Islamabad, Pakistan – In a significant development ahead of an upcoming Financial Action Task Force (FATF) plenary in October, Pakistan has announced a new bounty of PKR 70 lakh for information leading to the capture of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar. The notorious leader, wanted in India for numerous terror attacks, has also been listed as a fugitive in Pakistan's latest 'Red Book' of most wanted terrorists.
Bounty Increase Signals FATF Pressure
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) increased the reward by PKR 20 lakh, upgrading it from the initial PKR 50 lakh bounty set in 2021. This move is widely seen as an attempt by Pakistan to demonstrate its commitment to combating terrorism financing and avoid being placed back on the FATF's gray list, a designation that carries severe economic implications.
Despite previous claims by Islamabad that Azhar had fled to Afghanistan, multiple intelligence reports and past assessments have consistently indicated his continued presence within Pakistan. Critics suggest the bounty increase could be a strategic 'eyewash' to appease international monitoring bodies without a genuine intent to apprehend the militant leader.
Masood Azhar: A Longstanding Fugitive
Masood Azhar remains a key figure in India's fight against terrorism. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) lists him as an absconding accused, with his address recorded as Bahawalpur, Pakistan. He is wanted in at least five NIA cases, including the devastating 2016 Pathankot airbase attack that claimed the lives of security personnel.
An Interpol Red Corner Notice was issued against Azhar in May 2016, highlighting his international status as a wanted individual. Furthermore, the Indian government officially designated him an individual terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in September 2019, underscoring the severity of his alleged crimes and the persistent efforts to bring him to justice.
The international community will closely watch the upcoming FATF plenary to assess whether Pakistan's latest actions are deemed sufficient to address concerns regarding its efforts to counter terrorism financing and money laundering.