In a strategic move ahead of the FATF plenary meeting in Paris, Pakistan has hiked the bounty for the arrest of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar to 7 million PKR.

  • Pakistan has increased the bounty on Masood Azhar to 7 million PKR (approx. ₹24.09 lakh).
  • The move occurs weeks before the FATF plenary meeting in Paris (Oct 26-30).
  • Azhar remains on the FIA's 'Most Wanted' list despite claims he is in Afghanistan.
  • JeM is linked to major terror attacks in India, including Pulwama and the 2001 Parliament attack.

New Delhi: In a significant development, Pakistan has increased the bounty for information leading to the arrest of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar. The reward has been raised to 7 million Pakistani rupees, equivalent to approximately ₹24.09 lakh in Indian currency. The country's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) continues to list the 58-year-old terror leader among its most-wanted terrorists.

This sudden escalation comes just weeks before the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) plenary meeting scheduled to take place in Paris from October 26 to 30. The FATF meetings are critical for reviewing countries under enhanced monitoring regarding terrorist financing and money laundering. Analysts suggest this move might be an attempt by Islamabad to signal its commitment to fighting terror to the global community.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Pakistan's actions present a glaring contradiction. While Islamabad has consistently claimed for years that Masood Azhar is not in the country and has fled to Afghanistan, his name remains prominently featured in the FIA's official records, including the 2026 "Red Book of Most Wanted High-Profile Terrorists." This discrepancy raises serious questions about Pakistan's sincerity in combating cross-border terrorism.

The increased bounty appears to be a tactical maneuver to mitigate international pressure from the FATF during their upcoming review.

The Terror Legacy of Masood Azhar: Azhar is the founder of the Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM, which has been implicated in some of India's most devastating terror attacks. His organization is linked to the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the 2016 Pathankot airbase attack, and the 2019 Pulwama bombing. His name resurfaced again following the November 2025 blast near Delhi's Red Fort.

Historically, Azhar gained notoriety after being released by India in December 1999 in exchange for passengers of the hijacked Indian Airlines flight IC-814. Following his release, he established JeM, further destabilizing regional security. India has previously targeted terror infrastructure in areas associated with his group, such as during 'Operation Sindoor,' which reportedly resulted in the deaths of several of his family members.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Who is Masood Azhar?
Answer: He is the founder of Jaish-e-Mohammed and has been designated an international terrorist by the United Nations Security Council.

Question 2: Why is the FATF meeting important?
Answer: The FATF reviews countries to ensure they are implementing effective measures against money laundering and terror financing.

Did You Know?: Masood Azhar was released from Indian custody in 1999 following the hijacking of flight IC-814 to Kandahar.