Time to keep eyes and ears open.

ISLAMABAD: The listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the United Nations 1267 sanctions panel on Wednesday will put no additional penalties except a ban on his foreign travels, holding of bank accounts and bearing of weapons, nor is Pakistan bound to take any legal action against him in consequent to the listing.

Masood Azhar's listing as a global terrorist was a move jointly sponsored by the US, UK and France. After Pakistan's objection, the US took the matter to the UN Security Council. In view of China's exercise of veto power, the US reverted to the 1267 committee. China and Pakistan succeeded in avoiding the matter being taken up by the UNSC and also got it delinked from the Pulwama incident and the unrest in the Indian-held Kashmir as propagated by India. Pakistan's basic objection to Masood's listing was that he has no link to the Pulwama attack or the ongoing freedom movement in the occupied valley since it is an indigenous freedom struggle and Pakistan will continue with its moral, political and diplomatic support to the oppressed people of Kashmir. And Pakistan has adequately succeeded in achieving its objective.

China has been leading the efforts since long to resolve the dispute on the listing issue through talks. A permanent veto-wielding member of the Security Council, China has blocked previous attempts in 2009, 2016 and 2017 to provide space for Pakistan and India to resolve the dispute bilaterally. The latest support by the brotherly neighbouring country came on March 13 this year when Beijing put on technical hold the French proposal seeking designation through 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee, arguing that it needs more time to study the case. "We support the listing issue being settled within the 1267 Committee through dialogue and consultation, and I believe this is the consensus of most members. With the joint efforts of all parties, this issue can be properly resolved. China is in contact with all relevant parties on the issue and will continue to engage in the discussion," Chinese Foreign Ministry stated on Tuesday, just a day before the listing of Masood Azhar by the UN panel.

It is interesting to note that Masood Azhar and Jaish-e-Mohammad have already been disbanded by Pakistan since 2002 with the same restrictions like ban on traveling abroad, holding bank accounts and owning or carrying any weapons.

Pakistan is taking major and effective steps against all forms of terrorism...