Pakistan has announced a reward of ₹7 million (70 lakh rupees) for information leading to the apprehension or conviction of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar. This significant development occurs weeks before a critical plenary meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), where Pakistan aims to avoid being placed back on the global financial watchdog's grey list, signalling intensified efforts to combat terror financing.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Pakistan's principal investigative body, formally included Azhar on its 'Red Book'—a list designating the nation's most-wanted terrorists. The official notification from the FIA explicitly identifies Azhar as the head of the proscribed JeM organisation, which has been linked to major attacks, including those in Pathankot and Pulwama. The reward is offered by the federal and provincial governments for actionable intelligence.

In its public warning, the FIA has cautioned both citizens and law enforcement personnel that Azhar is considered "armed and extremely dangerous." The agency's official records also note his physical description as "healthy/heavy," a term often used in official documents to describe obesity. This advisory underscores the perceived threat level associated with the JeM leader.

According to details outlined in the 'Red Book', multiple legal cases have been lodged against Azhar within Pakistan. These include three specific cases registered in the cities of Gujranwala, Multan, and Lahore, indicating a history of legal proceedings or investigations against him within the country's judicial system.

The timing of this announcement is particularly pertinent given the impending FATF review, scheduled for October. The intergovernmental organisation monitors global efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. Pakistan has been under enhanced scrutiny by the FATF, having been on its grey list since 2018. Exiting this list requires demonstrating tangible progress in prosecuting terror financiers and proscribed individuals, a key demand from the international community.

Being placed on the FATF grey list carries significant economic and reputational consequences, potentially making it harder for a country to secure international loans and investments. By publicly placing a substantial bounty on a high-profile figure like Azhar, Pakistan appears to be signalling its resolve to international bodies. This action aligns with the country's stated goal of fulfilling its international obligations and addressing the concerns raised by the FATF, as it seeks to improve its standing in the global financial system and avoid further sanctions.