UN adds JeM chief Masood Azhar to its global terror list

The United Nations’ 1267 Sanctions Committee on Wednesday placed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) leader Masood Azhar to its sanctions list.

"The Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida, and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities approved the addition of [Masood Azhar] to its ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List," the UN committee said.

"Earlier proposals to designate Masood Azhar lacked technical criteria ... they were aimed at maligning Pakistan and hindering the movement in IHK, and were hence rejected by Pakistan. Those proposals also had political agenda," said Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal.

"Recent proposals [against Masood Azhar] were motivated by Pulwama and aimed to undermine legitimate IHK freedom movement but we will continue to extend diplomatic, moral and political support to the struggle of IHK.

"India paints it as a victory, and as a confirmation of its narrative but these claims are false."

India had been seeking Azhar’s listing since 2016, but its latest push came after the February 14 Pulwama attack on the Central Reserve Police Force in India-held Kashmir, which was claimed by the JeM.

More details to follow