Furqan Bangalzai, a former commander of Pakistani terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, has been sanctioned by the United Kingdom government under the Global Human Rights Sanctions regime

Bangalzai had played a big role in orchestrating the 2017 bombing of the Lal Shahbaz Qalandar shrine in  the town of Sehwan in Sindh province which had killed more than 70 Sufi worshipers.

The terror organisation was affiliated with ISIS-K and in May 2020, Bangalzai was convicted of 70 counts of murder for his involvement in the bombing.

Friday's announcement came on the World Human Rights Day and ensures that Bangalzai cannot freely travel to the UK, channel money through UK banks or profit from the UK economy.

The UK also announced new sanctions against the Myanmar military for their continued suppression of the civilian population and for serious human rights violations.

"The sanctions made today target some of the most callous violations and abuses of human rights, including cases where civilians suffer unrelenting state repression and worshippers have been targeted and killed for their religious beliefs," said Tariq Ahmad, UK's Minister of State for South Asia, the UN, and the Commonwealth.

The UK will impose travel bans and asset freezes pursuant to the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020 and the Myanmar (Sanctions) Regulations 2021 respectively on those involved in serious human rights violations or abuses and those responsible for undermining fundamental rights and liberties.

"The sanctions, announced alongside the US and Canada, demonstrate the UK’s staunch commitment to hold Myanmar’s military accountable for human rights violations and our resolve to act, together with our partners, to limit its access to arms, equipment and funding," said the UK foreign ministry.

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