Act against Haqqani network, US tells Pak

The United States has said it wants Pakistan to implement UN curbs against three key financers who raised money for the Taliban and Haqqani network, a day after slapping sanctions on the leaders of these outfits.

The three were named by the UN Security Council early this week while the US Department of Treasury slapped sanctions on Gul Agha Ishakzai, head of the Taliban's financial commission; Amir Abdullah, former treasurer to senior Taliban leader Mullah Barader; and Nasiruddin Haqqani, an emissary for the Haqqani network, on Thursday.

"Pakistan, as a UN member, must implement this international action," the State Department said in a statement.

The Treasury Department's Executive Order 13224 blocks any property the designees have under US jurisdiction and prohibits US persons from engaging in transactions with them, the State Department said.

"Not only have these individuals been designated under domestic legal authorities, they were also listed at the United Nations 1267 Consolidated List on July 19, 2010 for being associated with al-Qaeda, Osama bin Laden, or the Taliban," it said.

"All United Nation members must implement a travel ban restriction, asset freeze and arms embargo against these individuals," the State Department said.

Gul Agha Ishakzai is the head of the Taliban's financial commission and has collected money for suicide attacks in Kandahar and has been involved in the disbursement of funds for Taliban fighters and their families.

A childhood friend of Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar, Gul Agha has served as Omar's principal finance officer and one of his closest advisors.

Amir Abdullah has served as treasurer to senior Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Barader and was the former deputy to the Taliban governor of Kandahar province.

Abdullah has travelled to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Libya and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to collect money for the Taliban, the Treasury said. In 2001, Abdullah helped any senior Taliban members who fled Afghanistan settle in Pakistan.

Nasiruddin Haqqani is a key leader of the Haqqani network, the Treasury said. He is the brother of dreaded warlord Sirajuddin Haqqani, previously designated by US in March 2008.

Nasiruddin Haqqani functions as an emissary for the Haqqani network and spends much of his time raising money.