France to sanction Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar

France has decided to sanction Masood Azhar at the national level by freezing his assets in an application of the Monetary and Financial Code. A joint decree of the Ministries of the Interior, and Economy and Finance was published today in the Official Gazette, said a press statement from the Government of France that was also placed on social media by the French Ambassador to India.

Apart from creating hurdles for financial transactions, the sanction from France will also help in stopping travel by Azhar and his known followers.

France has always been and always will be by India’s side in the fight against terrorism, the statement added. It was France that initiated UNSC statement on Pulwama and later proposal to sanction Azhar under 1267 sanctions committee.

“We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups, and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree,” the press statement said.

France’s action is expected to put more pressure on Pakistan to act against the terror groups based in its territory. India has been demanding tough verifiable action against the terror groups and individuals like Masood Azhar.

Pakistan is under pressure from global powers to act against groups carrying out attacks in India, including Jaish-e-Mohammed, which claimed responsibility for a Feb. 14 attack in Kashmir that killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary police.