Questions over Pakistan's commitment to countering terrorism have resurfaced sharply after reports emerged that General Asim Munir, Pakistan's army chief, met privately with Masood Azhar, the founder and supreme commander of the banned outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The disclosure, though unconfirmed by official sources, has reignited debates about the relationship between Pakistan's military establishment and militant groups that have long been accused of operating from Pakistani soil.
Azhar, who heads JeM — a group designated as a terrorist organization by India, the United Nations, and several other countries — is wanted in connection with multiple attacks, including the 2001 Indian Parliament assault and the 2019 Pulwama attack in Jammu and Kashmir. His alleged meeting with one of the most powerful men in Pakistan's security apparatus has drawn condemnation from New Delhi and human rights advocates alike.
Compounding the controversy is the timing of the report. On September 14, Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency announced an enhancement of the reward for information leading to Azhar's arrest, raising it from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 70 lakh. The FIA also confirmed that Azhar's name would continue to appear in its Red Book of most-wanted terrorists. Critics argue that the simultaneous announcement creates a deeply contradictory narrative — one in which Pakistan appears to be playing both sides, projecting willingness to cooperate internationally on counter-terrorism while alleged behind-the-scenes ties persist.
Human rights groups and opposition politicians in Pakistan have called for transparency regarding the nature and purpose of such meetings. International observers note that Pakistan has faced sustained pressure from global bodies to crack down on militant infrastructure, particularly groups operating against India.
India has consistently maintained that as long as Pakistan harbors cross-border terrorist outfits, bilateral ties will remain strained. The latest reports are expected to further harden India's stance in diplomatic engagements.
