and 1,373 designated terrorists and those acting for or on their behalf, including preventing the raising and moving of funds, identifying and freezing assets (movable and immovable), and prohibiting access to funds and financial services, another official said. The FATF plenary was earlier scheduled in June, but Pakistan got an unexpected breather after the global watchdog against financial crimes temporarily postponed all mutual evaluations and follow-up deadlines in the wake of grave health risk due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The watchdog also put a general pause in the review process, thus giving additional four months to Pakistan to meet the requirements. Pakistan needed 12 votes out of 39 to exit the grey list and move to the white list. To avoid the blacklist, it needs the support of three countries. China, Turkey and Malaysia are its consistent supporters. Currently, North Korea and Iran are on the FATF blacklist. Pakistan was placed on the grey list by the FATF in June 2018 and was given a plan of action to complete it by October 2019. Since then, the country continues to be on that list due to its failure to comply with the FATF mandates. The FATF is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 to combat money laundering, terror financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system. The FATF currently has 39 members, including two regional organisations -- the European Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council. India is a member of the FATF consultations and its Asia Pacific Group.

Pak fails to fulfil six key mandates of FATF; no action against Hafiz Saeed

India has dismissed Pakistan's claim that New Delhi hasn't shared enough evidence with the country on the Pulwama terror attack. Earlier this week, India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet against 19 people, out which seven are Pakistani nationals including Jaish-e-Mohammad Chief Masood Azhar.&nbsp;

Reminding Islamabad that the organisation and leadership of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), the United Nations terror group which had taken the responsibility of Pulwama attack is "in Pakistan".&nbsp;Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava said, "It is regrettable that Masood Azhar, the first accused in the charge sheet, continues to find shelter in Pakistan. Enough evidence has been shared with Pakistan but it continues to evade responsibility."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-confirms-money-was-put-in-pakistan-bank-accounts-of-masood-azhar-before-pulwama-terror-attack-323281">Also read|&nbsp;NIA confirms money was put in Pakistan bank accounts of Masood Azhar before Pulwama terror attack</a>

The 2019 attack in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel died was the worst terror attack on Indian soil.&nbsp;

The MEA said, "The charge sheet has been filed after investigation of a year and a half since the attack took place on 14 February 2019. It has been filed to address the act of terrorism and to bring perpetrators of such a heinous crime to justice."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-files-chargesheet-in-pulwama-attack-jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhar-his-two-brothers-among-19-named-323023">Also read|&nbsp;NIA files chargesheet in Pulwama attack: Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, his two brothers among 19 named</a>

The development comes after Pakistan reacted to NIA's charge sheet saying India's evidence to it was "incomplete, patchy and unsubstantiated".

New Delhi also recalled Islamabad's inaction on acting against 26/11 Mumbai attack's mastermind saying the country "has not yet taken any credible action against perpetrators of the (attack)..which resulted in loss of 165 innocent lives including 25 foreign nationals."

India has dismissed Pakistan's claim that New Delhi hasn't shared enough evidence with the country on the Pulwama terror attack. Earlier this week, India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet against 19 people, out which seven are Pakistani nationals including Jaish-e-Mohammad Chief Masood Azhar.

India has dismissed Pakistan's claim that New Delhi hasn't shared enough evidence with the country on the Pulwama terror attack. Earlier this week, India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet against 19 people, out which seven are Pakistani nationals including Jaish-e-Mohammad Chief Masood Azhar. Reminding Islamabad that the organisation and leadership of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), the United Nations terror group which had taken the responsibility of Pulwama attack is "in Pakistan". Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava said, "It is regrettable that Masood Azhar, the first accused in the charge sheet, continues to find shelter in Pakistan. Enough evidence has been shared with Pakistan but it continues to evade responsibility." Also read| NIA confirms money was put in Pakistan bank accounts of Masood Azhar before Pulwama terror attack The 2019 attack in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel died was the worst terror attack on Indian soil. The MEA said, "The charge sheet has been filed after investigation of a year and a half since the attack took place on 14 February 2019. It has been filed to address the act of terrorism and to bring perpetrators of such a heinous crime to justice." Also read| NIA files chargesheet in Pulwama attack: Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, his two brothers among 19 named The development comes after Pakistan reacted to NIA's charge sheet saying India's evidence to it was "incomplete, patchy and unsubstantiated". New Delhi also recalled Islamabad's inaction on acting against 26/11 Mumbai attack's mastermind saying the country "has not yet taken any credible action against perpetrators of the (attack)..which resulted in loss of 165 innocent lives including 25 foreign nationals."

Shared enough evidence with Pakistan on Pulwama: MEA

Mohammed Umar Farooq, the nephew of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, had received Rs 10 lakh in his bank accounts in Pakistan to execute the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed in February last year, the NIA has said in its chargesheet.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe has shown that Rs 10 lakh in Pakistani currency was credited into three accounts of Farooq, the main accused in the suicide attack case who was later killed in an encounter with security forces, in Allied Bank and Mezaan Bank in that country days before the incident, officials said.

They said the money was deposited by top leadership of the terror group JeM between January and February 2019.

The terrorists had spent around Rs six lakh on procurement of explosives and the Maruti Eeco car used in the attack, the NIA said in its chargesheet filed on Tuesday before a special court in Jammu.

A major chunk of the fund, about Rs 2.80 lakh, was used to procure around 200 kilograms of explosives including ammonium nitrate to trigger a massive car-laden IED attack on the CRPF convoy moving from Jammu to Srinagar on February 14, 2019, they said.

The 200 kilograms of explosives comprised of a lethal concoction of RDX brought from Pakistan, gelatin sticks procured by Mudasir Ahmad, four kilograms of Aluminium powder bought on Amazon by accused Wazi Ul Islam and Calcium Ammonium Nitrate.

The IED was fitted into the Eeco car in two containers weighing 160 kilogram and 40 kilograms to trigger the blast, the NIA said.

Charge sheeted accused Shakir Bashir allegedly collected the explosives -- RDX, Gelatin sticks, Aluminium power and Calcium-Ammonium Nitrate -- and stocked them at his house for making the IED, the agency said.

The terrorists had spent another Rs 2.5 lakh on purchasing and modifying the car to be used in the attack which was also parked in the front-yard of Shakir Bashir's house, it said.

Some money was spent on miscellaneous expenses too, which included purchase of containers for fabricating the Improvised Explosive Devices, officials said.

The NIA probe has shown three bank accounts of Farooq, the main perpetrator, who received the money from January 2019 till February of the same year.

The agency had filed a 13,800-page chargesheet against 19 accused persons in an NIA Special Court at Jammu in connection with last year's terrorist attack on the CRPF convoy at Lethpura, Pulwama, they said.

Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist Adil Ahmad Dar, who was driving the car laden with explosives, had rammed it into the convoy killing 40 CRPF personnel and grievously injuring eight others.

"The investigation has revealed that Pulwama attack was a result of well-planned criminal conspiracy hatched by Pakistan-based leadership of terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad.

The JeM leaders have been sending their cadres to the terrorist training camps of Al-Qaida-Taliban-JeM and Haqqani-JeM in Afghanistan for receiving training in explosives and other terrorist tactics," the NIA said in the chargesheet.

The agency said the main accused Umar Farooq was trained in Afghanistan for explosives.

He visited Afghanistan in 2016-17 and had infiltrated into India through the International Border at Jammu-Samba Sector in April, 2018, it said.

Farooq took over as the Jaish-e-Mohammad Commander of Pulwama.

"Accused Shakir Bashir, Insha Jan, Peer Tariq Ahmad Shah and Bilal Ahmad Kuchey provided all logistics and harboured the JeM terrorists in their houses," the NIA has said.

Bashir allegedly did reconnaissance of the movement and deployment of security forces on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

A propaganda video clip of Mohammad Umar Farooq, Sameer Dar and Adil Dar was allegedly prepared at Insha Jan's house which was released immediately after the suicide attack, it said.

The terrorists had prepared the car for the attack by fitting it with the IED on February 6, 2019 but suspended their nefarious plans because of heavy snowfall which led to closing of the National Highway for vehicular movement, the agency said.

They attacked the convoy on February 14, 2019, when the National Highway reopened, they said.

Bashir drove Adil Ahmad Dar till the National Highway, after which Dar drove the car and carried out the blast, it alleged.

Damage to the tune of Rs 32.90 lakh was caused to public property, the probe agency said.

The NIA found that JeM leadership consisting of Masood Azhar, Rouf Asgar and Ammar Alvi alias Chacha alias Chota Masood handled the operation by continuously giving directions and guidance to the Pakistani JeM infiltrators before and after the attack.

Mohammed Umar Farooq, the nephew of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, had received Rs 10 lakh in his bank accounts in Pakistan to execute the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed in February last year, the NIA has said in its chargesheet.

