Pakistan Puts Masood Azhar On Most-Wanted List, Raises Bounty Before FATF Review Begins

Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has reportedly included Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar in its 2026 list of most wanted terrorists, with the reward for information leading to his capture increased from PKR 20 lakh to PKR 70 lakh. The move comes ahead of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) plenary scheduled for October, when Pakistan is expected to face renewed scrutiny over its efforts to tackle terrorist financing and meet international standards. The listing of Azhar, a UN-designated terrorist and founder of the Jaish-e-Mohammed militant group, has drawn attention because of his long-standing status as one of the most prominent militant figures wanted by Indian authorities.

According to the reported FIA list, Azhar is among individuals identified as wanted in connection with terrorism-related activities. The increase in the bounty represents a significant rise from the previous reward of PKR 20 lakh. Under the reported arrangement, information that leads to his capture could qualify for the higher reward. The FIA is Pakistan’s principal federal investigative agency and handles a range of cases involving terrorism and other serious offences. The latest list is being viewed in the context of Pakistan’s broader efforts to demonstrate action against individuals and organisations associated with terrorism as the country approaches another FATF review.

The timing of the reported move has attracted particular attention because of the upcoming FATF plenary in October. Pakistan has previously faced international scrutiny over terrorist financing and was placed on the FATF grey list for deficiencies in its measures to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. It was removed from the grey list in 2022 after completing an action plan and demonstrating progress in addressing identified shortcomings. Islamabad has since sought to avoid renewed placement on the list by maintaining measures aimed at strengthening its financial and counter-terrorism frameworks. The inclusion of a prominent militant leader in a most-wanted list, along with the increase in the reward, could therefore be presented as part of those efforts.

Also Read: Taliban Rejects Pakistan’s Assertion That Jaish Chief Masood Azhar Is In Afghanistan

Masood Azhar has remained a major figure in India-Pakistan counter-terrorism discussions for decades. He founded Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based militant organisation that has been accused of carrying out or supporting attacks in India. The group has been designated as a terrorist organisation by several governments and international bodies. Azhar himself was designated as a terrorist by the United Nations Security Council in 2019. His name has remained closely associated with major terror cases and India’s efforts to secure action against senior figures linked to militant organisations operating from Pakistani territory.

The reported increase in the bounty is also significant because Azhar’s whereabouts have been the subject of continued speculation. Pakistan has faced repeated demands from India to take action against individuals accused of involvement in terrorism targeting India. The listing does not by itself establish that Azhar has been arrested or that Pakistani authorities have taken him into custody. Instead, it indicates that the FIA has included him among those it identifies as wanted and has increased the financial incentive for information leading to his capture. The distinction is important as the announcement concerns a wanted list rather than a reported arrest or prosecution.

The development comes at a sensitive point in Pakistan’s engagement with international financial and counter-terrorism mechanisms. With the FATF plenary scheduled for October, Islamabad is expected to remain focused on demonstrating compliance with measures aimed at preventing terrorist financing and strengthening enforcement. The reported decision to raise the reward for information on Azhar from PKR 20 lakh to PKR 70 lakh adds another element to that effort. Whether the move has any impact on Pakistan’s standing during the FATF review will depend on the broader assessment of its measures and implementation. For now, the reported listing has put renewed focus on Azhar and Pakistan’s approach to individuals associated with militant organisations.

Also Read: Taliban Rejects Pakistan’s Assertion That Jaish Chief Masood Azhar Is In Afghanistan