Early Life
Azhar was born on July 10, 1968, in Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan, although some sources cite his birth date as August 7, 1968. He was the third of 11 siblings in a large family consisting of five sons and six daughters. His father, Allah Bakhsh Shabbir, held a significant position as the headmaster at a government-run school and was also a cleric with Deobandi affiliations. Alongside his educational role, the family was engaged in farming, operating a dairy and poultry farm, which likely contributed to Azhar's upbringing in a traditional and religious environment.
At an early age, Azhar made the decision to leave mainstream education after completing just eight grades. This led him to enroll in the Jamia Uloom Islamic school, where he focused his studies on Islamic theology and graduated in 1989 as an alim, a title that denotes a scholarly authority in Islamic knowledge. His education paved the way for his appointment as a teacher soon after. The madrasa he attended was closely associated with Harkat-ul-Ansar, a militant group, which influenced his future trajectory considerably.
Involvement in Jihad
His connection with Harkat-ul-Ansar deepened when he was enrolled in a jihad training camp in Afghanistan. Though he did not complete his training successfully, he became involved in the Soviet–Afghan War, where he served and sustained injuries that led to his early retirement from active combat. Following his war experience, Azhar was appointed as the head of Harkat's department of motivation, where he played a crucial role in inspiring and organizing members for various militant activities. His editorial responsibilities extended to managing the Urdu-language publication Sad'e Mujahidin as well as the Arabic magazine Sawte Kashmir, through which he disseminated propagandistic materials.
In the subsequent years, Azhar escalated his engagement with Harkat-ul-Ansar and ascended to the position of general secretary. This prominent role not only allowed him to expand his influence within the organization but also enabled him to travel extensively across the globe. He visited various countries, including Zambia, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia, the United Kingdom, and Albania, where he was involved in recruiting new members, fundraising for the organization, and promoting a message rooted in Pan-Islamism. His international outreach reflects the broader strategy of certain militant groups to forge a transnational network of support among like-minded individuals and organizations.
Azhar's Involvement with Somali Militancy
In 1993, Azhar traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, to engage with leaders of al-Itihaad al-Islamiya, a Somali militant group aligned with al-Qaeda. This organization was known for seeking resources to support its activities in Somalia, which was facing a complex humanitarian crisis and widespread violence due to civil war and clan rivalries. During his meetings, Azhar reportedly discussed the need for financial support and recruitment, forming a crucial link in the network that engaged both local and international jihadist movements.
Indian intelligence officials believe Azhar undertook at least three trips to Somalia, indicating a sustained interest in the region's evolving jihadist landscape. His travels and dealings were not limited to domestic issues; he reportedly facilitated the recruitment and movement of Yemeni mercenaries into Somalia. This influx of foreign fighters would have impacted the dynamics of local conflicts, providing al-Itihaad al-Islamiya with trained combatants who brought experience from other conflict zones in the region.
The connections forged through these activities highlight the transnational nature of militant networks in the 1990s and their ability to mobilize resources across borders. While Somalia continued to grapple with its internal strife, individuals like Azhar played a critical role in linking various jihadist factions, thereby contributing to the broader agenda of global jihadist movements. The implications of his actions reverberated beyond Somalia, influencing the strategies employed by these groups and prompting further international scrutiny of the region's security challenges.
Azhar’s Visit to the UK
In August 1993, the controversial figure Azhar embarked on a speaking tour across the United Kingdom, focusing primarily on fundraising and recruitment for jihadist causes. His tour took him to several prominent Islamic institutions, including the Darul Uloom Bury seminary, Zakariya Mosque, Madina Masjid in Blackburn and Burnley, and Jamia Masjid. During these engagements, Azhar disseminated a radical interpretation of Islamic teachings, emphasizing that a significant portion of the Quran addresses themes of violent jihad, claiming that numerous Hadith—sayings attributed to the Prophet Muhammad—also advocate for such actions. This misinterpretation and manipulation of religious texts have been utilized by radical groups to justify violence and recruit individuals for extremist agendas.
Azhar's tour in the UK extended beyond mere speeches; it facilitated the formation of critical networks that would provide essential training and logistical support for a variety of terrorist plots. These networks were integral to the planning and execution of several significant attacks, particularly the bombings on July 7, 2005 (commonly known as the 7/7 attacks) and the failed bombing attempts on July 21 of the same year (21/7). Additionally, his influence reached into the 2006 plot to smuggle liquid explosives onto transatlantic flights, highlighting a concerning trend of radicalization linked to his teachings.
The ramifications of Azhar's tour extend to an ongoing struggle within the UK regarding the balance between freedom of speech, religious expression, and public safety. His presence in the UK, along with others who espouse similar ideologies, has sparked debates about the effectiveness of counter-terrorism strategies aimed at combating Islamic extremism. Moreover, it raises critical questions about the responsibility of religious institutions and organizations in addressing extremist ideologies that can lead to violence and terrorism. The legacy of Azhar's visit has had enduring implications for security policies and community relations within the UK, emphasizing the need for vigilance in safeguarding democratic values against extremist influences.
Harkat-ul-Ansar: An Overview
Harkat-ul-Ansar (HuA) was established in 1993 as a militant organization with a significant focus on the conflict in Kashmir. At its helm was Masood Azhar, who served as the general secretary. Initially formed to support the insurgency against Indian rule in the Kashmir region, HuA quickly gained notoriety for its radical ideologies and aggressive tactics. The organization aligned itself with other militant groups operating in South Asia, all sharing a common objective of promoting an Islamic agenda through violent means. This collaboration eventually positioned HuA in a larger network of extremism fueled by geopolitical tensions in the region.
The increasing militancy of HuA drew the attention of international intelligence organizations, notably the United States' Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). In a report released in 1998, the CIA highlighted HuA as an Islamic extremist organization that received backing from Pakistan. This support was ostensibly part of Pakistan's proxy warfare strategy against India, particularly regarding the contentious Kashmir issue. The CIA's assessment raised concerns over HuA's shift towards employing terrorist tactics that not only targeted Indian forces but also included attacks against Western nationals and civilians. Such actions were interpreted as part of HuA's broader mission to advance its pan-Islamic agenda, reflecting a shift from its initial localized focus to a more global perspective on jihad and militancy.
Additionally, the CIA documented that between early 1994 and 1998, HuA had engaged in the abduction of at least 13 individuals, with a notable majority—12 out of the 13—being citizens from Western countries. These kidnappings were indicative of the group's broader strategy to instill fear, demonstrate capabilities, and leverage international attention for its cause. Such activities not only advanced HuA's militant objectives but also placed it squarely on the radar of global counterterrorism efforts. As the organization continued to evolve in both ideology and tactics, it became emblematic of the challenges faced in combating extremism in South Asia, a region fraught with intricate socio-political dynamics and historical grievances.
Arrest in India
In the early months of 1994, Masood Azhar infiltrated the region of Srinagar using a falsified identity, motivated by a desire to mediate tensions that had escalated between rival factions of Harkat-ul-Ansar, namely Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen. These factions, both operating in the complex geopolitical landscape of Kashmir, had divided sentiments, which Azhar sought to address. However, his activities caught the attention of Indian authorities, leading to his arrest in February of that year near Khanabal in Anantnag. He was subsequently charged with multiple acts of terrorism conducted under the auspices of these militant groups. Upon his apprehension, Azhar made a defiant statement proclaiming, "Soldiers of Islam have come from 12 countries to liberate Kashmir. We will answer your carbines with rocket launchers," indicating both his ideological fervor and the international character of jihadism that he was invoking at the time.
Following his capture, Azhar was imprisoned in several high-security facilities, including the Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar, Tihar Jail in Delhi, and ultimately the Kot Balwal Jail in Jammu. His imprisonment was marked by heightened scrutiny; U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents interrogated him multiple times regarding various incidents, particularly focusing on his potential involvement in the kidnapping of foreign nationals.
