Pakistan's Bounty on Masood Azhar: A Gimmick
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Pakistan’s Bounty on Masood Azhar: A Gimmick, Again?
The recent announcement by Pakistan of a PKR 70 lakh bounty on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar has been met with skepticism from India. The move is not unexpected, but it is another example of Islamabad’s propensity for making grand gestures that ultimately serve no purpose.
Pakistan’s decision to list Azhar in the Federal Investigation Agency’s “Red Book” of most-wanted terrorists and retain a bounty on his head may seem like a genuine effort to take action against terrorism. However, given its history of sponsoring terror groups and continued refusal to designate JeM as a terrorist organization, such claims are difficult to take seriously.
This is not the first time Pakistan has made a show of cracking down on terror. In 2016, Islamabad announced that Azhar was wanted in connection with several terror cases, including the Pathankot airbase attack. The move was widely seen as an attempt to appease international pressure and avoid being blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Similarly, in 2019, Pakistan claimed it had taken action against JeM’s top leadership after a massive bombing in Pulwama killed dozens of Indian security personnel.
The problem with these gestures is that they lack substance. Instead of taking concrete action to dismantle terrorist networks and bring perpetrators to justice, Islamabad continues to engage in symbolic politics. By announcing bounties and listing terrorists on “most-wanted” lists, the country creates an illusion of doing something without making any meaningful progress.
India’s response to Pakistan’s latest move is characteristic of its frustration with Islamabad’s empty gestures. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the announcement a “phoney move,” questioning the consequences of such an action. It is hard to argue with India’s skepticism, given Pakistan’s history of using terrorism as a tool for foreign policy.
The FATF review, scheduled to take place soon, presents another opportunity for Islamabad to demonstrate its commitment to combating terror financing and designating terrorist organizations. However, without concrete action, such reviews will remain little more than a formality. International pressure on Pakistan will continue to be necessary until it takes genuine steps against terrorism.
Pakistan’s continued failure to take meaningful action against terrorism raises questions about its commitment to regional stability and security. Its words often belie its actions, and this latest development serves as a reminder of the complex web of alliances and rivalries in South Asia.
In the long run, it is up to Pakistan to prove that its announcements are not just empty rhetoric. Until then, India will remain wary of Islamabad’s intentions, and rightly so.
Reader Views
- SPSage P. · moto journalist
While Islamabad's bounties on Masood Azhar may look like a step in the right direction, they're nothing more than a tactical maneuver to delay pressure from international bodies like the FATF. Pakistan needs to demonstrate more than just symbolic action against terror groups; it must dismantle their infrastructure and bring perpetrators to justice. The country should focus on prosecuting JeM leaders rather than merely listing them as "most-wanted." Concrete steps towards accountability are long overdue, and Islamabad's rhetoric only perpetuates a cycle of empty promises.
- HRHank R. · MSF instructor
It's time for Pakistan to put its money where its mouth is. A PKR 70 lakh bounty on Masood Azhar may seem like a significant gesture, but without concrete action against JeM's infrastructure and financing networks, it's just another empty promise. Islamabad needs to demonstrate more than just symbolic crackdowns; it must dismantle the terror ecosystem that has plagued the region for decades. India's frustration with Pakistan's half-measures is well-founded – it's time for real change, not just PR stunts.
- TGThe Garage Desk · editorial
What's missing from this narrative is any serious attempt by Pakistan to address the root causes of terrorism on its soil. The bounty on Masood Azhar is nothing more than a Band-Aid solution that won't stop the bleeding of militant groups infiltrating Indian territory. Islamabad needs to prove it's willing to take concrete steps against terrorist organizations, not just create a paper trail of symbolic gestures.