India Dismisses Pakistan’s Increased Bounty on Terror Leader Masood Azhar as a Shallow Gesture

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has criticized Pakistan’s recent decision to raise the bounty on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, labeling it a mere “gimmick.” The Pakistani government announced an increase in the bounty from 50 lakh to 70 lakh Pakistani rupees, just weeks ahead of an important Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meeting scheduled for October. This meeting will scrutinize Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism financing, a significant concern since the nation was placed on the FATF’s grey list from 2018 to 2022 due to its inadequate measures against such activities.

Masood Azhar is a notorious figure in India, wanted for orchestrating several major terrorist attacks, including the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the 2016 Pathankot airbase assault, and the 2019 Pulwama bombing. These heinous acts have left a deep mark on India’s national psyche, and Azhar’s continued freedom in Pakistan has strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded pointedly to the announcement of the increased bounty, stating that such efforts from Islamabad are neither new nor credible. “We have seen such gimmicks in the past as well,” he remarked, highlighting the long-standing accusations against Pakistan for harboring terrorists. Jaiswal further emphasized that instead of making hollow proclamations, Pakistan should take substantial actions by arresting the terrorists, as their whereabouts are well-known to the authorities in Islamabad.

India’s frustration with Pakistan’s perceived inaction on terrorism has been a recurring theme in bilateral relations. The Indian government has consistently pointed to evidence linking Pakistan-based groups to attacks on Indian soil. Despite international pressure and commitments made at various global forums, India’s calls for decisive action against perpetrators have often gone unanswered. The latest announcement appears to be an attempt by Pakistan to present a façade of compliance with international norms, especially in light of the upcoming FATF review.

The FATF’s role in monitoring countries’ efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing is critical, and Pakistan’s inclusion on the grey list has already had significant economic implications for the nation. Analysts suggest that the recent increase in the bounty could be an attempt to placate international observers while simultaneously allowing known terrorists to operate with impunity. As the FATF meeting approaches, the spotlight will remain on Pakistan’s actions and whether they translate into genuine reforms or continue to be perceived as superficial gestures.

Source: scroll.in