Pakistan to Pay ₹14 Cr to Masood Azhar
In a move triggering widespread outrage, the Pakistani government is reportedly preparing to award ₹14 crore in compensation to UN-designated global terrorist Masood Azhar, the founder of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The payout follows the deaths of 14 of his close family members in India’s recent precision airstrikes during Operation Sindoor.
Operation Sindoor Airstrikes
On May 7, 2025, the Indian Air Force launched Operation Sindoor, targeting multiple terrorist camps deep inside Pakistani territory and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Among the most notable targets was the Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters in Bahawalpur, long recognized as a nerve center for cross-border terrorism. The operation, reportedly one of the most expansive since Balakot, eliminated over 100 terrorists. Among the deceased were 14 family members of Masood Azhar, some allegedly involved in JeM logistics and radicalization operations.
Pakistan’s Compensation to Masood Azhar
In response, the Pakistani government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is said to have sanctioned a compensation policy awarding ₹1 crore per deceased individual. This would result in Masood Azhar receiving ₹14 crore for his loss — an act being viewed by many as a shocking endorsement of an internationally banned terrorist.
The decision has sparked domestic and international condemnation. Critics argue this move blurs the already dubious lines between Pakistan’s state machinery and its support networks for terror outfits. Legal and policy experts have also questioned how a country struggling with economic collapse and seeking global bailouts can justify taxpayer-funded payouts to the family of a globally proscribed militant.
Global Backlash and Security Implications
The international community, particularly nations that have suffered JeM-sponsored attacks, is closely monitoring the situation. The payout is expected to further complicate Pakistan’s position in global counter-terrorism frameworks. It may also jeopardize upcoming financial negotiations with international institutions, many of whom expect Pakistan to demonstrate concrete steps against extremism and terror financing.
The incident adds another layer to the growing evidence suggesting Pakistan’s dual play — condemning terrorism in official statements while allegedly sustaining the ecosystem that nurtures it. This development, if confirmed, could serve as a key talking point in international forums where Pakistan’s counter-terrorism credibility is already under question.
