India on Tuesday dismissed Pakistan’s announcement of a PKR 70 lakh reward for information leading to the arrest of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, calling it a “gimmick” and an attempt at “hoodwinking” people.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Pakistan should take concrete action against terror suspects instead of making announcements that have little practical consequence.
“Such gimmicks and attempts at hoodwinking people by Pakistan are nothing new. We have seen similar gimmicks in the past as well. For a state sponsor of terrorism to make such phoney announcements—we all know how hollow they are,” Jaiswal said.
“Pakistan must take concrete action rather than make announcements that are ultimately
of no consequence,” he added.
Pakistan has maintained a reward of PKR 7 million for information leading to the arrest of Masood Azhar, who remains listed in the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) “Red Book” of most-wanted terrorists, officials said on Monday.
Azhar, the founder and chief of JeM, is wanted in India in connection with several terror cases, including the 2001 Parliament attack. He was also among the 20 fugitives whose extradition India sought from Pakistan, a demand that was renewed following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
The November 26, 2008 attacks were carried out by 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists and left 166 people dead.
Masood Azhar In Pakistan’s Red Book
Masood Azhar was included in the FIA’s Red Book of most-wanted terrorists in 2021, according to information previously provided by the agency. Officials said his name also features in the agency’s 2026 Red Book.
The latest disclosure has drawn attention as Pakistan faces renewed scrutiny over its record on tackling terrorism and terrorist financing ahead of the next Financial Action Task Force (FATF) plenary.
The FATF’s next plenary is scheduled to be held in Paris from October 26 to 30.
The FATF plenary meetings typically review jurisdictions’ efforts to address deficiencies in combating money laundering and terrorist financing, along with the implementation of measures to prevent the financing of terrorism.
Pakistan’s FATF Record
Pakistan was placed on the FATF’s increased monitoring list, commonly known as the “grey list”, in 2018.
It remained under increased monitoring until 2022, when the FATF removed Pakistan from the list after the country completed commitments under two action plans agreed in 2018 and 2021.
The action plans required Pakistan to strengthen its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework, improve the implementation of targeted financial sanctions and address deficiencies identified by the FATF.
Despite its removal from the grey list, Pakistan’s record on countering terrorism and terrorist financing remains closely watched internationally.
India has repeatedly accused Pakistan of providing support and safe haven to terrorist groups operating against India—an allegation Islamabad has denied.
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