What’s Behind Pakistan's 7 Million Rupee Bounty on Masood Azhar?

Pakistan has reaffirmed its 7 million rupee bounty for information leading to the capture of Masood Azhar, the head of Jaish-e-Mohammed. This move comes as the country prepares for the upcoming Financial Action Task Force plenary in Paris. Azhar, wanted for multiple terrorist attacks, including the 2001 Parliament attack, remains a contentious figure in India-Pakistan relations. The FIA's Red Book lists him among the most-wanted terrorists, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding terrorism and security in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 14, 2026, 20:58 IST

Pakistan's Ongoing Pursuit of Masood Azhar

In Islamabad, officials confirmed that Pakistan continues to offer a reward of 7 million rupees for information that leads to the capture of Masood Azhar, the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed. He remains a prominent figure in the Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) 'Red Book' of most-wanted terrorists.

Azhar, who founded Jaish-e-Mohammed, is sought by India for his involvement in multiple terrorist incidents, including the notorious 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament. Following the 2008 Mumbai attacks, India reiterated its demand for the extradition of 20 fugitives, including Azhar, who was linked to the assault that resulted in 166 fatalities.

Indian authorities have also associated Jaish-e-Mohammed with other significant attacks, such as the 2016 Pathankot airbase incident and the 2019 Pulwama bombing.

For years, India has accused Pakistan of harboring Azhar, while Pakistan claims he has taken refuge in Afghanistan, a statement that has been dismissed by the Taliban government in Afghanistan.

Azhar was added to the FIA's Red Book in 2021, and his name has been retained in the updated 2026 version. He is listed as the head of Jaish-e-Mohammed, with his entry recorded on December 31, 2021, at the request of Punjab's Home Department.

In the FIA's list, Azhar is designated as serial number 1480 among 1,804 wanted terrorists. The entry describes him as being in good health, of average height, and well-built.

He is wanted in three specific cases, including FIR-17/20 from December 3, 2020, and FIR-8/20 from March 9, 2020, both registered under the Anti-Terrorism Act at various police stations.

The Pakistani government is offering a reward of up to 7 million rupees for information that leads to the arrest or conviction of Masood Azhar.

This announcement comes just before the Financial Action Task Force's upcoming plenary session in Paris, scheduled for October 26 to 30. These meetings typically focus on jurisdictions' efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

Pakistan was placed on the FATF's 'grey list' in 2018 and remained there until 2022, when it was removed after fulfilling commitments related to two action plans aimed at enhancing its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures.