ISLAMABAD -Pakistan government issues notification to implement UNsanctions against Masood Azhar.
The Pakistan government has issued a notification directing authorities toimplement sanctions against Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar followinghis listing as a global terrorist by the UN though it was unclear whetherhe would be detained.
A “statutory regulatory order” (SRO) issued by the foreign ministry saidauthorities should freeze Azhar’s funds and financial assets and enforce atravel ban and arms embargo against him
. The order was issued after the UN’s Islamic State and al-Qaeda SanctionsCommittee listed Azhar on Wednesday after China removed its long-standingblock to the move.
Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said Pakistan would“immediately enforce the sanctions” on Azhar. He added Prime Minister ImranKhan had “clearly stated there is no space for any proscribed organisationor its affiliates to operate from Pakistani territory”.
Azhar, 50, is believed to be ailing and is reportedly based at a JeMfacility at Bahawalpur in Punjab province. He has rarely been seen inpublic in recent years.