Taliban Sanctions Committee & 1373 Counter-Terrorism Committee

Source: IE

Context: Pakistan has been appointed Chair of the 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee and Vice Chair of the 1373 Counter-Terrorism Committee as part of its term as a non-permanent UNSC member (2025–26).

About 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee (TSC):

• What is it? A subsidiary body of the UNSC, the 1988 Committee monitors the implementation of sanctions specifically on Taliban-linked individuals and entities.

• A subsidiary body of the UNSC, the 1988 Committee monitors the implementation of sanctions specifically on Taliban-linked individuals and entities.

• Established in: 2011, under UNSC Resolution 1988, after separating from the broader 1267 Al-Qaeda Sanctions regime.

• Objective: To ensure compliance with travel bans, arms embargoes, and asset freezes targeting individuals affiliated with the Taliban who pose a threat to peace in Afghanistan.

• Key Features: List-based regime covering ~130 individuals/entities. Chair has procedural control, including setting the agenda, consulting members, and presenting recommendations. Decisions are taken by consensus, limiting unilateral power. No powers to investigate or enforce and relies on state cooperation for implementation. Monitors compliance and considers listing, delisting, or exemption requests.

• List-based regime covering ~130 individuals/entities.

• Chair has procedural control, including setting the agenda, consulting members, and presenting recommendations.

• Decisions are taken by consensus, limiting unilateral power.

• No powers to investigate or enforce and relies on state cooperation for implementation.

• Monitors compliance and considers listing, delisting, or exemption requests.

About the 1373 Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC):

• What is it? A technical committee created to implement UNSC Resolution 1373 following the 9/11 attacks, aimed at strengthening global legal and operational counter-terrorism efforts.

• A technical committee created to implement UNSC Resolution 1373 following the 9/11 attacks, aimed at strengthening global legal and operational counter-terrorism efforts.

• Established in: 2001, under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, making its obligations binding on all UN member states.

• Objective: To compel states to criminalize terrorism, prevent terrorist financing, and deny safe havens to terrorists.

• Key Features: Does not designate terrorists or groups (unlike 1267 Committee). Focuses on capacity building, legal reforms, and promoting best practices. Works with Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) for technical support and global assessments. Encourages international cooperation, border control, and financial surveillance. Operates under consensus model, limiting politicisation of actions.

• Does not designate terrorists or groups (unlike 1267 Committee).

• Focuses on capacity building, legal reforms, and promoting best practices.

• Works with Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) for technical support and global assessments.

• Encourages international cooperation, border control, and financial surveillance.

• Operates under consensus model, limiting politicisation of actions.