New Delhi: India has strongly criticised Pakistan’s decision to increase the reward for information leading to the arrest of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, calling the move a “gimmick” and a “phoney announcement.”
Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has included Masood Azhar in its 2026 list of most-wanted terrorists. The reward for information that could lead to his arrest has reportedly been increased from PKR 20 lakh to PKR 70 lakh.
Reacting to the development on Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal questioned Pakistan’s intentions and said Islamabad should take concrete action rather than make announcements that have little practical impact.
Jaiswal described the move as an attempt to mislead people and said Pakistan had made similar announcements in the past.
“Such gimmicks and attempts at hoodwinking people by Pakistan are nothing new. We have seen similar gimmicks in the past as well,” Jaiswal said during a press briefing.
He further criticised Pakistan for making what he described as hollow announcements despite being accused by India of supporting terrorism.
“For a state sponsor of terrorism to make such phoney announcements, we all know how hollow they are,” Jaiswal said, adding that Pakistan should focus on taking concrete action instead.
The latest FIA list comes at a significant time for Pakistan. The country is preparing for the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) plenary scheduled for October. FATF sets international standards aimed at preventing money laundering and terrorist financing. Pakistan has previously faced scrutiny from the global watchdog over its efforts to tackle terror financing.
Masood Azhar has long been one of India’s most wanted terrorists. He founded and leads the Jaish-e-Mohammed, an organisation that has been linked to several major attacks in India. He has been associated with the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2016 Pathankot attack and the 2019 Pulwama attack. JeM has also been linked to the broader terror network involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
The United Nations has designated Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.
Azhar’s release from Indian custody in 1999 remains a major part of his history. He was released by India along with two other militants in exchange for passengers held hostage following the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814. The aircraft was eventually taken to Kandahar, then under Taliban control.
Pakistan has maintained since 2021 that Azhar is no longer in the country and has claimed that he fled to Afghanistan. The FIA had previously offered a reward for information leading to his arrest.
The latest Red Book issued by the FIA also reportedly includes 19 individuals accused of having links to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. They are alleged to have provided financial support, logistical assistance and other forms of help to the attackers.
India’s latest reaction reflects its continued scepticism about Pakistan’s counter-terrorism measures. New Delhi has repeatedly demanded verifiable and meaningful action against individuals and organisations accused of involvement in terrorism directed at India.
For now, the increase in the bounty on Azhar is unlikely to ease tensions between the two countries, with India making it clear that it expects action rather than announcements.
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