The Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), recognized as a terrorist organization by the United Nations, has initiated an online training initiative designed to radicalize and recruit women, according to documents obtained exclusively by this outlet. Designated Tufat al-Muminat, the program represents an expansion of the group's efforts to establish Jamat ul-Muminat, a dedicated women's division announced by JeM founder Masood Azhar on October 8.
This virtual course, scheduled to commence on November 8, aims to both generate funds and bolster recruitment efforts through daily sessions lasting 40 minutes. The curriculum focuses on delineating women's roles in jihad and Islamic doctrine, delivered by female relatives of JeM leadership, including Azhar's sisters, Sadiya Azhar and Samaira Azhar. These lectures seek to motivate participants to integrate into Jamat ul-Muminat.
Sadiya Azhar, appointed to oversee the women's unit, assumes this responsibility following the death of her husband, Yusuf Azhar, in India's Operation Sindoor airstrike on JeM's Bahawalpur headquarters in May. This operation constituted India's response to a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam district in April. Additionally, Amreen Farooq, spouse of Umar Farooq—a perpetrator of the Pahalgam incident—has been enlisted as an instructor.
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Complementing the ideological content, the program mandates a 500 Pakistani Rupee enrollment fee (approximately 156 Indian Rupees) and completion of an online registration form capturing personal information. This fundraising mechanism gained prominence following Azhar's address at the Markaz Usman O Ali seminary in Bahawalpur last month.
The digital format circumvents societal constraints in Pakistan that discourage women from independent travel, facilitating broader participation. However, this approach has drawn criticism for undermining Pakistan's professed adherence to Financial Action Task Force (FATF) protocols on countering terror financing. Experts contend that even modest collections such as this fee contravene international standards intended to restrict resources to extremist entities.
Recent activities underscore the initiative's urgency. On October 19, JeM organized the Dukhtaran-e-Islam gathering in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to initiate female involvement. Counter-terrorism authorities express concern that Jamat ul-Muminat may cultivate a cadre of female operatives, thereby diversifying JeM's operational capabilities and challenging regional security frameworks.
As India maintains vigilant monitoring of cross-border threats, the emergence of this online program highlights JeM's adaptive strategies in perpetuating instability. The potential for escalation remains a critical focus for international stakeholders.
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