Pakistan’s isolation in world stage continues

Pakistan continues to be isolated on the international stage. Demands to declare Masood Azhar as a global terrorist and impose sanctions on him are gaining weight at the United Nations.

A proposal to declare Masood Azhar, the head of banned terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammad as a global terrorist has been brought before the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday.

Jash-e-Mohammed had claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack which is evidence enough in itself for Azhar to be declared a global terrorist.

The proposal was sponsored by the United States, Britain and France. The proposal is expected to be taken up by the UNSC’s 1267 committee on March 13.

All eyes will be on China, which has vetoed three earlier such proposals brought by India and other members of the UNSC.India on Saturday had pointed out that the UNSC members were well aware of the presence of Jaish-e-Mohammad training camps and Masood Azhar in Pakistan.

India requested member countries to declare Azhar as a global terrorist. Afganistan’s National Security Advisor has also strongly advocated a ban on Masood Azhar by the United Nations Security Council.

Meawhiile Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi gave the US an assuarance that Pakistan will deal firmly with all terrorists and take steps to de-escalate tensions with India.

US National Securty Adviser John Bolton wrote on Twitter: “The FM assured me that Pakistan would deal firmly with all terrorists and will continue steps to de-escalate tensions with India”

John Bolton had received this assurance from Qureshi at a time when Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale is visiting the United States. Gokhale had met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeio on the first day of his official visit. India and the United States agreed that Pakistan should take concerted action to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and stop sheltering terrorist organizations on soil under its control.

Both countries also agreed that those people or countries who support or promote terrorism in any form should be held accountable.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Prime Minister Modi highlighted how terrorism has become a serious threat to global peace and security.

He emphasized on the importance of prompt, visible and concrete action against terrorism by all countries battling its scourge.

India has been relentless in pursuing a global diplomatic campaign against terrorism and terrorist organizations. The campaign is bearing fruit.