The extremity of the situation escalated in July 1995 when six foreign tourists were abducted in Jammu and Kashmir by a group that identified themselves as Al-Faran, a name closely associated with Harkat-ul-Mujahideen. The kidnappers demanded the release of Masood Azhar as part of their negotiations for the hostages' freedom. The grim outcome of the kidnapping saw one hostage manage to escape, while another was discovered murdered, his body found decapitated in August of that year. The remaining hostages vanished without a trace, and their fates remain unknown to this day. This incident not only underscored the perilous and volatile context of militancy in the Kashmir Valley but also highlighted Azhar's prominence in the discourse surrounding terrorism in the region, reflecting how deeply intertwined his actions were with ongoing conflicts and security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir.
Hijacking Incident and Aftermath
In December 1999, Indian Airlines Flight 814 (IC814), which was on a flight route from Kathmandu, Nepal, to New Delhi, was hijacked in a detailed operation that would ultimately see it flown to several locations before landing in Kandahar, Afghanistan. At that time, Kandahar was under the control of the Taliban regime, which had strong ties with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The hijacking became one of the most infamous terrorist incidents in India's history and highlighted the serious security challenges facing the country in the late 1990s.
Among the key demands made by the hijackers was the release of three specific militants, one of whom was Masood Azhar, a prominent figure in extremist circles. His release by the Indian government was met with widespread condemnation and accusations of a diplomatic failure. Critics, including national security adviser Ajit Doval, expressed frustration over what they perceived as a lack of engagement from senior officials such as the then Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh and Foreign Secretary Lalit Mansingh. This failure to establish effective communication with relevant authorities hampered negotiations and led to the Indian ambassador being unable to gain access to the crucial Abu Dhabi airport, where discussions were taking place.
The leaders of the hijacking plot included Ibrahim Athar, the brother of Masood Azhar, which underscored the intricacies of familial ties within terrorist networks. The release of Masood Azhar from Kot Bhalwal jail was supervised by an Indian Police Service officer, S P Vaid, further complicating the perception of security and counter-terrorism efforts in India. Moreover, Abdul Rauf Asghar, another of Azhar's brothers, was implicated in planning the hijacking operation. Following Azhar's release into their custody, the hijackers promptly fled to Pakistan, where the government assured that they would take action if any of the hijackers were discovered.
In the immediate aftermath of his release, Masood Azhar made a provocative speech in Karachi addressing a crowd of approximately 10,000 people. In his address, he incited fervor by asserting that Muslims must not seek peace until they had overcome India, specifically emphasizing the aim of liberating the Kashmir region from Indian governance. His statements were indicative of the continuing tensions surrounding the Kashmir conflict and served to rally support for militant activities against India.
In a broader context, following the escalated attention on Azhar and his activities, the United States designated Harkat-ul-Ansar, the militant organization with which Azhar was associated, as a terrorist organization. This designation significantly impacted the organization, prompting it to rebrand itself as the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM) to evade scrutiny and maintain operational capabilities. The changing dynamics of these groups signaled the persistent and evolving nature of extremist organizations operating within South Asia, underscoring ongoing challenges in regional stability and security.
Jaish-e-Mohammed Overview
Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) is a militant organization founded by Masood Azhar in 1999. This group emerged within the context of escalating tensions in South Asia, particularly between India and Pakistan. Azhar's motivations were deeply influenced by the geopolitics of the region, particularly the support he received from various actors, including Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), which has a long history of backing militant groups as a strategic tool in regional conflicts. Furthermore, the group was bolstered by connections to the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, which offered a sanctuary for many militants during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Supporting Networks and Influence
JeM was not created in isolation; it gained substantial backing from key figures and organizations within and beyond Pakistan. Notably, Osama bin Laden and several Sunni sectarian organizations in Pakistan played crucial roles in facilitating its formation and operational capabilities. This alliance with larger jihadist ideologies helped JeM gain a foothold in extremist circles, furthering its objectives against perceived adversaries. The organization has often adopted a frame of religious justification for its militant activities, seeking to rally support among Sunni populations in Pakistan and beyond.
Family Dynamics and Leadership
JeM operates similarly to a family-led enterprise, with Azhar's relatives playing significant roles in its hierarchy and decision-making processes. This familial structure has reportedly contributed to a sense of loyalty and continuity within the organization. Moreover, religious educational institutions, such as the Jamia Binoria madarsa, have been linked to JeM, providing ideological training and potentially a recruitment base. These educational madrassas often propagate extremist interpretations of Islam, and their connections to militant groups underline a troubling nexus between education, ideology, and violence in the region.
