"Designating Azhar demonstrates international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia. This designation was critically important, and it was a long time coming."
The State Department official said the U.S. has been trying to get Azhar designated as a global terrorist for 10 years, and strongly encouraged Pakistan to crack down on terrorism.
"We do appreciate that Pakistan is saying the right things, has taken the initial steps that we are looking for but we reserve judgement, because as I indicated, we have seen backtracking in the past once a few months have passed and the heat is off."
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang praised the resolution of the issue and explained why his country decided against blocking Azhar's blacklisting.
"Recently, relevant countries revised and re-submitted the materials for the listing proposal to the 1267 Committee. After careful study of the revised materials and taking into consideration the opinions of relevant parties concerned, China does not have objection to the listing proposal," Geng said.
The Chinese spokesman said Pakistan has made "enormous contributions" to fighting terrorism and that the country deserves the full recognition of the international community. "China will continue to firmly support Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorist and extremist forces," he added. New Delhi and Islamabad both claimed diplomatic victories of their own following Azhar's designation.
"We have been persistent, diligent and in a subterranean manner making all our efforts towards this goal. Today, that goal stands achieved. Grateful to the many, many countries who supported this effort," said Syed Akbaruddin, India's ambassador and permanent representative to the U.N.
Pakistani officials noted that Wednesday's listing did not tie Azhar to the Pulwama bombing or to the insurgency in Indian Kashmir, calling it a diplomatic success for Islamabad.
