Pakistan steps up hunt for JeM chief Masood Azhar before FATF review

Pakistan’s interior ministry has formally listed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a fugitive, according to the Times of India. The move comes alongside an announced increase in the bounty offered for tips that could lead to his arrest, a step the government says is intended to strengthen its anti‑terrorism credentials ahead of an upcoming Financial Action Task Force (FATF) review.

The decision was revealed in a statement that described Azhar as “a threat to national security and international peace.” While the exact figure of the new reward was not disclosed in the report, officials emphasized that the heightened incentive reflects a renewed commitment to curbing terrorist financing and recruitment.

JeM, founded in the early 2000s, has been designated a terrorist organization by the United Nations, the United States, the European Union and several other jurisdictions. Under Azhar’s leadership, the group has claimed responsibility for attacks in India, including the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2019 Pulwama bombing, which killed 40 Indian security personnel. Azhar himself has been under various international sanctions and is listed on the United Nations’ Consolidated List of individuals associated with terrorism.

The timing of the fugitive listing is significant because Pakistan is slated for a comprehensive FATF assessment later this year. The FATF, an inter‑governmental body that sets standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing, periodically reviews member states to determine whether they meet its stringent criteria. Countries that fall short can be placed on a “grey list,” which can restrict access to international financial markets. Pakistan has been under FATF scrutiny for several years, with previous reports highlighting gaps in its legal framework and enforcement mechanisms.

By publicly designating Azhar as a fugitive and boosting the bounty, Islamabad aims to demonstrate tangible progress to FATF reviewers. Analysts note that such gestures, while symbolic, are often weighed alongside concrete legislative reforms and enforcement actions. If the FATF deems Pakistan’s efforts insufficient, the nation could face renewed financial pressures that would affect its economy and foreign investment climate.

The move also carries diplomatic implications. India has repeatedly called for Azhar’s extradition, arguing that his activities directly threaten its security. Pakistan’s heightened stance may be intended to address these concerns while simultaneously signaling to the international community its willingness to cooperate on counter‑terrorism measures.

As the FATF review approaches, the world will be watching whether Pakistan’s latest actions translate into measurable improvements in its anti‑terror financing regime, and whether they bring any progress toward the long‑standing demand for Masood Azhar’s apprehension.