Mohammed Umar Farooq, the nephew of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, had received Rs 10 lakh in his bank accounts in Pakistan to execute the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed in February last year, the NIA has said in its chargesheet. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe has shown that Rs 10 lakh in Pakistani currency was credited into three accounts of Farooq, the main accused in the suicide attack case who was later killed in an encounter with security forces, in Allied Bank and Mezaan Bank in that country days before the incident, officials said. They said the money was deposited by top leadership of the terror group JeM between January and February 2019. The terrorists had spent around Rs six lakh on procurement of explosives and the Maruti Eeco car used in the attack, the NIA said in its chargesheet filed on Tuesday before a special court in Jammu. A major chunk of the fund, about Rs 2.80 lakh, was used to procure around 200 kilograms of explosives including ammonium nitrate to trigger a massive car-laden IED attack on the CRPF convoy moving from Jammu to Srinagar on February 14, 2019, they said. The 200 kilograms of explosives comprised of a lethal concoction of RDX brought from Pakistan, gelatin sticks procured by Mudasir Ahmad, four kilograms of Aluminium powder bought on Amazon by accused Wazi Ul Islam and Calcium Ammonium Nitrate. The IED was fitted into the Eeco car in two containers weighing 160 kilogram and 40 kilograms to trigger the blast, the NIA said. Charge sheeted accused Shakir Bashir allegedly collected the explosives -- RDX, Gelatin sticks, Aluminium power and Calcium-Ammonium Nitrate -- and stocked them at his house for making the IED, the agency said. The terrorists had spent another Rs 2.5 lakh on purchasing and modifying the car to be used in the attack which was also parked in the front-yard of Shakir Bashir's house, it said. Some money was spent on miscellaneous expenses too, which included purchase of containers for fabricating the Improvised Explosive Devices, officials said. The NIA probe has shown three bank accounts of Farooq, the main perpetrator, who received the money from January 2019 till February of the same year. The agency had filed a 13,800-page chargesheet against 19 accused persons in an NIA Special Court at Jammu in connection with last year's terrorist attack on the CRPF convoy at Lethpura, Pulwama, they said. Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist Adil Ahmad Dar, who was driving the car laden with explosives, had rammed it into the convoy killing 40 CRPF personnel and grievously injuring eight others. "The investigation has revealed that Pulwama attack was a result of well-planned criminal conspiracy hatched by Pakistan-based leadership of terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad. The JeM leaders have been sending their cadres to the terrorist training camps of Al-Qaida-Taliban-JeM and Haqqani-JeM in Afghanistan for receiving training in explosives and other terrorist tactics," the NIA said in the chargesheet. The agency said the main accused Umar Farooq was trained in Afghanistan for explosives. He visited Afghanistan in 2016-17 and had infiltrated into India through the International Border at Jammu-Samba Sector in April, 2018, it said. Farooq took over as the Jaish-e-Mohammad Commander of Pulwama. "Accused Shakir Bashir, Insha Jan, Peer Tariq Ahmad Shah and Bilal Ahmad Kuchey provided all logistics and harboured the JeM terrorists in their houses," the NIA has said. Bashir allegedly did reconnaissance of the movement and deployment of security forces on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. A propaganda video clip of Mohammad Umar Farooq, Sameer Dar and Adil Dar was allegedly prepared at Insha Jan's house which was released immediately after the suicide attack, it said. The terrorists had prepared the car for the attack by fitting it with the IED on February 6, 2019 but suspended their nefarious plans because of heavy snowfall which led to closing of the National Highway for vehicular movement, the agency said. They attacked the convoy on February 14, 2019, when the National Highway reopened, they said. Bashir drove Adil Ahmad Dar till the National Highway, after which Dar drove the car and carried out the blast, it alleged. Damage to the tune of Rs 32.90 lakh was caused to public property, the probe agency said. The NIA found that JeM leadership consisting of Masood Azhar, Rouf Asgar and Ammar Alvi alias Chacha alias Chota Masood handled the operation by continuously giving directions and guidance to the Pakistani JeM infiltrators before and after the attack.

NIA confirms money was put in Pakistan bank accounts of Masood Azhar before Pulwama terror attack

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) in its charge sheet in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack case has named Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar, his brothers Abdul Rauf Asghar and Ammar Alvi, slain JeM terrorist Mohammad Umar Farooq, suicide bomber Adil Ahmed Dar and other terrorist commanders operating from Pakistan.

The 13,500-page charge sheet names people who were arrested from Pulwama for providing shelter and shooting the last video of Adil Dar, the suicide bomber who used around 200 kgs of explosives in the vehicle that rammed into the CRPF convoy on February 14 last year killing 40 personnel near Lethpora in South Kashmir.

Besides Azhar, those charge-sheeted include seven terrorists who were killed in various encounters and four absconders, two of whom are still hiding in Jammu and Kashmir — one of them a local and the other a Pakistani national.

Two relatives of Masood Azhar -- Abdula Rauf and Ammar Alvi -- have been named in the charge sheet as the main conspirators behind the case. The dead include a nephew of JeM terrorist Mohammed Umar Farooq who had entered India through natural caves at the international border in Sambha in late 2018.

<img alt="NIA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6870139e-c3f2-4c72-a43c-47d743bb2752" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202020-08-25%20at%205.47.50%20PM%20%281%29.jpeg" />

&nbsp;
In February 2019, suicide bomber Adil Dar, a local, rammed his explosive-laden car into CRPF bus at Lethpora Pulwama leaving 40 personnel of the force dead. The attack was followed by Balakote airstrikes. &nbsp;A day later Pakistan retaliated and it triggered a brief dogfight. The Pulwama attack had brought India and Pakistan at the brink of war.


<meta name="uuid" content="uuid3qx87zmQZNJA" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Names and nationalities of the terrorists mentioned in the charge sheet&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
i) Masood Azhar Alvi, 52 years, Pakistani national

ii) Rouf Asgar Alvi, 47 years, Pakistani national

iii) Ammar Alvi, 46 years, Pakistani national

iv) Shakir Bashir, 24 Years, r/o Kakapora, Pulwama, J&amp;K.

v) Insha Jan, 22 Years r/o Kakapora, Pulwama, J&amp;K

vi) Peer Tariq Ahmed Shah, 53 Years, r/o Kakapora, Pulwama, J&amp;K

vii) Waiz-ul-Islam, 20 Years, r/o Srinagar, J&amp;K

viii) Mohd Abbas Rather, 31 Years, r/o Kakapura, Pulwama, J&amp;K.

ix) Bilal Ahmed Kuchhey, 28 years, r/o Hajibal, Lalhar, Pulwama, J&amp;K

x) Mohd Iqbal Rather, 25 years, r/o, Charar-e-Shareef, Budgam, J&amp;K.

xi) Mohd Ismail, 25 years, r/o Pakistani national

xii) Sameer Ahmad Dar, 22 years, r/o Kakapora, Pulwama, Kashmir

xiii) Ashaq Ahmed Nengroo, 33 years, r/o Rajpura, Pulwama

xiv) Adil Ahmed Dar, 21 years, r/o Kakapora, Pulwama, Kashmir (Killed)

xv) Muhammad Umar Farooq, 24 years, r/o Pakistani national (Killed)

xvi) Mohd Kamran Ali, 25 years, &nbsp;r/o Pakistani national (Killed)

xvii) Sajjad Ahmed Bhat, 19 years, r/o Bijbehera, Anantnag &nbsp;(Killed)

xviii) Mudasir Ahmad Khan, 24 years, r/o Awantipura, Pulwama (Killed)

xix) Qari Yasir, r/o Pakistani national (Killed)

 
Pakistani national listed by NIA in Pulwama Chargesheet

Still Alive:

Masood Azhar Alvi, 52 years 
Rouf Asgar Alvi, 47 years 
Ammar Alvi, 46 years 
Mohd Ismail, 25 years

Killed:

Muhammad Umar Farooq, 24 years 
Mohd Kamran Ali, 25 years 
Qari Yasir

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) in its charge sheet in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack case has named Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar, his brothers Abdul Rauf Asghar and Ammar Alvi, slain JeM terrorist Mohammad Umar Farooq, suicide bomber Adil Ahmed Dar and other terrorist commanders operating from Pakistan.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) in its charge sheet in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack case has named Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar, his brothers Abdul Rauf Asghar and Ammar Alvi, slain JeM terrorist Mohammad Umar Farooq, suicide bomber Adil Ahmed Dar and other terrorist commanders operating from Pakistan. The 13,500-page charge sheet names people who were arrested from Pulwama for providing shelter and shooting the last video of Adil Dar, the suicide bomber who used around 200 kgs of explosives in the vehicle that rammed into the CRPF convoy on February 14 last year killing 40 personnel near Lethpora in South Kashmir. Besides Azhar, those charge-sheeted include seven terrorists who were killed in various encounters and four absconders, two of whom are still hiding in Jammu and Kashmir — one of them a local and the other a Pakistani national. Two relatives of Masood Azhar -- Abdula Rauf and Ammar Alvi -- have been named in the charge sheet as the main conspirators behind the case. The dead include a nephew of JeM terrorist Mohammed Umar Farooq who had entered India through natural caves at the international border in Sambha in late 2018. In February 2019, suicide bomber Adil Dar, a local, rammed his explosive-laden car into CRPF bus at Lethpora Pulwama leaving 40 personnel of the force dead. The attack was followed by Balakote airstrikes. A day later Pakistan retaliated and it triggered a brief dogfight. The Pulwama attack had brought India and Pakistan at the brink of war. Names and nationalities of the terrorists mentioned in the charge sheet i) Masood Azhar Alvi, 52 years, Pakistani national ii) Rouf Asgar Alvi, 47 years, Pakistani national iii) Ammar Alvi, 46 years, Pakistani national iv) Shakir Bashir, 24 Years, r/o Kakapora, Pulwama, J&K. v) Insha Jan, 22 Years r/o Kakapora, Pulwama, J&K vi) Peer Tariq Ahmed Shah, 53 Years, r/o Kakapora, Pulwama, J&K vii) Waiz-ul-Islam, 20 Years, r/o Srinagar, J&K viii) Mohd Abbas Rather, 31 Years, r/o Kakapura, Pulwama, J&K. ix) Bilal Ahmed Kuchhey, 28 years, r/o Hajibal, Lalhar, Pulwama, J&K x) Mohd Iqbal Rather, 25 years, r/o, Charar-e-Shareef, Budgam, J&K. xi) Mohd Ismail, 25 years, r/o Pakistani national xii) Sameer Ahmad Dar, 22 years, r/o Kakapora, Pulwama, Kashmir xiii) Ashaq Ahmed Nengroo, 33 years, r/o Rajpura, Pulwama xiv) Adil Ahmed Dar, 21 years, r/o Kakapora, Pulwama, Kashmir (Killed) xv) Muhammad Umar Farooq, 24 years, r/o Pakistani national (Killed) xvi) Mohd Kamran Ali, 25 years, r/o Pakistani national (Killed) xvii) Sajjad Ahmed Bhat, 19 years, r/o Bijbehera, Anantnag (Killed) xviii) Mudasir Ahmad Khan, 24 years, r/o Awantipura, Pulwama (Killed) xix) Qari Yasir, r/o Pakistani national (Killed) Pakistani national listed by NIA in Pulwama Chargesheet Still Alive: Masood Azhar Alvi, 52 years Rouf Asgar Alvi, 47 years Ammar Alvi, 46 years Mohd Ismail, 25 years Killed: Muhammad Umar Farooq, 24 years Mohd Kamran Ali, 25 years Qari Yasir

NIA files chargesheet in Pulwama attack: Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, his two brothers among 19 named

Seeking to wriggle out of the FATF's grey list, Pakistan has imposed tough financial sanctions on 88 banned terror groups and their leaders, including Hafiz Saeed, Masood Azhar and Dawood Ibrahim, by ordering the seizure of all of their properties and freezing of bank accounts, a media report said on Saturday.

The orders, which were made public late on Friday, identified dozens of individuals, including the Taliban's chief peace negotiator Abdul Ghani Baradar and several members of the Haqqani family, including Sirajuddin, the current head of the Haqqani network and deputy head of the Taliban.

The list of sanctioned groups included others besides the Taliban and were in keeping with a five-year-old United Nations resolution sanctioning the Afghan group and freezing their assets.

The Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) had&nbsp;put Pakistan on the "grey list" in June 2018 and asked Islamabad to implement a plan of action by the end of 2019, but the deadline was extended later due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-remain-on-the-fatf-grey-list-281389">Pakistan to remain on FATF grey list, relieved from additional sanctions</a>

Ibrahim, who heads a vast and multifaceted illegal business, has emerged as India's most wanted terrorist after the 1993 Mumbai bombings.

