New Delhi, September 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Pakistan has raised the bounty on Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar to Rs 70 lakh and included him in the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) ‘Red Book’ of most wanted terrorists, in a move that Indian security sources and international experts view with scepticism.
The bounty on Azhar, who was already carrying a Rs 50 lakh reward, has been increased by Rs 20 lakh. His inclusion in the most-wanted list comes amid continued international scrutiny of Pakistan over terror financing and allegations that it provides safe haven to terrorists.
According to sources cited in the matter, the move is being viewed as a calculated attempt to demonstrate action against terrorism and avoid punitive measures at the upcoming Financial Action Task Force (FATF) plenary meeting, scheduled for next month.
Azhar has long been accused of masterminding several terror attacks in India, including the 2019 Pulwama attack. Indian intelligence agencies maintain that he continues to remain in hiding in Pakistan, with reports suggesting that he is staying in Nawabshah in Sindh province. Pakistan has repeatedly denied sheltering him.
In 2021, Pakistan had claimed that Azhar was not in the country, even as its FIA announced a Rs 50 lakh bounty for information leading to his arrest.
The latest FIA ‘Red Book’ also lists 19 other terrorists linked to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. They are accused of facilitating the attackers’ sea journey, providing financial support or assisting in the planning and execution of the operation.
The list includes 11 Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked terrorists accused of facilitating the sea voyage using the vessels Al-Hussaini and Al-Fauj. Six others are accused of providing financial assistance, including Muhammad Iftikhar Ali, Mohammad Zia, Mohammad Abbas Nasir, Javed Iqbal and Mukhtar Ahmed.
According to the FIA, 17 terrorists linked to the 26/11 attacks have remained absconding for 18 years. Indian intelligence agencies, however, have questioned the credibility of such claims and alleged that the accused have continued to find refuge in Pakistan.
The number of terrorists listed as most wanted in Pakistan’s ‘Red Book’ has also increased from 1,330 in 2021 to 1,804 now, a rise of around 35 per cent.
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