PAK'S FRIEND CHINA AGAIN SHIELDS AZHAR AT UN

Pak's friend China again shields Azhar at UN

In a clear signal that China will continue to protect Pakistan's terror proxies, Beijing on Saturday extended its technical “hold“ on Jaish chief Masood Azhar for a further three months in the UN Security Council's 1267 committee.

As China's action comes after India admitted to carrying out strikes against terrorist launching pads in PoK, across the Line Of Control, it is read as a strong reiteration of support to Pakistan.The “hold“ is on an international move to ban the Jaish-e-Mohammed leader by the UN.The JeM as an organization is already on the proscribed list. But in March this year, China put a technical “hold“ on the move to impose sanctions on Azhar.

The resolution to ban the Jaish leader accused of masterminding the attack on the IAF base in Pathankot was co-sponsored by the US, the UK, France and India, with 14 other countries acquiescing.China was the only one to block it with a technical hold, citing lack of “evidence“ against Azhar. In the past six months, India has lobbied with China to lift the hold.

Thursday's move came on a day when the previous Chinese hold was due to expire.

Confirming the development in Beijing, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said, “China always maintains that on the listing matter, the 1267 Committee should stick to the main principles of objectivity, impartiality and professionalism, base its judgments on solid evidence and decide upon consensus among the members of the Security Council.“

He added, “There are still different views on India's listing application. The extended technical hold on it will allow more time for the Committee to deliberate on the matter and for relevant parties to have further consultations.“

With the extension of the hold against Azhar China has signaled full support to Pakistan and its terror proxies.

(toi)