The Pakistan government has proscribed 88 leaders and members of terrorist groups, in compliance with the new list issued by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) recently.

The notifications announced sanctions on key figures of terror outfits such as the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), JeM, Taliban, Daesh, Haqqani Group, al-Qaeda, and others.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-major-shift-china-sends-stern-message-to-pakistan-on-fatf-281730">In major shift, China sends stern message to Pakistan on FATF</a>

The government ordered the seizure of all movable and immovable properties of these outfits and individuals, and freezing of their bank accounts, the report said.

These terrorists have been barred from transferring money through financial institutions, purchasing of arms and travelling abroad, it said.

The notifications ratified a complete ban on all leaders and members of defunct Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hiding in the Pakistan-Afghanistan border areas.

Many of Taliban leaders, including those heading the much-feared Haqqani network, have lived in Pakistan since the 1980s, when they were part of the Afghan mujahedeen and allies of the United States to end the 10-year invasion of Afghanistan by the former Soviet Union. It ended in February, 1989.

Pakistan has denied giving sanctuary to the Taliban following their ouster in 2001 by the US-led coalition but both Washington and Kabul routinely accused Islamabad of giving them a safe haven.

The UNSC Sanctions Committee deals with sanctions on entities and individuals declared as terrorists. All states, including Pakistan, are bound to implement the sanctions which include assets freeze, an arms embargo, and travel ban.

It is believed that the latest move by the Pakistan government is part of its efforts to wriggle out of the grey list of the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog FATF.

On August 12, Pakistan Parliament's lower house passed four bills related to the tough conditions set by the FATF after the government and the Opposition reached a consensus.

The legislation was part of the efforts by Pakistan to move from the FATF's grey list to the white list.

In its third and final plenary held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic in June, the FATF decided to keep Pakistan in the "grey list" as Islamabad failed to check the flow of money to terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The plenary was held under the Chinese Presidency of Xiangmin Liu.

With Pakistan's continuation in the 'grey list', it will be difficult for the country to get financial aid from the IMF, World Bank, ADB, and the European Union, thus further enhancing problems for the nation which is in a precarious financial situation.

If Pakistan fails to comply with the FATF directive by October, there is every possibility that the global body may put the country in the 'Black List' along with North Korea and Iran.

The FATF is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.

The FATF currently has 39 members including two regional organisations, the European Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council.&nbsp;

Seeking to wriggle out of the FATF's grey list, Pakistan has imposed tough financial sanctions on 88 banned terror groups and their leaders, including Hafiz Saeed, Masood Azhar and Dawood Ibrahim, by ordering the seizure of all of their properties and freezing of bank accounts, a media report said on Saturday.

Seeking to wriggle out of the FATF's grey list, Pakistan has imposed tough financial sanctions on 88 banned terror groups and their leaders, including Hafiz Saeed, Masood Azhar and Dawood Ibrahim, by ordering the seizure of all of their properties and freezing of bank accounts, a media report said on Saturday. The orders, which were made public late on Friday, identified dozens of individuals, including the Taliban's chief peace negotiator Abdul Ghani Baradar and several members of the Haqqani family, including Sirajuddin, the current head of the Haqqani network and deputy head of the Taliban. The list of sanctioned groups included others besides the Taliban and were in keeping with a five-year-old United Nations resolution sanctioning the Afghan group and freezing their assets. The Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) had put Pakistan on the "grey list" in June 2018 and asked Islamabad to implement a plan of action by the end of 2019, but the deadline was extended later due to COVID-19 pandemic. Also read: Pakistan to remain on FATF grey list, relieved from additional sanctions Ibrahim, who heads a vast and multifaceted illegal business, has emerged as India's most wanted terrorist after the 1993 Mumbai bombings. The Pakistan government has proscribed 88 leaders and members of terrorist groups, in compliance with the new list issued by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) recently. The notifications announced sanctions on key figures of terror outfits such as the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), JeM, Taliban, Daesh, Haqqani Group, al-Qaeda, and others. Also read: In major shift, China sends stern message to Pakistan on FATF The government ordered the seizure of all movable and immovable properties of these outfits and individuals, and freezing of their bank accounts, the report said. These terrorists have been barred from transferring money through financial institutions, purchasing of arms and travelling abroad, it said. The notifications ratified a complete ban on all leaders and members of defunct Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hiding in the Pakistan-Afghanistan border areas. Many of Taliban leaders, including those heading the much-feared Haqqani network, have lived in Pakistan since the 1980s, when they were part of the Afghan mujahedeen and allies of the United States to end the 10-year invasion of Afghanistan by the former Soviet Union. It ended in February, 1989. Pakistan has denied giving sanctuary to the Taliban following their ouster in 2001 by the US-led coalition but both Washington and Kabul routinely accused Islamabad of giving them a safe haven. The UNSC Sanctions Committee deals with sanctions on entities and individuals declared as terrorists. All states, including Pakistan, are bound to implement the sanctions which include assets freeze, an arms embargo, and travel ban. It is believed that the latest move by the Pakistan government is part of its efforts to wriggle out of the grey list of the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog FATF. On August 12, Pakistan Parliament's lower house passed four bills related to the tough conditions set by the FATF after the government and the Opposition reached a consensus. The legislation was part of the efforts by Pakistan to move from the FATF's grey list to the white list. In its third and final plenary held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic in June, the FATF decided to keep Pakistan in the "grey list" as Islamabad failed to check the flow of money to terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The plenary was held under the Chinese Presidency of Xiangmin Liu. With Pakistan's continuation in the 'grey list', it will be difficult for the country to get financial aid from the IMF, World Bank, ADB, and the European Union, thus further enhancing problems for the nation which is in a precarious financial situation. If Pakistan fails to comply with the FATF directive by October, there is every possibility that the global body may put the country in the 'Black List' along with North Korea and Iran. The FATF is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system. The FATF currently has 39 members including two regional organisations, the European Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council.

Pak targets Hafiz Saeed, Masood Azhar & Dawood Ibrahim; increases curbs on terror groups to avoid FATF blacklist

Pakistan on Monday claimed Jaishe-e-Mohammed terrorist Masood Azhar has gone missing. However, intel inputs have revealed Masood Azhar has been taken to a secure location by the Pakistan Army and ISI. Masood Azhar and his family have been taken to a safe house in Bahawalpur.

WION Dispatch: Masood Azhar in Bahawalpur

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

Days after Pakistan informed FATF that Maulana Masood Azhar, chief of the proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and his family are "missing", Indian counterterror agencies have confirmed information that the man on top of India’s “most wanted” list has been taken to secure location by Pakistan Army and ISI.&nbsp;

According to sources, Masood Azhar and his family are being kept in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-fate-hangs-in-balance-as-fatf-plenary-starts-today-in-paris-280888">safe house</a> in Bahawalpur, ahead of the FATF meeting in Paris.

The safe house has the highest level of security and has been described as virtually bomb-proof.

Watch:&nbsp;Azhar is not missing, safe at Jaish's house in Paksitan

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&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Muttahida Qaumi Movement`s (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain has said the reports of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief and UN-designated terrorist Masood Azhar having gone missing from so-called custody of the Pakistani Army has raised many questions on the state policy of Pakistan towards banned outfits.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jaish-e-mohammeds-masood-azhar-has-gone-missing-with-his-family-pakistan-informs-fatf-280971">Jaish-e-Mohammed's Masood Azhar has gone missing with his family: Pakistan informs FATF</a>

In a tweet, Hussain noted that the reports of Azhar and his family having gone missing has come ahead of the beginning of the key plenary session of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in Paris.

The week-long FATF plenary, currently on in Paris, will decide Pakistan's fate -- whether it will continue in the FATF's 'Grey List', or will be put in the 'Black List' or escape from listing.

Last week, an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan sentenced Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attack and founder of LeT, to 11 years in two terror financing cases.

Days after Pakistan informed FATF that Maulana Masood Azhar, chief of the proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and his family are "missing", Indian counterterror agencies have confirmed information that the man on top of India’s “most wanted” list has been taken to secure location by Pakistan Army and ISI.

Days after Pakistan informed FATF that Maulana Masood Azhar, chief of the proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and his family are "missing", Indian counterterror agencies have confirmed information that the man on top of India’s “most wanted” list has been taken to secure location by Pakistan Army and ISI. According to sources, Masood Azhar and his family are being kept in a safe house in Bahawalpur, ahead of the FATF meeting in Paris. The safe house has the highest level of security and has been described as virtually bomb-proof. Watch: Azhar is not missing, safe at Jaish's house in Paksitan × Meanwhile, Muttahida Qaumi Movement`s (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain has said the reports of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief and UN-designated terrorist Masood Azhar having gone missing from so-called custody of the Pakistani Army has raised many questions on the state policy of Pakistan towards banned outfits. Also read: Jaish-e-Mohammed's Masood Azhar has gone missing with his family: Pakistan informs FATF In a tweet, Hussain noted that the reports of Azhar and his family having gone missing has come ahead of the beginning of the key plenary session of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in Paris. The week-long FATF plenary, currently on in Paris, will decide Pakistan's fate -- whether it will continue in the FATF's 'Grey List', or will be put in the 'Black List' or escape from listing. Last week, an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan sentenced Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attack and founder of LeT, to 11 years in two terror financing cases.

Indian intel nails Pakistan lie, says Masood Azhar being kept in a safe house 

According to the sources, Masood Azhar and his famliy is not missing but kept safe in Pakistan. Ahead of the crucial meeting with terror watchdog FATF, Pakistan on Monday claimed Jaishe-e-Mohammed terrorist has gone missing. Intel inputs have revealed Masood Azhar has been taken to a secure location by the Pakistan Army and ISI.

Azhar is not missing, safe at Jaish's house in Paksitan

In 2018, 69 million people in Pakistan were poor. Pakistan has the worst infant mortality rate in the world. Its economy is in the doldrums. But Imran Khan has chosen to prioritise the Kashmir issue.

WION Edit: Time for a global vote of no confidence against Imran Khan?

Pakistan is trying to stay out of the FATF blacklist. Now, reports have emerged that global terrorist Masood Azhar has gone missing. Despite the scrutiny, terror groups are operating with impunity in Pakistan.

Gravitas: Where is Pakistan hiding Masood Azhar?

Terrorist group<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-pleased-to-see-un-designating-jem-chief-masood-azhar-a-global-terrorist-mike-pompeo-230658"> Jaish-e-Mohammed founder Masood Azhar</a> has gone missing along with his family, Pakistan informed the global terror financing watchdog on Sunday.

Pakistan's fate hangs in balance as crucial Financial Action Task Force (FATF) plenary began in Paris today. The plenary will decide whether Pakistan stays in or out of the 'Grey List'.

