India dismisses Pakistan's higher Azhar reward as a political stunt

Times of India reported that Pakistan has announced a fresh increase in the monetary reward for information leading to the capture of Masood Azhar, the founder of the militant outfit Jaish‑e‑Mohammed. New Delhi, however, dismissed the move as a "gimmick" aimed at diverting attention from its own security lapses.

Indian officials emphasized that the bounty hike does not alter the reality on the ground, where Azhar remains at large and continues to be implicated in attacks against Indian targets, most notably the 2019 Pulwama strike that killed 40 security personnel. The statement, delivered by a senior spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, warned that such symbolic gestures do little to curb terrorism and only serve political narratives.

Masood Azhar, a Kashmiri separatist, has been listed on the United Nations' terrorist watchlist since 2010 and is wanted by both India and the United States. Over the years, various governments have placed financial rewards on his head – the United States offered a $10 million bounty, while India announced a reward of 10 crore rupees. Pakistan’s latest figure, though not disclosed in the Times of India piece, is portrayed by New Delhi as a superficial ploy rather than a substantive counter‑terrorism measure.

The episode underscores the persistent mistrust between the two nuclear‑armed neighbours. Since the 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament and the subsequent 2002 standoff, both capitals have frequently used diplomatic statements and symbolic gestures to signal resolve. Bounty announcements have become a recurring tool, often criticized by the opposing side as empty rhetoric. Analysts note that while financial incentives can sometimes yield actionable intelligence, their effectiveness hinges on broader cooperation, which remains elusive between India and Pakistan.

For India, the primary concern is preventing further attacks on its soil and ensuring that any international pressure on Pakistan translates into concrete action against groups like Jaish‑e‑Mohammed. New Delhi continues to urge the global community to tighten sanctions on individuals and entities that support Azhar’s network, arguing that mere publicity stunts will not deter future violence.