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India’s intelligence agencies have received a big input. In fact, Jaish-e-Mohammed chief and India’s most wanted terrorist Masood Azhar is hiding in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). This place is about 1000 kilometers away from his old stronghold Bahawalpur, which has further increased the concern of the security agencies.
Earlier, former Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had said that Azhar could be in Afghanistan. He had said, “If the Indian government gives information that he is in Pakistan, then we are ready to arrest him.” But the new information that has come to light now weakens this claim and brings Pakistan’s position under further question at the international level.
Mastermind of Pathankot and Pulwama attacks
Terrorist Masood Azhar is believed to be the mastermind of the 2016 Pathankot airbase attack and the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, in which more than 40 CRPF personnel were martyred. India has strong evidence against him and the United Nations has already declared him an international terrorist.
Jaish-e-Mohammed spreading confusion
Meanwhile, Jaish-e-Mohammed’s online platforms are constantly replaying old audio messages of Masood Azhar to show that he is still present in Bahawalpur, but intelligence sources consider these claims to be misleading.
Why is Gilgit-Baltistan important?
Gilgit-Baltistan is an area which is very important from a strategic point of view. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) also passes through here. In such a situation, the presence of Masood Azhar can make this region more unstable.
May affect India-Pakistan relations
If Masood Azhar’s presence is confirmed, it may expose Pakistan’s anti-terrorism claims. India has already demanded Pakistan to hand over this terrorist on many international forums. Now after the disclosure of this new location, the pressure on Pakistan may increase further.
What will be the next strategy?
Indian intelligence agencies are now keeping a close watch on his activities. Also, the question is arising whether Pakistan will actually take steps to arrest him or will once again resort to making excuses.