As per reports, Pakistan also claimed in the meeting that there were only 16 U.N. designated terrorists in the country, out of which seven are already dead.

Pakistan also claimed that out of the nine who are alive, seven had applied to the U.N. for exemption from financial and travel restrictions, Pakistan said as per reports. The list includes Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed, Lashkar financiers and members, Haji Muhammad Ashraf, Zafar Iqbal, Hafiz Abdul Salam Bhuttavi and others.

Al-Qaeda financier Abdul Rehman too was among the terrorists who had asked the U.N. to ease restrictions.&nbsp;

The final plenary group meeting is underway in Paris.&nbsp;

The adverse listing by FATF implies that it would be difficult for Pakistan to get aid from the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the European Union.

Jaish-e-Mohammad was founded by Masood Azhar after being released from India during 1999.

Since then, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorist-linked-with-jem-arrested-by-jammu-and-kashmir-police-269600">JeM has claimed responsibility for many attacks on Indian soil</a>.

The group also operates under the name Afzal Guru squad, Al-Murabitoon and Tehreek-al-Furqan.&nbsp;

They have mainly targeted India during their attacks, not just India. &nbsp;

They have also attacked Pakistan's military targets as well and posed a threat to the country's former military ruler Pervez Musharaf's life in 2003.

Several reports over the time have claimed that the terror group operates from Pakistan and enjoys the support from country's intelligence services.

Earlier this week, Pakistan sentenced Hafiz Saeed who was the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attack and the Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief, to 11-years in two terror financing cases.

The FATF in October had last decided to keep Pakistan on its grey list for its failure to curb funnelling of funds to terror groups like let and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed founder Masood Azhar has gone missing along with his family, Pakistan informed the global terror financing watchdog on Sunday. Pakistan's fate hangs in balance as crucial Financial Action Task Force (FATF) plenary began in Paris today.

Terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed founder Masood Azhar has gone missing along with his family, Pakistan informed the global terror financing watchdog on Sunday. Pakistan's fate hangs in balance as crucial Financial Action Task Force (FATF) plenary began in Paris today. The plenary will decide whether Pakistan stays in or out of the 'Grey List'. As per reports, Pakistan also claimed in the meeting that there were only 16 U.N. designated terrorists in the country, out of which seven are already dead. Pakistan also claimed that out of the nine who are alive, seven had applied to the U.N. for exemption from financial and travel restrictions, Pakistan said as per reports. The list includes Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed, Lashkar financiers and members, Haji Muhammad Ashraf, Zafar Iqbal, Hafiz Abdul Salam Bhuttavi and others. Al-Qaeda financier Abdul Rehman too was among the terrorists who had asked the U.N. to ease restrictions. The final plenary group meeting is underway in Paris. The adverse listing by FATF implies that it would be difficult for Pakistan to get aid from the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the European Union. Jaish-e-Mohammad was founded by Masood Azhar after being released from India during 1999. Since then, JeM has claimed responsibility for many attacks on Indian soil. The group also operates under the name Afzal Guru squad, Al-Murabitoon and Tehreek-al-Furqan. They have mainly targeted India during their attacks, not just India. They have also attacked Pakistan's military targets as well and posed a threat to the country's former military ruler Pervez Musharaf's life in 2003. Several reports over the time have claimed that the terror group operates from Pakistan and enjoys the support from country's intelligence services. Earlier this week, Pakistan sentenced Hafiz Saeed who was the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attack and the Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief, to 11-years in two terror financing cases. The FATF in October had last decided to keep Pakistan on its grey list for its failure to curb funnelling of funds to terror groups like let and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Jaish-e-Mohammed's Masood Azhar has gone missing with his family: Pakistan informs FATF

Pakistan's oldest and one of the most popular Sufi shrine, Data Darbar was struck by a suicide blast recently in which at least 10 people were killed and 24 were injured.

The blast occurred near the entrance gate for female visitors to the 11th-century Data Darbar shrine, one of the largest Sufi shrines in South Asia, as the country marked the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

The responsibility of the blast was claimed by Pakistani Taliban group in an email.&nbsp;

Though, the investigation into the attack is underway but Ashfaq Khan, deputy inspector general of police operations in Lahore in the initial probe had said that police was the prime target.

However, reports have suggested that the blast was likely a direct reaction to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/global-terrorist-tag-on-masood-azhar-is-a-major-triumph-for-indian-strategic-thinking-and-political-sagacity-219331">Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar</a>'s listing as a 'global terrorist' by the United Nations Security Council which had happened a week prior to the blast.

According to a report, Abu Wali Khursanai, the founder of Hizbul Ahrar, a faction of Pakistan Taliban who claimed responsibility for the attack, and Masood Azhar have been together in Harkat ul-Mujahideen, a Pakistan based terrorist group, in Afghanistan. Hizbul Ahrar group was formed in Nangarhar province of Afghanistan in 2011.&nbsp;

Sources also say that Hizbul Ahrar does not have the capacity or infrastructure to carry out an attack in the province of Punjab.

Jaish-e-Mohammed group was formed from the group Harkat ul-Mujahideen.

According to the sources, Pakistan is currently in the process of disbanding and arresting any other terror-linked elements, those particularly connected with terror icons such as Masood Azhar and others.

Once they will be completely disbanded and neutralised, only then a move to arrest or detain Azhar would be made so that the chances of a public backlash or a direct public impact would be lesser, the sources added.

Masood Azhar, head of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), was designated a ‘global terrorist’ by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanction Committee on May 1, 2019. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan's oldest and one of the most popular Sufi shrine, Data Darbar was struck by a suicide blast recently in which at least 10 people were killed and 24 were injured.

Pakistan's oldest and one of the most popular Sufi shrine, Data Darbar was struck by a suicide blast recently in which at least 10 people were killed and 24 were injured. The blast occurred near the entrance gate for female visitors to the 11th-century Data Darbar shrine, one of the largest Sufi shrines in South Asia, as the country marked the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The responsibility of the blast was claimed by Pakistani Taliban group in an email. Though, the investigation into the attack is underway but Ashfaq Khan, deputy inspector general of police operations in Lahore in the initial probe had said that police was the prime target. However, reports have suggested that the blast was likely a direct reaction to the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar's listing as a 'global terrorist' by the United Nations Security Council which had happened a week prior to the blast. According to a report, Abu Wali Khursanai, the founder of Hizbul Ahrar, a faction of Pakistan Taliban who claimed responsibility for the attack, and Masood Azhar have been together in Harkat ul-Mujahideen, a Pakistan based terrorist group, in Afghanistan. Hizbul Ahrar group was formed in Nangarhar province of Afghanistan in 2011. Sources also say that Hizbul Ahrar does not have the capacity or infrastructure to carry out an attack in the province of Punjab. Jaish-e-Mohammed group was formed from the group Harkat ul-Mujahideen. According to the sources, Pakistan is currently in the process of disbanding and arresting any other terror-linked elements, those particularly connected with terror icons such as Masood Azhar and others. Once they will be completely disbanded and neutralised, only then a move to arrest or detain Azhar would be made so that the chances of a public backlash or a direct public impact would be lesser, the sources added. Masood Azhar, head of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), was designated a ‘global terrorist’ by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanction Committee on May 1, 2019.

Data Darbar blast likely reaction to Masood Azhar's UN listing: Sources

We stand with India and commend it for utilizing new legal authorities to designate 4 notorious terrorists: Maulana Masood Azhar, Hafiz Saeed, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and Dawood Ibrahim.

US backs India's move to curb terrorism

The government on Wednesday declared four Pakistan-based individuals, including Mumbai terror attack mastermind and Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed, as terrorists under the amended unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2019, reported news agency ANI.

The government on Wednesday declared four Pakistan-based individuals, including Mumbai terror attack mastermind and Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed, as terrorists under the amended unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2019, reported news agency ANI. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim are the other individuals who have been designated as terrorist. Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar have already been declared global terrorists by the United States, United Nations and European Union. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, which was passed by the Parliament last month, allows the Centre and States to designate individuals as terrorists and seize their property. Under the earlier law, only organisations could be designated as terrorist outfits and not individuals. Saeed`s Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out several terrorist attacks including the 2000 Red Fort attack, Rampur attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks in which 166 people were killed. JeM terrorists attacked the Parliament building and Jammu and Kashmir State Legislative Assembly complex in 2001, killing nine and eight people respectively. Pathankot terror attack in 2016, Pulmawa attack in February this year was also carried by Jem terrorist. (With inputs from ANI)

Government designates Hafiz Saeed, 3 other individuals as terrorist under amended UAPA Act

US Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/countries-who-are-part-of-chinas-bri-have-seen-not-strings-attached-but-shackles-pompeo-230609">Mike Pompeo</a> on Wednesday said that the US is pleased to see the UN designating JeM chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist.

Recently India voted against Palestinian NGO that supported terrorism at the UN and showed rewarding terrorism is wrong, he said.

"India is more and more standing up on world stage and the US welcomes its assertiveness," Pompeo said.

"India is the birthplace of four major world religions. Let's stand up together for religious freedom for all, let's speak out strongly together in favour of those rights for whenever we do compromise those rights, the world is worse off," Pompeo said in his India policy speech at the India International Centre here.

He hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump, saying they are leaders who aren't scared to take risks and the two countries are poised to do "incredible things together".

Watch: India is our major trade partner, says Mike Pompeo

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Meanwhile, during the talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Secretary of State Michael Pompeo here, the Indian side&nbsp;shared its concern over the escalation of tensions in the Persian Gulf, while underlining the need for stability required for meeting its energy needs and ensuring the safety of its diaspora there.

The two leaders discussed India's deal with Russia for procurement of five S-400 missile defence systems which the US wants to be scrapped, with Jaishankar making it clear to Pompeo that the Modi government will take a decision which is the country`s interest.

The US Secretary of State described <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-in-a-very-strong-position-no-boots-on-the-ground-against-iran-trump-230652">Iran as the "world's largest state-sponsor of terrorism" </a>and said he shared with Jaishankar his perspective of the threat emanating from the Persian country, not in the "narrow confines of the region but the whole world."

