Pakistan has added Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar to its 2026 list of most wanted terrorists and increased the reward for information leading to his capture to PKR 70 lakh. The development comes ahead of an important Financial Action Task Force (FATF) review in October. Pakistan Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has included Azhar in its latest Red Book, which contains the names of wanted terrorists. The reward for information about his capture has been increased by PKR 20 lakh.
The FIA had earlier announced a PKR 50 lakh reward in 2021.Masood Azhar is the founder and chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a terror organisation linked to several major attacks in India. He is also a UN designated terrorist. The timing of Pakistan move has attracted attention because it comes just before the FATF upcoming review. Pakistan is trying to show that it is taking action against terrorism and terror financing. However, Indian officials and security experts have questioned whether the announcement represents real action.
Pakistan had earlier claimed that Azhar had left the country and was hiding in Afghanistan. However, India has continued to raise concerns about his activities and Pakistan handling of terror groups. The updated Red Book also reportedly includes several suspects linked to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
