Story perspectives

Pakistan Raises Masood Azhar Bounty to PKR 70 Lakh

By Drooid · Sep 15, 2026, 4:13 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Federal Investigation Agency added terrorist Masood Azhar to the Red Book, raising his bounty to PKR 70 lakh on 14 September 2026.
Pakistan says the bounty increase shows action against terror networks before the FATF plenary.
The 2026 Red Book lists 1,804 individuals, a 35 percent rise from the 2021 edition.
Indian intelligence says Azhar hides in Nawabshah, Sindh, while Pakistan claims he fled to Afghanistan.

History

Historical Context

After the UN added Lashkar-e-Taiba to its 2008 terrorist list, the Security Council in 2010 sanctioned ten members, including founder Masood Azhar. Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency later raised Azhar’s bounty to PKR 70 lakh, expanding the Red Book to 1,804 names—a 35 percent increase since 2021. These steps illustrate how early international designations have driven Pakistan’s recent bounty hikes and pressure ahead of FATF reviews.

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Story summary

Federal Investigation Agency added terrorist Masood Azhar to the Red Book, raising his bounty to PKR 70 lakh on 14 September 2026.
Pakistan says the bounty increase shows action against terror networks before the FATF plenary.
The 2026 Red Book lists 1,804 individuals, a 35 percent rise from the 2021 edition.
Indian intelligence says Azhar hides in Nawabshah, Sindh, while Pakistan claims he fled to Afghanistan.

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