(With inputs from PTI)

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said that the US is pleased to see the UN designating JeM chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist. Recently India voted against Palestinian NGO that supported terrorism at the UN and showed rewarding terrorism is wrong, he said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said that the US is pleased to see the UN designating JeM chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist. Recently India voted against Palestinian NGO that supported terrorism at the UN and showed rewarding terrorism is wrong, he said. "India is more and more standing up on world stage and the US welcomes its assertiveness," Pompeo said. "India is the birthplace of four major world religions. Let's stand up together for religious freedom for all, let's speak out strongly together in favour of those rights for whenever we do compromise those rights, the world is worse off," Pompeo said in his India policy speech at the India International Centre here. He hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump, saying they are leaders who aren't scared to take risks and the two countries are poised to do "incredible things together". Watch: India is our major trade partner, says Mike Pompeo Meanwhile, during the talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Secretary of State Michael Pompeo here, the Indian side shared its concern over the escalation of tensions in the Persian Gulf, while underlining the need for stability required for meeting its energy needs and ensuring the safety of its diaspora there. The two leaders discussed India's deal with Russia for procurement of five S-400 missile defence systems which the US wants to be scrapped, with Jaishankar making it clear to Pompeo that the Modi government will take a decision which is the country`s interest. The US Secretary of State described Iran as the "world's largest state-sponsor of terrorism" and said he shared with Jaishankar his perspective of the threat emanating from the Persian country, not in the "narrow confines of the region but the whole world." (With inputs from PTI)

US pleased to see UN designating JeM chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist: Mike Pompeo

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has sentenced three activists of the Masood Azhar-led Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) for five years each in jail for arranging funds for the proscribed terror outfit amid pressure from the global community to rein in militant groups.

The Anti-Terrorism Court found the trio guilty in three separate cases on Friday after funds collected for the militant outfit were recovered from them. They were sent to central prison in Gujranwala in Punjab province.

The convicts M Iftikhar, Muhammad Ajmal and Bilal were also fined Rs 45,000, Rs 50,000 and Rs 40,000 respectively besides the sentence.

The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Gujranwala had earlier registered a case against them, the Express Tribune reported.

According to Punjab CTD spokesperson, the investigations and prosecutions "are being followed to stop proscribed organisations from indulging in terror financing."

The spokesperson warned these organisations and their leaders to desist from such acts or action would be taken against them.

Pakistan launched a crackdown against supporters of militant outfits after pressure from the international community to stop support to the militant groups.

Three members of the Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud-Dawa were arrested Thursday on charges of terror financing in Punjab province.

Six JeM members were arrested for allegedly collecting funds for the terror group on Wednesday.

On Monday, three terrorists belonging to the Islamic State (IS) and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) militant groups were arrested by the CTD officials in Pakistan's Punjab province.

Last week, six activists of the JeM and the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) were arrested by the CTD from Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Multan and Lahore for allegedly collecting funds to finance terrorism.

Paris-based international terror financing watchdog FATF in June last year placed Pakistan onto its watch list in a bid to push the country to halt support for militant groups.

In February, the FATF decided to continue the 'Grey' listing of Pakistan for its failure to stop funding of terrorist groups such as the JeM, the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the JuD.

The Pakistan government arrested over 100 members of banned outfits including JeM chief Azhar's son and brother and also taken control of JeM, JuD and FIF's properties including seminaries and mosques across the country.&nbsp;

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has sentenced three activists of the Masood Azhar-led Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) for five years each in jail for arranging funds for the proscribed terror outfit amid pressure from the global community to rein in militant groups.

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has sentenced three activists of the Masood Azhar-led Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) for five years each in jail for arranging funds for the proscribed terror outfit amid pressure from the global community to rein in militant groups. The Anti-Terrorism Court found the trio guilty in three separate cases on Friday after funds collected for the militant outfit were recovered from them. They were sent to central prison in Gujranwala in Punjab province. The convicts M Iftikhar, Muhammad Ajmal and Bilal were also fined Rs 45,000, Rs 50,000 and Rs 40,000 respectively besides the sentence. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Gujranwala had earlier registered a case against them, the Express Tribune reported. According to Punjab CTD spokesperson, the investigations and prosecutions "are being followed to stop proscribed organisations from indulging in terror financing." The spokesperson warned these organisations and their leaders to desist from such acts or action would be taken against them. Pakistan launched a crackdown against supporters of militant outfits after pressure from the international community to stop support to the militant groups. Three members of the Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud-Dawa were arrested Thursday on charges of terror financing in Punjab province. Six JeM members were arrested for allegedly collecting funds for the terror group on Wednesday. On Monday, three terrorists belonging to the Islamic State (IS) and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) militant groups were arrested by the CTD officials in Pakistan's Punjab province. Last week, six activists of the JeM and the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) were arrested by the CTD from Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Multan and Lahore for allegedly collecting funds to finance terrorism. Paris-based international terror financing watchdog FATF in June last year placed Pakistan onto its watch list in a bid to push the country to halt support for militant groups. In February, the FATF decided to continue the 'Grey' listing of Pakistan for its failure to stop funding of terrorist groups such as the JeM, the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the JuD. The Pakistan government arrested over 100 members of banned outfits including JeM chief Azhar's son and brother and also taken control of JeM, JuD and FIF's properties including seminaries and mosques across the country.

Pakistan court sentences three Jaish-e-Mohammed activists for terror funding

Masood Azhar, head of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), was designated a ‘global terrorist’ by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanction Committee on May 1, 2019.

This is a major political, security and diplomatic victory for India. This listing makes all UN member states compulsorily freeze all assets, ban travel and place an arms embargo on Masood Azhar.&nbsp;

Ironically, a number of commentators, including some senior security analysts, have been discounting this achievement.&nbsp;

In their support, they cite the example of Hafiz Saeed, head of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), who was also designated as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council in December, 2008, but remains a free man in Pakistan.

The UNSC’s limitations in monitoring its sanctions have rendered Saeed’s listing as symbolic, according to them.&nbsp;

The logical question that arises is — &nbsp;if such a listing by the UNSC is no big deal, then why did China and Pakistan fight tooth and nail to prevent Azhar from being listed as a global terrorist since back in 2009?&nbsp;

The fact is that as recently as February 15, 2019, when the Pulwama attack had already taken place, China had rejected India’s call to have Azhar put on the UN terror list.&nbsp;

“The 1267 Committee of the Security Council has a clear stipulation on the listing and procedure of terrorist organisations,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on February 15, adding, “China will continue to handle the relevant sanctions issue in a constructive and responsible manner”.&nbsp;

Wang Dehua, head of the Institute for South and Central Asia Studies at the Shanghai Municipal Centre for International Studies, was blunter. “It is useless to blame China for obstructing,” he said, arguing that UNSC resolution 1267 was drawn up specifically to target individuals with links to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State. “No matter the nature of the JeM, there is no evidence that its leader Masood Azhar is subordinate to Al-Qaeda and IS. Therefore, the JeM is not subject to resolution 1267, which specifically names the two organisations.”

Following this logic, the Chinese put a technical hold on March 13, 2019, when France, the UK and the USA initiated a proposal for naming Azhar to the UN Sanctions list after JeM took responsibility for the terror attack in Pulwama. &nbsp;

That these arguments are completely specious is evident from the fact that the 1267 Sanctions Committee had placed JeM itself on the sanctions list in October 2001 and its linkages with the Al-Qaeda had been proven beyond doubt.&nbsp;

Even at that time, Azhar was the leader of the JeM. In fact, Azhar should have been listed as a global terrorist at that time itself, but India missed an opportunity to do so.

It may be recalled that soon after the Mumbai terror attacks on November 26, 2008, India had moved a proposal for declaring Azhar a global terrorist. This attempt failed due to Chinese opposition in 2009.&nbsp;

Again in 2016, after the attack on the Pathankot Air Base, India attempted to have him listed, but China came in the way.&nbsp;

In 2017, yet again, a similar motion was moved, but China, citing insufficient proof against Azhar, blocked the proposal from being adopted.&nbsp;

It was only when the concerted move by the US, UK and France to shift the issue to the main Security Council from the 1267 Committee was mooted that China blinked. This is because while the Sanctions Committee functions in an opaque manner and its deliberations are not public, the Security Council operates in a glare of publicity.

The US had circulated a draft resolution in the UNSC to ban Azhar. The draft, which was backed by France and the UK, discussed China’s double standards on terrorism by mentioning the atrocities on Uighurs in Xinjiang.&nbsp;

If the US draft had been tabled in the Security Council, China would have to publicly justify its decade-long campaign to block attempts to designate Azhar as a global terrorist.&nbsp;

The fear that China would be exposed — and be the only SC member amongst 15 to oppose this move — led to Beijing seeking a face-saving way out.&nbsp;

It strongly protested against shifting of this issue from the Sanctions Committee to the main Security Council. The visit of India’s foreign secretary to China on April 21-22 and his presenting a detailed dossier on the terrorist activities of Azhar, ostensibly allowed the Chinese to claim that in view of new evidence, it was withdrawing its technical hold in the 1267 Sanctions committee, thus paving the way for Azhar to be declared a global terrorist.&nbsp;

It is clear that 2019 is not 2008 when the terror attack on Mumbai occurred. India is willing to exercise its strength, as the air strikes on Balakot clearly brought out. It is also willing to challenge the China-Pakistan axis squarely, both diplomatically and politically. But for these Balakot air strikes, chances are that China would not have backed down and continued to support Pakistan’s terror proxies like Azhar.&nbsp;

It is a triumph for Indian diplomacy, strategic thinking and political sagacity that the entire world supported its stand to completely isolate China so that it was forced to abandon its “all-weather ally” Pakistan and expose it as a source of global terror.&nbsp;

It is these changed circumstances, which make the designation of global terrorist much more meaningful now.

Pakistan already has the sword of being put on the FATF blacklist hanging over its head, which it just cannot afford, given its precarious financial situation. India should follow up now and have its rogue intelligence agency, the ISI also designated as a global terrorist outfit.&nbsp;

 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Masood Azhar, head of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), was designated a ‘global terrorist’ by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanction Committee on May 1, 2019.

