New Delhi, September 14 (Daily Kiran) : Pakistan’s claims of taking action against terrorism are once again under scrutiny. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has declared Masood Azhar, the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a fugitive in its new “Red Book.” The agency has also raised the bounty on his head to 7 million Pakistani rupees. Experts suggest this move is an attempt by Pakistan to evade international scrutiny.
This development comes just ahead of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) plenary meeting scheduled for October. Pakistan has faced international criticism for its financing of terrorism and cross-border attacks. By showcasing actions against terrorists, Pakistan seems to be trying to avoid renewed monitoring and potential repercussions. The legitimacy of Pakistan’s claims regarding Azhar has been questioned repeatedly.
Since 2021, Pakistan has maintained that Azhar is not in the country but has fled to Afghanistan. That year, the FIA had set a bounty of 5 million rupees on him. Now, five years later, the reward has increased. However, Indian intelligence agencies have conducted technical analyses over the past six months, suggesting that Azhar is still hiding in Pakistan, specifically in Nawabshah, Sindh. This raises serious doubts about Pakistan’s intentions in merely declaring him a fugitive on paper while increasing the bounty.
The FIA’s new Red Book also includes the names of 19 terrorists linked to the 2008 Mumbai attacks. These individuals allegedly assisted in transporting attackers to Mumbai via sea routes, provided financial support, or played a management role in the operation. Of these, 17 names are accompanied by photographs and details of their involvement in the attacks. However, critical information has been omitted for two individuals, Muhammad Khan and Abdul Rahman, including their ties to Lashkar-e-Taiba and their roles in the attacks.
The list also features 11 terrorists associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, accused of aiding the attackers’ maritime journey. Six individuals are named for providing financial assistance for the attacks, with Muhammad Iftikhar Ali allegedly spending 70,000 rupees to establish VOIP communication between the attackers and their handlers.
The FIA reports that these 17 terrorists have been on the run for 18 years, yet Indian intelligence insists they remain in Pakistan. This raises questions about whether including these names in the most-wanted list is a genuine effort or merely a tactic to alleviate international pressure.
The number of most-wanted terrorists in Pakistan’s Red Book has significantly increased over the past five years, rising from 1,330 in 2021 to 1,804 now—a 35 percent increase. However, defense experts argue that merely listing names will only be effective if accompanied by actual investigations, arrests, and legal actions. Simply announcing bounties and adding names to lists does not demonstrate Pakistan’s commitment to combating terrorism.
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