The organization has continued to thrive despite international condemnation and counter-terrorism efforts, complicating the peace landscape in South Asia. The persistent support from elements within Pakistan, along with ideological backing from other radical groups, suggests that JeM’s influence will remain a significant challenge to regional stability for the foreseeable future.
Overview of the Attack
The Indian Parliament attack on December 13, 2001, marked a significant and tragic moment in both Indian politics and South Asian security dynamics. Conducted by both Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), groups designated as terrorist organizations, this assault was part of a broader pattern of terrorism targeting Indian interests. The attack resulted in the deaths of five terrorists, six members of the Delhi Police, two personnel from the Parliament Security Service, and a gardener, ultimately claiming the lives of 14 individuals. This incident heightened existing tensions between India and Pakistan that had been simmering since the partition in 1947 and brought the two nuclear-armed nations to the brink of war, leading to the 2001-02 India-Pakistan standoff.
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, India sought accountability and justice, pressuring Pakistan to take action against those behind the terror strike. On December 29, 2001, following diplomatic pressure from India and the international community, Masood Azhar—the founder of JeM—was detained by Pakistani authorities. However, his detention was controversial; Azhar was held without formal charges against him and was only placed under a year-long house arrest. The situation escalated further when the Lahore High Court ordered an end to his house arrest on December 14, 2002, sparking outrage in India, as many viewed this as an affront to the lives lost and the ongoing battle against terrorism.
Implications on India-Pakistan Relations
The Indian Parliament attack had far-reaching implications for diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan. Following the incident, India mobilized its military forces along the border with Pakistan, signaling a state of heightened alert and readiness for potential conflict. This military buildup brought international attention to the region, as countries such as the United States and several others urged restraint and advocated for peaceful dialogue to de-escalate tensions. However, the incident further solidified India's stance on combating terrorism emanating from Pakistan, which has influenced its foreign policy and security strategies in the years since. The attack exemplified the complex interplay between domestic security concerns, regional geopolitics, and international diplomatic efforts to curb terrorism in South Asia.
2008 Mumbai attacks
On December 7, 2008, in the wake of the devastating Mumbai attacks that claimed multiple lives and heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, Masood Azhar, the founder of the militant group Jaish-e-Muhammad, was reportedly among several individuals arrested by the Pakistani military following a raid on a camp near Muzaffarabad. This incident garnered significant international attention, as Azhar has been a prominent figure linked to various anti-India activities. Despite the claims of his arrest, the Pakistani government publicly denied detaining him and maintained that it was unaware of his current location, further complicating the already strained diplomatic relations between the two nations.
After a prolonged period of seclusion that lasted approximately two years, Masood Azhar resurfaced on January 26, 2014, addressing a public rally in Muzaffarabad. At this event, he called for the revival of jihad in Kashmir, framing the conflict as a longstanding issue tied to the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan. His reappearance was significant, as it symbolized both his ongoing influence among militant groups and the sustained tensions in the region. In March of the same year, a Jaish-e-Muhammad spokesperson even claimed that Azhar had made his way to Srinagar, India, further suggesting that he was actively involved in mobilizing support for jihadist activities.
The implications of Azhar's activities extend beyond regional dynamics; his role in the Mumbai attacks and subsequent rhetoric contribute to the broader discourse on terrorism and security in South Asia. He has been linked not only to anti-India campaigns but also to international terror networks. The Pakistani government's denial of his detention and its struggles with counter-terrorism policies raise questions about its commitment to addressing the roots of militancy, leading to calls for global cooperation in combating terrorism. Furthermore, international bodies, including the United Nations, have placed sanctions on Azhar for his involvement in terrorist activities, reflecting a global consensus on the need to hold individuals accountable for their roles in fostering violence and instability in the region.