Masood Azhar, head of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), was designated a ‘global terrorist’ by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanction Committee on May 1, 2019. This is a major political, security and diplomatic victory for India. This listing makes all UN member states compulsorily freeze all assets, ban travel and place an arms embargo on Masood Azhar. Ironically, a number of commentators, including some senior security analysts, have been discounting this achievement. In their support, they cite the example of Hafiz Saeed, head of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), who was also designated as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council in December, 2008, but remains a free man in Pakistan. The UNSC’s limitations in monitoring its sanctions have rendered Saeed’s listing as symbolic, according to them. The logical question that arises is — if such a listing by the UNSC is no big deal, then why did China and Pakistan fight tooth and nail to prevent Azhar from being listed as a global terrorist since back in 2009? The fact is that as recently as February 15, 2019, when the Pulwama attack had already taken place, China had rejected India’s call to have Azhar put on the UN terror list. “The 1267 Committee of the Security Council has a clear stipulation on the listing and procedure of terrorist organisations,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on February 15, adding, “China will continue to handle the relevant sanctions issue in a constructive and responsible manner”. Wang Dehua, head of the Institute for South and Central Asia Studies at the Shanghai Municipal Centre for International Studies, was blunter. “It is useless to blame China for obstructing,” he said, arguing that UNSC resolution 1267 was drawn up specifically to target individuals with links to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State. “No matter the nature of the JeM, there is no evidence that its leader Masood Azhar is subordinate to Al-Qaeda and IS. Therefore, the JeM is not subject to resolution 1267, which specifically names the two organisations.” Following this logic, the Chinese put a technical hold on March 13, 2019, when France, the UK and the USA initiated a proposal for naming Azhar to the UN Sanctions list after JeM took responsibility for the terror attack in Pulwama. That these arguments are completely specious is evident from the fact that the 1267 Sanctions Committee had placed JeM itself on the sanctions list in October 2001 and its linkages with the Al-Qaeda had been proven beyond doubt. Even at that time, Azhar was the leader of the JeM. In fact, Azhar should have been listed as a global terrorist at that time itself, but India missed an opportunity to do so. It may be recalled that soon after the Mumbai terror attacks on November 26, 2008, India had moved a proposal for declaring Azhar a global terrorist. This attempt failed due to Chinese opposition in 2009. Again in 2016, after the attack on the Pathankot Air Base, India attempted to have him listed, but China came in the way. In 2017, yet again, a similar motion was moved, but China, citing insufficient proof against Azhar, blocked the proposal from being adopted. It was only when the concerted move by the US, UK and France to shift the issue to the main Security Council from the 1267 Committee was mooted that China blinked. This is because while the Sanctions Committee functions in an opaque manner and its deliberations are not public, the Security Council operates in a glare of publicity. The US had circulated a draft resolution in the UNSC to ban Azhar. The draft, which was backed by France and the UK, discussed China’s double standards on terrorism by mentioning the atrocities on Uighurs in Xinjiang. If the US draft had been tabled in the Security Council, China would have to publicly justify its decade-long campaign to block attempts to designate Azhar as a global terrorist. The fear that China would be exposed — and be the only SC member amongst 15 to oppose this move — led to Beijing seeking a face-saving way out. It strongly protested against shifting of this issue from the Sanctions Committee to the main Security Council. The visit of India’s foreign secretary to China on April 21-22 and his presenting a detailed dossier on the terrorist activities of Azhar, ostensibly allowed the Chinese to claim that in view of new evidence, it was withdrawing its technical hold in the 1267 Sanctions committee, thus paving the way for Azhar to be declared a global terrorist. It is clear that 2019 is not 2008 when the terror attack on Mumbai occurred. India is willing to exercise its strength, as the air strikes on Balakot clearly brought out. It is also willing to challenge the China-Pakistan axis squarely, both diplomatically and politically. But for these Balakot air strikes, chances are that China would not have backed down and continued to support Pakistan’s terror proxies like Azhar. It is a triumph for Indian diplomacy, strategic thinking and political sagacity that the entire world supported its stand to completely isolate China so that it was forced to abandon its “all-weather ally” Pakistan and expose it as a source of global terror. It is these changed circumstances, which make the designation of global terrorist much more meaningful now. Pakistan already has the sword of being put on the FATF blacklist hanging over its head, which it just cannot afford, given its precarious financial situation. India should follow up now and have its rogue intelligence agency, the ISI also designated as a global terrorist outfit. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

'Global terrorist’ tag on Masood Azhar is a major triumph for Indian strategic thinking and political sagacity

Did India concede ground to ensure China dropped its objection to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) listing Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist? &nbsp;The finger of suspicion points at the imminent proceedings of the Paris-based Financial Action Task force (FATF).&nbsp;

China’s Xiangming Liu takes over as president of the FATF on July 1, 2019 – just in time to save Pakistan from being blacklisted. Did China, Pakistan’s all-weather ally, drive a bargain at the UNSC last week to keep Pakistan out of the blacklist at the FATF’s scheduled October 2019 meeting in return for Masood Azhar’s listing?&nbsp;

The FATF’s Asian affiliate will later this month evaluate the progress Pakistan has made in 29 specific areas of terror financing and money laundering where the FATF says Pakistan is in violation of its guidelines.

The Imran Khan government says “Naya” Pakistan is determined to root out terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil and that most of FATF’s concerns have been taken care of.&nbsp;

No one in the FATF — or in Pakistan itself — believes that. Terror financing continues unabated. Money laundering through routes in Afghanistan and the Middle East to fund terror groups has not reduced. The listing of JeM’s Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC is merely symbolic. The Lashkar-e-Toiba’s Hafiz Saeed was designated a global terrorist by the UNSC way back in 2001. He has been untouched by the Pakistani authorities and continues to preach jihad against India.

Masood Azhar is currently under the protection of the Pakistani army’s ISI. Islamabad says the UNSC listing will be implemented in all key areas, including imposing an arms embargo on Azhar and freezing his assets.&nbsp;

Since the JeM’s weaponry and funds come surreptitiously from the Pakistani Army, neither the arms embargo nor the asset freeze will alter the status quo. For the JeM, it is terror as usual.&nbsp;

Pakistan’s real fear is not the occasional UNSC listing of the terrorists it arms, funds and protects. Its real fear is blacklisting by the FATF. Already on the greylist, Pakistan simply cannot afford to be blacklisted. The only two countries currently on the FATF’s blacklist are Iran and North Korea. Blacklisting of a country cuts off all global financial aid and loans, imposes sanctions on the country’s banks, and cripples its economy. Iran and North Korea are examples of how FATF blacklisting (along with other US-specific sanctions) have devastated their economies.&nbsp;

Pakistan has been warned by the FATF that unless it shows real progress on ending terror financing, blacklisting by the watchdog body at its October 2019 meeting could follow. Pakistan’ fragile economy, already beset by low foreign exchange reserves, a depreciating rupee and a bloated current account deficit, could collapse if FATF blacklisted it. Islamabad has, therefore, spent the past several months working on a strategy to avoid this financial Armaggedon. The strategy has two prongs.&nbsp;

First, package “Naya” Pakistan as a break from the past. Prime Minister Imran Khan has promised action against all terror groups operating from Pakistan. Shortly after Masood Azhar was designated a global terrorist, Pakistan’s foreign office spokesman Mohammad Faisal declared piously: “The UNSC decision entails travel restrictions, asset freeze and arms embargo. Pakistan is a responsible state and we will take responsible action.”&nbsp;

This charm offensive is aimed squarely at the FATF and the United States. Talks between US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalizad and the Pakistan-created Taliban terror organisation have recently run into a wall.&nbsp;

This is the second prong of Pakistan’s strategy: leverage its influence over the Taliban to reboot negotiations and offer US President Donald Trump a rapid exit from Afghanistan he seeks for US and NATO troops.&nbsp;

The two-pronged strategy thus relies on deception and blackmail. Deception because “Naya” Pakistan is a mirage. Blackmail because the Taliban is Pakistan’s bargaining chip with a US President desperate to end the country’s 18-year war in Afghanistan. Will the Pakistani strategy work? In the short term, yes. In the medium and long term, no.&nbsp;

Consider why: China will shortly head the FATF and sell the false “Naya” Pakistan narrative to members of the FATF to ensure Islamabad is not blacklisted in October. This though, will prove a pyrrhic victory for both Pakistan and China. Lulled into complacency by the China-headed FATF’s enforced generosity, terror groups in Pakistan will attack targets in India and Afghanistan with renewed vigour.&nbsp;

The drawdown of US and NATO troops will allow the Taliban free rein. If it is part of the new Afghan government following elections scheduled for later this year, Afghanistan will join a select group of countries ruled by a terror group.&nbsp;

For Pakistan, a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan constitutes the “strategic depth” it craves. But habits die hard. And bad habits die harder. Ordinary Afghans haven’t forgotten the last time the Taliban was part of the government in 1996-2001. They despise the Taliban and Pakistan in equal measure. India hasn’t forgotten Taliban rule either. In 1999, the Taliban played a venal role in helping the ISI-backed Harkat-ul-Mujahideen hijackers of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in Kandahar to free Masood Azhar from an Indian jail. &nbsp;

A return to “old” Pakistan is therefore guaranteed with help from its Taliban terror partners. The reprieve for Pakistan from the FATF could prove both temporary and illusory.&nbsp; 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-fatf-pakistan-s-achilles-heel-2747319">original article)</a>

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Did India concede ground to ensure China dropped its objection to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) listing Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist?

Did India concede ground to ensure China dropped its objection to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) listing Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist? The finger of suspicion points at the imminent proceedings of the Paris-based Financial Action Task force (FATF). China’s Xiangming Liu takes over as president of the FATF on July 1, 2019 – just in time to save Pakistan from being blacklisted. Did China, Pakistan’s all-weather ally, drive a bargain at the UNSC last week to keep Pakistan out of the blacklist at the FATF’s scheduled October 2019 meeting in return for Masood Azhar’s listing? The FATF’s Asian affiliate will later this month evaluate the progress Pakistan has made in 29 specific areas of terror financing and money laundering where the FATF says Pakistan is in violation of its guidelines. The Imran Khan government says “Naya” Pakistan is determined to root out terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil and that most of FATF’s concerns have been taken care of. No one in the FATF — or in Pakistan itself — believes that. Terror financing continues unabated. Money laundering through routes in Afghanistan and the Middle East to fund terror groups has not reduced. The listing of JeM’s Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC is merely symbolic. The Lashkar-e-Toiba’s Hafiz Saeed was designated a global terrorist by the UNSC way back in 2001. He has been untouched by the Pakistani authorities and continues to preach jihad against India. Masood Azhar is currently under the protection of the Pakistani army’s ISI. Islamabad says the UNSC listing will be implemented in all key areas, including imposing an arms embargo on Azhar and freezing his assets. Since the JeM’s weaponry and funds come surreptitiously from the Pakistani Army, neither the arms embargo nor the asset freeze will alter the status quo. For the JeM, it is terror as usual. Pakistan’s real fear is not the occasional UNSC listing of the terrorists it arms, funds and protects. Its real fear is blacklisting by the FATF. Already on the greylist, Pakistan simply cannot afford to be blacklisted. The only two countries currently on the FATF’s blacklist are Iran and North Korea. Blacklisting of a country cuts off all global financial aid and loans, imposes sanctions on the country’s banks, and cripples its economy. Iran and North Korea are examples of how FATF blacklisting (along with other US-specific sanctions) have devastated their economies. Pakistan has been warned by the FATF that unless it shows real progress on ending terror financing, blacklisting by the watchdog body at its October 2019 meeting could follow. Pakistan’ fragile economy, already beset by low foreign exchange reserves, a depreciating rupee and a bloated current account deficit, could collapse if FATF blacklisted it. Islamabad has, therefore, spent the past several months working on a strategy to avoid this financial Armaggedon. The strategy has two prongs. First, package “Naya” Pakistan as a break from the past. Prime Minister Imran Khan has promised action against all terror groups operating from Pakistan. Shortly after Masood Azhar was designated a global terrorist, Pakistan’s foreign office spokesman Mohammad Faisal declared piously: “The UNSC decision entails travel restrictions, asset freeze and arms embargo. Pakistan is a responsible state and we will take responsible action.” This charm offensive is aimed squarely at the FATF and the United States. Talks between US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalizad and the Pakistan-created Taliban terror organisation have recently run into a wall. This is the second prong of Pakistan’s strategy: leverage its influence over the Taliban to reboot negotiations and offer US President Donald Trump a rapid exit from Afghanistan he seeks for US and NATO troops. The two-pronged strategy thus relies on deception and blackmail. Deception because “Naya” Pakistan is a mirage. Blackmail because the Taliban is Pakistan’s bargaining chip with a US President desperate to end the country’s 18-year war in Afghanistan. Will the Pakistani strategy work? In the short term, yes. In the medium and long term, no. Consider why: China will shortly head the FATF and sell the false “Naya” Pakistan narrative to members of the FATF to ensure Islamabad is not blacklisted in October. This though, will prove a pyrrhic victory for both Pakistan and China. Lulled into complacency by the China-headed FATF’s enforced generosity, terror groups in Pakistan will attack targets in India and Afghanistan with renewed vigour. The drawdown of US and NATO troops will allow the Taliban free rein. If it is part of the new Afghan government following elections scheduled for later this year, Afghanistan will join a select group of countries ruled by a terror group. For Pakistan, a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan constitutes the “strategic depth” it craves. But habits die hard. And bad habits die harder. Ordinary Afghans haven’t forgotten the last time the Taliban was part of the government in 1996-2001. They despise the Taliban and Pakistan in equal measure. India hasn’t forgotten Taliban rule either. In 1999, the Taliban played a venal role in helping the ISI-backed Harkat-ul-Mujahideen hijackers of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in Kandahar to free Masood Azhar from an Indian jail. A return to “old” Pakistan is therefore guaranteed with help from its Taliban terror partners. The reprieve for Pakistan from the FATF could prove both temporary and illusory. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Pakistan banking on a Chinese incumbent to keep itself off the blacklist

