Pakistan Announces ₹70 Lakh Bounty On JEM Founder Masood Azhar Ahead Of FATF Plenary

Islamabad, ahead of the upcoming FATF plenary, has announced a substantial reward of ₹70 lakh for information leading to the capture of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief and UN-designated terrorist Masood Azhar. This move is seen as a symbolic step by Pakistan to demonstrate its commitment to combating terrorism and terror financing. However, concerns remain regarding Pakistan's track record in tackling terror groups operating from its territory, as the country is known to harbor such elements.

Azhar was reportedly spotted in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in July 2025, despite claims that he had gone missing and was hiding in neighboring Afghanistan. The Taliban and Kabul have both rejected Islamabad's assertions regarding Azhar's whereabouts. The latest bounty follows a previous offer of Rs 50 lakh in 2021, and the FIA's Red Book also lists 19 other terrorists accused of involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

Technical analysis suggests that Azhar may be hiding in Nawabshah, a city in Pakistan's Sindh province.