Financial Crime World

Pakistan Implements UN Sanctions Against Al-Qaida and ISIL

In an effort to combat global terrorism, Pakistan has implemented United Nations sanctions against Al-Qaida and its affiliate, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). These sanctions aim to restrict the flow of funds, arms, and other resources to these designated individuals and entities.

Assets Freeze

Under UN Security Council Resolution 2161 (2014), Pakistan is required to freeze the assets of designated individuals and entities. This includes:

  • Office furniture, fittings, and fixtures
  • Vessels, aircraft, and motor vehicles
  • Inventories of goods
  • Works of art, cultural property, and other items
  • Financial resources, including bank accounts and investments

The assets freeze aims to prevent the designated individuals and entities from accessing their funds and using them for terrorist activities.

Arms Embargo

Pakistan is also required to impose an arms embargo on the designated individuals and entities. This means that no direct or indirect supply, sale, or transfer of arms and related materiel can take place:

  • From Pakistani territory
  • By Pakistani nationals outside the country

The arms embargo aims to prevent the flow of weapons and military equipment to these designated groups.

Travel Ban

In addition, Pakistan has imposed a travel ban on the designated individuals and entities. This means that they are prohibited from entering or transiting through Pakistan.

The UN sanctions are implemented in Pakistan through the United Nations (Security Council) Act, 1948. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues Statutory Regulatory Orders (SROs) under this Act to provide the legal basis for implementing the sanctions.

The SROs contain information on:

  • Designated individuals and entities
  • Sanctions measures: assets freeze, arms embargo, and travel ban
  • List entry of designated individuals and entities

Implementation Mechanism

The implementation mechanism for the sanctions is explained in subsequent sections. Authorities can rely on other relevant domestic laws and regulations to strengthen the implementation of the sanctions.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s implementation of UN sanctions against Al-Qaida and ISIL is a significant step towards combating global terrorism. The assets freeze, arms embargo, and travel ban aim to restrict the flow of funds, arms, and other resources to these designated individuals and entities, thereby preventing them from engaging in terrorist activities.