JeM chief Masood Azhar was listed as a "global terrorist" by the UNSC last week in a major diplomatic victory for India over Pakistan.

How India plans to isolate Pakistan after Azhar's listing at UN

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said, Masood Azhar getting designated as a global terrorist by the United Nations, was a big win for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP.

"Compare five years of Modi government with fifty-five years of Congress rule and the work done under Narendra Modi will come out on top. Under the guidance of Modiji, BJP also succeeded in getting Masood Azhar designated as a global terrorist, it means just like Osama Bin Laden, his days too are numbered," Yogi said at an election rally here.

He also took a dig at Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra`s statement where she had accepted that the Congress was fielding some candidates only to cut votes.

"Everybody knows Congress is now reduced to a level where it fights not to win but to cut the votes of other parties, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has herself accepted that," he said.

He also targeted Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) `mahagathbandhan` in Uttar Pradesh and said, "The two years of work done under us is much more than what SP and BSP managed in twenty years," he said.

"We never saw or asked anyone`s caste or religion before giving them the benefits of our schemes. A poor person is a poor person. It was not like this under Congress and SP, BSP," Yogi said.

He also talked about the anti-Triple Talaq bill and said that the Congress and SP, BSP only play gimmicks in the name of woman empowerment.

"The SP-BSP, Congress all talk about women empowerment, but when we brought out the anti-Triple Talaq bill, they opposed it. How will the country prosper if the Muslim women are lagging behind and devoid of their rights? We will make and enact such strong laws which will deter anyone from even thinking of harming a woman," he said.

Uttar Pradesh will see polling in both the remaining phases on May 12 and 19 in the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections.

The counting of votes will begin on May 23.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said, Masood Azhar getting designated as a global terrorist by the United Nations, was a big win for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said, Masood Azhar getting designated as a global terrorist by the United Nations, was a big win for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. "Compare five years of Modi government with fifty-five years of Congress rule and the work done under Narendra Modi will come out on top. Under the guidance of Modiji, BJP also succeeded in getting Masood Azhar designated as a global terrorist, it means just like Osama Bin Laden, his days too are numbered," Yogi said at an election rally here. He also took a dig at Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra`s statement where she had accepted that the Congress was fielding some candidates only to cut votes. "Everybody knows Congress is now reduced to a level where it fights not to win but to cut the votes of other parties, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has herself accepted that," he said. He also targeted Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) `mahagathbandhan` in Uttar Pradesh and said, "The two years of work done under us is much more than what SP and BSP managed in twenty years," he said. "We never saw or asked anyone`s caste or religion before giving them the benefits of our schemes. A poor person is a poor person. It was not like this under Congress and SP, BSP," Yogi said. He also talked about the anti-Triple Talaq bill and said that the Congress and SP, BSP only play gimmicks in the name of woman empowerment. "The SP-BSP, Congress all talk about women empowerment, but when we brought out the anti-Triple Talaq bill, they opposed it. How will the country prosper if the Muslim women are lagging behind and devoid of their rights? We will make and enact such strong laws which will deter anyone from even thinking of harming a woman," he said. Uttar Pradesh will see polling in both the remaining phases on May 12 and 19 in the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections. The counting of votes will begin on May 23.

Masood Azhar getting designated as global terrorist big win for BJP: Adityanath

Strangely Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar’s long-awaited designation as an international terrorist by the UN Security Council (UNSC) on May 1 evoked celebration on both sides of the border, in India and in Pakistan.

The Indian side had much to celebrate the naming and shaming of Masood &nbsp;Azhar, long a thorn in its side. Azhar founded the JeM in 2000 post his release from an Indian prison in exchange for the passengers held hostage after the much-publicised hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 at the end of December 1999.

Azhar and his JeM are known to have not only perpetrated the dastardly Pulwama car bomb attack on February 14 &nbsp;which killed 40 CRPF personnel but also the attack on the Pathankot Air Force Station in January 2016 and on Indian Parliament in December 2001, among many others. JeM was already designated as a terrorist organisation by various countries including Pakistan itself, UK, US and the UN but attempts in the UNSC to proscribe its leader Masood Azhar failed four times over the last ten years due to the intransigence of China which placed obstacles in the way.

After the Pulwama attack as pressure built up, France and UK joined by the US re-initiated the process on March 13 to label Masood Azhar an international terrorist. However, the process came a cropper in the face of China’s demands to put it on hold pending more information. Under much diplomatic pressure from India and the US, China finally gave its assent which led to the action by the UNSC on May 1. The only slightly awkward thing in it is the absence of any specific mention of the Pulwama carnage and the hand of Azhar behind it. It has given scope to Pakistan to stamp India’s diplomatic victory as a pyrrhic one.&nbsp;

So what is there for Pakistan to celebrate? The sheer idiocy of that nation, its leadership, people and a hugely controlled media became evident when they collectively perceived that the absence of the mention of the Pulwama attack or any specific reference to Azhar’s involvement in Kashmir was a great diplomatic victory for Pakistan.&nbsp;

The spin, for which Pakistan is well known, also attempts to whitewash its entire sponsorship of the proxy war in J&amp;K with perceived certification from the UNSC. The world reads sufficiently between the lines and realises that it was perhaps at China’s insistence that Pulwama and the JeM chief’s personal involvement in Kashmir were omitted from the draft resolution. That is as far as China could be convinced to go even in the light of pressure brought on by trade issues with the US, the spirit of the Wuhan dialogue and the overall emerging strategic environment around South West Asia. Pakistan’s lack of subtlety is reflected by ignorance of the context of the proscription which stares in the face. The world is aware that the process of the UNSC commenced this time, with Pulwama and the final proscription was a progression of events commencing with the February 2019 condemnation by the UNSC. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had then reiterated his strong condemnation of the Pulwama attack. It will only be with wishful thinking that Pakistan will not perceive the effect of this proscription on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) proceedings, which could certify insufficiency of efforts by Pakistan to curb terror activities from its soil.&nbsp;

Even with cause for celebration in India, most people appeared to overestimate and misread the effect of the UNSC action. I had queries inquiring how soon this would affect JeM’s capability in Kashmir, especially in light of recent achievements of the Army against JeM cadres. What we need to understand is that Azhar’s proscription is not the last act to marginalise him and the JeM; it’s just about the beginning. Lashkar e Taiyaba (LeT) leader Hafiz Sayeed’s similar proscription and placement of a $10 million bounty on his head had little effect on LeT capability and intent on the ground.&nbsp;

The foreign terrorist (FT) group structures are today much reliant on the separatist networks due to extensive army control over infiltration. The army and police must work towards prevention of the creation of alternative leadership and induction of fresh local cadres, to keep the initiative.

Virtually in anticipation of the UNSC decision, Pakistan ISPR chief Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor conducted a long presser two days prior. He went hammer and tongs after the Pashtoon Tahafuz Movement (PTM) to balance the effect of the UNSC proceedings, accusing PTM of sponsorship from India and Afghanistan. He then warned India that Pakistan was not the same country which succumbed in 1971 and continued to deny the impact of Balakot attack.

This is a new normal with Pakistan’s deep state which must be read in conjunction with its celebration of the proscription of Masood Azhar by the UNSC. It strongly believes that with each climb of a rung on the military escalatory ladder India only proves that in the threshold below conventional war Pakistan can match it action for action; even in the conventional fold, it has enough in its nuclear arsenal to deter or dissuade Indian adventurism. Given this belief and the idea that Azhar’s proscription is not linked to Kashmir, the Pakistani deep state could feel encouraged to continue with acts of proxy war.&nbsp;

Should India, therefore, brace itself for more terror against itself? What the next government will need to do is to continue playing aggressively in the diplomatic field. Pakistan is financially on the back foot. The pressure at the FATF, with the big powers and engagement with China in the Wuhan spirit, may discourage Pakistan’s deep state from attempting to do something spectacular early in the tenure of the next government.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-masood-azhar-s-proscription-2745709">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Strangely Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar’s long-awaited designation as an international terrorist by the UN Security Council (UNSC) on May 1 evoked celebration on both sides of the border, in India and in Pakistan.

