Pakistan has announced a ₹70 lakh reward for Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. The Federal Investigation Agency included his name in its most wanted terrorists’ Red Book. This move comes before the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force meeting in October. The announcement raises questions about Pakistan’s action against the terrorist leader.
Earlier, Pakistan claimed that Masood Azhar had disappeared from the country. Islamabad also claimed that he was present in Afghanistan. However, Indian intelligence analysis over the past six months indicated his presence in Nawabshah city of Sindh province.
Reward Increased After Five Years
Previously, FIA announced a ₹50 lakh reward on Masood Azhar in 2021. Now, after five years, Pakistan increased the amount by ₹20 lakh. The move came as Pakistan faces attention over terror-related actions before the FATF meeting.
Moreover, Pakistan had earlier faced pressure over its position on terrorist groups. The country had attempted to convince the world regarding actions against Masood Azhar and related organisations.
FIA List Includes 19 Terror Suspects Linked To 26/11
The updated FIA wanted list includes 19 terrorists connected with the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The list mentions their involvement in providing support, funds, and boats during the attack.
Additionally, FIA included photographs and roles of 17 terrorists in the updated document. However, Pakistan removed photographs, Lashkar-e-Taiba links, and detailed roles of two terrorists.
Mohammad Khan from Turbat provided the Al-Hussaini boat for transporting attackers to Mumbai. FIA retained his name but removed his photograph and Lashkar-e-Taiba connection.
Similarly, FIA removed details of Abdul Rahman from Bahawalnagar. The agency deleted his picture and links with Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Furthermore, the list contains names of 11 Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists involved in transporting attackers through Al-Hussaini and Al-Fouz boats. These names include Mohammad Amjad Khan, Shahid Ghafoor, Mohammad Usman, Atiq ur Rahman, Riyaz Ahmed, Mohammad Mushtaq, Mohammad Naeem, Abdul Shakoor, Mohammad Sabir Salfi, Mohammad Usman, and Shakeel Ahmed.
Terror Financing Details Mentioned In FIA Records
The list also includes six terrorists accused of providing financial support during the 26/11 attack. Mohammad Iftikhar Ali from Faisalabad spent 70,000 Pakistani rupees for VOIP connections.
Mohammad Zia from Rawalpindi provided 80,000 rupees to Lashkar-e-Taiba. Mohammad Abbas Nasir from Khanewal gave 253,000 rupees for the attack.
Javed Iqbal from Kasur provided 186,430 rupees. Mukhtar Ahmed from Mandi Bahauddin gave 298,047 rupees. Ahmed Saeed from Batgram provided 2.1 million rupees.
India Claims Pakistan Is Misleading The World
According to FIA records, these 17 terrorists have remained missing for 18 years. However, Indian intelligence sources claim all 17 terrorists remain in Pakistan.
They allege Pakistan placed these names on the wanted list only to create an appearance of action. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s most wanted terrorist count increased by 35% in five years.
The FIA Red Book listed 1,330 most wanted terrorists in 2021. After five years, the number increased to 1,804.
