Pakistan to provide ₹14 crore in compensation to terrorist Masood Azhar following Operation Sindoor.

By Bharat Daily Samachar
Date: May 14, 2025

In a controversial and deeply troubling move, Pakistan is reportedly preparing to pay ₹14 crore (approximately 600 million Pakistani rupees) as compensation to global terrorist and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) founder Masood Azhar. This development comes in the aftermath of India's recent covert military operation — codenamed Operation Sindoor — which targeted terrorist networks operating in Pakistan-occupied territories.

The reported decision has sparked global outrage and raised serious concerns about Pakistan’s ongoing relationship with terrorist elements, especially at a time when the international community has been urging Islamabad to dismantle terror infrastructure operating within its borders.

Background: Who is Masood Azhar?

Masood Azhar is one of the most wanted terrorists in the world. He is the founder and leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a terrorist outfit based in Pakistan, responsible for numerous deadly attacks across India, including:

• The 2001 Indian Parliament attack

• The 2016 Pathankot Airbase attack

• The 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing, which killed 40 Indian CRPF personnel

In 2019, after significant diplomatic pressure from India and other global powers, Azhar was finally listed as a global terrorist by the United Nations Security Council. Despite this designation, he has reportedly continued to live freely in Pakistan, shielded by sections of the country’s deep state and intelligence network.

Operation Sindoor: A Bold Move by India

In late April 2025, Indian intelligence agencies, in coordination with the armed forces, launched Operation Sindoor, a precision strike targeting high-value terrorist locations across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was carried out covertly and reportedly neutralized several senior operatives linked to JeM and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

According to Indian defense sources, Operation Sindoor was designed to dismantle a major terror command center believed to be directly involved in plotting cross-border attacks. The mission was successful, with minimal Indian casualties and high impact on terrorist capabilities in the region.

The Aftermath: Pakistan’s Controversial Decision

Following the operation, reports emerged from credible sources within Pakistan’s defense and political circles indicating that the government — allegedly under pressure from its intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) — decided to compensate Masood Azhar for "damages incurred" during the Indian strike.

The compensation amount, reportedly ₹14 crore, is said to cover structural damages to property belonging to Azhar and his aides, medical expenses, and the "unlawful" killing of JeM fighters. This move is being seen by analysts as Pakistan's attempt to appease domestic militant groups, who wield considerable influence over both the intelligence establishment and religious hardliners.

International Reaction: Widespread Condemnation

Unsurprisingly, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from around the world.

• India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the development, stating:
  “This move once again exposes the duplicity of the Pakistani state. While claiming to fight terrorism on global platforms, they continue to shield and reward internationally proscribed terrorists.”

• The United States and France, both of which played key roles in designating Azhar as a global terrorist, also expressed concern. A U.S. State Department spokesperson remarked:
  “If these reports are accurate, it would be deeply disturbing and undermine Pakistan’s credibility in the fight against terrorism.”

• UN Counter-Terrorism Committee officials, speaking off the record, said the incident would likely be taken up for discussion in upcoming security council briefings.

Domestic Reaction in Pakistan: Mixed Signals

Within Pakistan, the decision has drawn mixed reactions. Some political leaders and journalists have condemned the move, warning that it further isolates Pakistan on the international stage.

Ahsan Iqbal, a senior leader of the opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), tweeted:
"We cannot claim to fight extremism while rewarding terrorists. This is not just bad policy — it’s national suicide."

However, hardline clerics and right-wing groups welcomed the compensation, describing Azhar as a “patriot” who had been unfairly targeted by foreign powers.

The Pakistani military has remained tight-lipped, neither confirming nor denying the compensation reports. However, analysts believe the decision likely has the backing of powerful figures within the military establishment.

What Does This Mean for India-Pakistan Relations?

This incident comes at a time when India-Pakistan relations are already strained. While diplomatic channels remain open, trust is at an all-time low. India has consistently demanded that Pakistan take “credible, irreversible” action against terror networks on its soil.

Experts say this latest development is likely to:

• Derail ongoing back-channel diplomatic efforts

• Increase pressure on Pakistan from global watchdogs like the FATF (Financial Action Task Force)

• Worsen the security environment in Kashmir and border areas

Dr. Ajay Sahni, a counter-terrorism expert and director at the Institute for Conflict Management in New Delhi, noted:
“This is a glaring example of state complicity. If a government pays a UN-designated terrorist, it sends a loud message — and not the right one.”

Broader Implications: Pakistan’s FATF Status Under Threat?

Pakistan has long been under the scanner of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for terror financing and lack of action against extremist groups. After being grey-listed for several years, Pakistan had managed to exit the list in 2022 by pledging reforms.

However, this reported payout to a banned terrorist could result in renewed scrutiny.

Global financial agencies and counter-terrorism monitoring bodies may now reconsider Pakistan’s status and demand stricter measures to ensure accountability. If found violating its commitments, Pakistan risks being put back on the grey list — or worse, the black list — which would have severe consequences for its already fragile economy.

Conclusion: A Dangerous Precedent

The decision to compensate Masood Azhar — if officially confirmed — would mark a dangerous and unprecedented step. At a time when global cooperation against terrorism is crucial, such actions risk encouraging other states or groups to support militant agendas under the guise of political or religious legitimacy.

India is expected to raise this issue at international forums including the United Nations, G20 security meetings, and upcoming diplomatic engagements. Whether Pakistan will reverse or stand by its decision remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the global community is watching closely.