Strangely Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar’s long-awaited designation as an international terrorist by the UN Security Council (UNSC) on May 1 evoked celebration on both sides of the border, in India and in Pakistan. The Indian side had much to celebrate the naming and shaming of Masood Azhar, long a thorn in its side. Azhar founded the JeM in 2000 post his release from an Indian prison in exchange for the passengers held hostage after the much-publicised hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 at the end of December 1999. Azhar and his JeM are known to have not only perpetrated the dastardly Pulwama car bomb attack on February 14 which killed 40 CRPF personnel but also the attack on the Pathankot Air Force Station in January 2016 and on Indian Parliament in December 2001, among many others. JeM was already designated as a terrorist organisation by various countries including Pakistan itself, UK, US and the UN but attempts in the UNSC to proscribe its leader Masood Azhar failed four times over the last ten years due to the intransigence of China which placed obstacles in the way. After the Pulwama attack as pressure built up, France and UK joined by the US re-initiated the process on March 13 to label Masood Azhar an international terrorist. However, the process came a cropper in the face of China’s demands to put it on hold pending more information. Under much diplomatic pressure from India and the US, China finally gave its assent which led to the action by the UNSC on May 1. The only slightly awkward thing in it is the absence of any specific mention of the Pulwama carnage and the hand of Azhar behind it. It has given scope to Pakistan to stamp India’s diplomatic victory as a pyrrhic one. So what is there for Pakistan to celebrate? The sheer idiocy of that nation, its leadership, people and a hugely controlled media became evident when they collectively perceived that the absence of the mention of the Pulwama attack or any specific reference to Azhar’s involvement in Kashmir was a great diplomatic victory for Pakistan. The spin, for which Pakistan is well known, also attempts to whitewash its entire sponsorship of the proxy war in J&K with perceived certification from the UNSC. The world reads sufficiently between the lines and realises that it was perhaps at China’s insistence that Pulwama and the JeM chief’s personal involvement in Kashmir were omitted from the draft resolution. That is as far as China could be convinced to go even in the light of pressure brought on by trade issues with the US, the spirit of the Wuhan dialogue and the overall emerging strategic environment around South West Asia. Pakistan’s lack of subtlety is reflected by ignorance of the context of the proscription which stares in the face. The world is aware that the process of the UNSC commenced this time, with Pulwama and the final proscription was a progression of events commencing with the February 2019 condemnation by the UNSC. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had then reiterated his strong condemnation of the Pulwama attack. It will only be with wishful thinking that Pakistan will not perceive the effect of this proscription on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) proceedings, which could certify insufficiency of efforts by Pakistan to curb terror activities from its soil. Even with cause for celebration in India, most people appeared to overestimate and misread the effect of the UNSC action. I had queries inquiring how soon this would affect JeM’s capability in Kashmir, especially in light of recent achievements of the Army against JeM cadres. What we need to understand is that Azhar’s proscription is not the last act to marginalise him and the JeM; it’s just about the beginning. Lashkar e Taiyaba (LeT) leader Hafiz Sayeed’s similar proscription and placement of a $10 million bounty on his head had little effect on LeT capability and intent on the ground. The foreign terrorist (FT) group structures are today much reliant on the separatist networks due to extensive army control over infiltration. The army and police must work towards prevention of the creation of alternative leadership and induction of fresh local cadres, to keep the initiative. Virtually in anticipation of the UNSC decision, Pakistan ISPR chief Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor conducted a long presser two days prior. He went hammer and tongs after the Pashtoon Tahafuz Movement (PTM) to balance the effect of the UNSC proceedings, accusing PTM of sponsorship from India and Afghanistan. He then warned India that Pakistan was not the same country which succumbed in 1971 and continued to deny the impact of Balakot attack. This is a new normal with Pakistan’s deep state which must be read in conjunction with its celebration of the proscription of Masood Azhar by the UNSC. It strongly believes that with each climb of a rung on the military escalatory ladder India only proves that in the threshold below conventional war Pakistan can match it action for action; even in the conventional fold, it has enough in its nuclear arsenal to deter or dissuade Indian adventurism. Given this belief and the idea that Azhar’s proscription is not linked to Kashmir, the Pakistani deep state could feel encouraged to continue with acts of proxy war. Should India, therefore, brace itself for more terror against itself? What the next government will need to do is to continue playing aggressively in the diplomatic field. Pakistan is financially on the back foot. The pressure at the FATF, with the big powers and engagement with China in the Wuhan spirit, may discourage Pakistan’s deep state from attempting to do something spectacular early in the tenure of the next government. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Masood Azhar’s proscription

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Pakistan has issued an official order to freeze the assets and impose a travel ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar after the United Nations declared him a "global terrorist".

In a notification issued Wednesday, the foreign ministry said, "the Federal Government is pleased to order that the Resolution 2368 (2017) be fully implemented" against Azhar.

The government directed officials to take actions "as appropriate for the implementation of sanctions" against the JeM chief, according to the notification. 
Azhar is also banned from selling or purchasing arms and ammunition.

In a major diplomatic win for India, the United Nations designated Pakistan-based Azhar as a "global terrorist" after China lifted its hold on a proposal by the US, the UK and France to blacklist him.

The US, the UK and France had moved the proposal to designate Azhar as a "global terrorist" in the UN Security Council's 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee in February, just days after the deadly Pulwama terror attack carried out by the JeM in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan foreign office spokesman Mohammad Faisal on Wednesday said that Pakistan would "immediately enforce the sanctions" imposed on Azhar.&nbsp;

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Pakistan has issued an official order to freeze the assets and impose a travel ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar after the United Nations declared him a "global terrorist".

Pakistan has issued an official order to freeze the assets and impose a travel ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar after the United Nations declared him a "global terrorist". In a notification issued Wednesday, the foreign ministry said, "the Federal Government is pleased to order that the Resolution 2368 (2017) be fully implemented" against Azhar. The government directed officials to take actions "as appropriate for the implementation of sanctions" against the JeM chief, according to the notification. Azhar is also banned from selling or purchasing arms and ammunition. In a major diplomatic win for India, the United Nations designated Pakistan-based Azhar as a "global terrorist" after China lifted its hold on a proposal by the US, the UK and France to blacklist him. The US, the UK and France had moved the proposal to designate Azhar as a "global terrorist" in the UN Security Council's 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee in February, just days after the deadly Pulwama terror attack carried out by the JeM in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan foreign office spokesman Mohammad Faisal on Wednesday said that Pakistan would "immediately enforce the sanctions" imposed on Azhar. ×

Pakistan issues orders to freeze Masood Azhar's assets, imposes travel ban

New Evidence was provided to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)1267 committee after China had put a hold on March 13 on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/jem-chief-masood-azhar-designated-as-a-global-terrorist-in-un-sanctions-list-215076">listing of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist</a>.

On the basis of the evidence,&nbsp;Beijing had agreed to remove its hold paving way for the listing of Azhar as an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-want-fatf-for-pakistan-should-be-downgraded-arun-jaitley-215344">international terrorist</a>.

"We submitted more evidence, they were convinced",&nbsp;a diplomatic source replied to WION when asked why China change its stance on Masood Azhar, after blocking it for ten&nbsp;years.

Asked about no mention of Pulwama in the notification on the listing of Azhar, the source said, "Link to Pulwama in the whole process is obvious. The whole process started after Pulwama. It started with a clear statement from UNSC. The process started with Pulwama and ended with a listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist."

Masood Azhar was declared as an international terrorist by the UN on May 1. India had first proposed listing of Azhar in 2009 but it was blocked by China many times.

"I have no reason to doubt", the diplomatic source, replied when asked if India was able to hit Jaish-e-Mohammed's terror camps in Balakot on February 26.

French Envoy to India Alexandre Ziegler, at a press conference in New Delhi on Friday, called listing of Masood Azhar as "Good news for world community and India" further adding, "It has been a long process. A process in which we have played a role."

He said, "it's&nbsp;a very important decision. Very important political decision. The first-time world reached consensus."

The US, along with France and the UK had proposed the listing of Masood Azhar after the Pulwama attack on February 14 that killed more than 40 Indian security personnel.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Envoy, Sidharto Suryodipuro speaking to WION, on what went on the negotiation said, "There were a number of dimensions to the negotiations. We understand there is the political side to it."

Explaining further he said, "So countries with particular interest will have there own negotiation. We understand that there are discussions between the capitals. The other side of it, the committee, in particular, the chair of the committee, has to ensure, the ground is right, the ground is mature."

Indonesia is the President of United Nations Security Council for May 2019 and is also the chair of the UN Sanction Committee which listed Masood Azhar as an international terrorist.

Meanwhile, India and Australia held the 11th Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism on Friday during which,"Both sides welcomed the listing of Masood Azhar, leader of the Jaish-e-Mohammed, as a Global Terrorist by the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee", according to a Ministry of External Affairs release.&nbsp;

India during the meet thanked Australia for co-sponsoring the listing proposal of Masood Azhar along with US, UK, France and other count 
&nbsp;

New Evidence was provided to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)1267 committee after China had put a hold on March 13 on the listing of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

New Evidence was provided to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)1267 committee after China had put a hold on March 13 on the listing of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. On the basis of the evidence, Beijing had agreed to remove its hold paving way for the listing of Azhar as an international terrorist. "We submitted more evidence, they were convinced", a diplomatic source replied to WION when asked why China change its stance on Masood Azhar, after blocking it for ten years. Asked about no mention of Pulwama in the notification on the listing of Azhar, the source said, "Link to Pulwama in the whole process is obvious. The whole process started after Pulwama. It started with a clear statement from UNSC. The process started with Pulwama and ended with a listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist." Masood Azhar was declared as an international terrorist by the UN on May 1. India had first proposed listing of Azhar in 2009 but it was blocked by China many times. "I have no reason to doubt", the diplomatic source, replied when asked if India was able to hit Jaish-e-Mohammed's terror camps in Balakot on February 26. French Envoy to India Alexandre Ziegler, at a press conference in New Delhi on Friday, called listing of Masood Azhar as "Good news for world community and India" further adding, "It has been a long process. A process in which we have played a role." He said, "it's a very important decision. Very important political decision. The first-time world reached consensus." The US, along with France and the UK had proposed the listing of Masood Azhar after the Pulwama attack on February 14 that killed more than 40 Indian security personnel. Meanwhile, Indonesian Envoy, Sidharto Suryodipuro speaking to WION, on what went on the negotiation said, "There were a number of dimensions to the negotiations. We understand there is the political side to it." Explaining further he said, "So countries with particular interest will have there own negotiation. We understand that there are discussions between the capitals. The other side of it, the committee, in particular, the chair of the committee, has to ensure, the ground is right, the ground is mature." Indonesia is the President of United Nations Security Council for May 2019 and is also the chair of the UN Sanction Committee which listed Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. Meanwhile, India and Australia held the 11th Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism on Friday during which,"Both sides welcomed the listing of Masood Azhar, leader of the Jaish-e-Mohammed, as a Global Terrorist by the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee", according to a Ministry of External Affairs release. India during the meet thanked Australia for co-sponsoring the listing proposal of Masood Azhar along with US, UK, France and other count

New evidence paved way for listing of Masood Azhar as global terrorist: Diplomatic source to WION

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