Pakistan Raises Bounty on Masood Azhar

Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has placed Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar in its 2026 list of most-wanted terrorists. The bounty for information leading to his capture has been raised to PKR 70 lakh from PKR 50 lakh in 2021 and PKR 20 lakh before that.

Masood Azhar and Jaish-e-Mohammed

Masood Azhar is the founder and chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based militant organisation designated as a terrorist group by several countries and international bodies. He is listed in the FIA Red Book of most-wanted terrorists at serial number 1480, with the entry date recorded as 31 December 2021.

FATF and Grey List Context

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an inter-governmental body that sets standards on anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing. Pakistan has faced FATF scrutiny in the past, and the next plenary meeting is scheduled for October 2026.

Allegations Linked to Major Attacks

Masood Azhar has been linked to the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the 2016 Pathankot attack, and the 2019 Pulwama bombing. The FIA’s latest Red Book also names 19 terrorists linked to the 2008 Mumbai attacks, including 11 Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Financial Action Task Force was established in 1989 by the G7 countries.
• The FATF maintains a grey list for jurisdictions under increased monitoring.
• Jaish-e-Mohammed was founded in 2000 and has operated mainly from Pakistan.
• The 2008 Mumbai attacks were carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives by sea route.

Pakistan’s Official Position

Pakistan has claimed since 2021 that Masood Azhar is not in the country and has fled to Afghanistan. The Afghan Taliban government has denied that claim.