Intelligence reports have emerged indicating that Masood Azhar, the leader of the Jaish-e-Mohammed and one of India’s most wanted terrorists, has been sighted in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This development marks a notable shift in his location, placing him over 1,000 kilometres away from his known base in Bahawalpur.
As reported by Business Today, Pakistan’s former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had earlier claimed that Azhar might be in Afghanistan, adding, “If and when the Indian government shares information with us that he is on Pakistani soil, we would be more than happy to arrest him.” The comment indicates a possible openness from Pakistan to cooperate on Azhar’s apprehension, if conclusive proof of his presence in the country is provided.
Azhar is known to have orchestrated several deadly terror attacks in India, including the 2016 Pathankot airbase attack and the 2019 Pulwama bombing, which killed over 40 security personnel. These acts cement his status as a central figure in cross-border terrorism.
While Indian intelligence continues to track his movements, Jaish-e-Mohammed’s digital propaganda outlets persist in releasing recycled audio clips to suggest Azhar remains in Bahawalpur—a likely attempt to mislead surveillance efforts.
Azhar’s suspected movement to Gilgit-Baltistan is being seen as strategically sensitive, given the region’s geopolitical relevance and proximity to key international borders. It could compel a recalibration of intelligence operations and cross-border security protocols.
The broader implications of this relocation could challenge regional stability, demanding renewed intelligence-sharing mechanisms between India and Pakistan, and attracting international scrutiny toward Pakistan’s counter-terrorism commitments.
As the situation evolves, diplomatic observers stress the importance of continued vigilance and cooperation, warning that how both nations respond could have long-term ramifications on regional peace and bilateral relations.