2016 Pathankot Attack Overview
The 2016 Pathankot attack took place on January 2nd when heavily armed terrorists infiltrated the Pathankot Air Force Station in India. This assault marked a significant escalation in terror activities in the region and highlighted the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The attackers were linked to the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), an extremist group known for its anti-India stance, which was founded by Masood Azhar. Investigations revealed that Azhar and his brother played central roles in orchestrating this attack, coordinating with the terrorists even as the assault was ongoing.
Evidence and Investigations
In the aftermath of the attack, Indian intelligence and investigative agencies conducted thorough analyses, compiling substantial evidence that pointed to Azhar's direct involvement. This included intercepts of communications, as well as the recovery of materials that linked the perpetrators to the JeM. The Indian government subsequently prepared detailed dossiers outlining the evidence against Azhar and sought international assistance to hold him accountable. Efforts included requesting a second "red corner notice" from Interpol, which would facilitate his arrest and extradition due to his involvement in terrorism.
International Implications and Responses
The Pathankot attack further strained India-Pakistan relations, leading to heightened security measures and diplomatic efforts to address the threat posed by cross-border terrorism. The incident drew international condemnation, with various nations expressing solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism. Additionally, it intensified discussions regarding the accountability of terrorist organizations operating freely within Pakistan. The attack underscored the need for global cooperation to counter terrorism and prevent future incidents of violence that threaten regional stability and security.
Pulwama Attack Overview
On 14 February 2019, a tragic and significant event unfolded in Jammu and Kashmir, India, when a convoy of vehicles transporting security personnel was devastated by a vehicle-borne suicide bomber in Lethpora, near Awantipora in Pulwama district. This heinous act resulted in the deaths of 44 personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), alongside the suicide bomber himself. The attack was not only a shocking loss for the families of those directly affected but also for the nation, further complicating the already tense security situation in the region.
Responsibility for the attack was swiftly claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based Islamist terrorist organization. The leader of the group, Masood Azhar, was reportedly orchestrating the attack from a location in Pakistan, specifically a hospital where he was under protective custody. This situation raised serious concerns about the extent to which terrorist organizations can operate with impunity across borders, leading to long-standing debates about the effectiveness of international responses to terrorism.
In the aftermath of this devastating incident, global powers including France, the United Kingdom, and the United States promptly sought to take action against Masood Azhar by proposing a ban on his activities at the United Nations Security Council. This move reflected a collective desire to hold accountable those who perpetuate violence and terrorism, while also seeking to cut off the funding and support that sustains such organizations. The international community recognized that addressing the root causes of terrorism and improving intelligence-sharing among countries is essential in preventing future attacks like that in Pulwama. The ramifications of this incident also intensified discussions concerning security policies in India and highlight the continuous struggle the region faces in combating terrorism.
Sanctions Overview
The United States Treasury Department has imposed significant sanctions targeting three militants associated with Pakistan and their affiliated organization, the Al Rehmat Trust. This organization serves as an operational front for Jaish-e Mohammed (JeM), which has been involved in various terrorist activities, primarily in India and against Indian interests. The U.S. sanctions specifically prohibit any American monetary interactions or transactions with these entities. A key figure among those designated is Mohammed Masood Azhar Alvi, the founder and leader of Jaish-e Mohammed, who is now on the Specially Designated Global Terrorist list. This designation underscores his direct involvement in terrorist activities and his leadership role within the JeM.
Countering terrorism on an international scale involves collaboration among nations, and the U.S. sanctions are part of a broader strategy to curb the influence and functioning of terrorist groups globally. Despite these efforts, the ambitions to place Azhar on the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee's terrorist list have faced significant hurdles, primarily due to China's consistent vetoes. Since 2009, there have been multiple attempts to get Azhar sanctioned; all of these efforts have been blocked by China, which has cited a perceived 'lack of evidence' to support the claims against him. This protectionist stance has stymied international initiatives aimed at countering the activities of Jaish-e Mohammed and holding its leaders accountable.
In addition to the UN vetoes, China's actions have included blocking proposals put forth by India and the United States aimed at designating Azhar as a terrorist. Notably, in October 2016 and again in February 2017, China intervened to prevent international consensus around Azhar's designation. Even after a sustained push, it wasn't until May 2019 that the pressure from various nations and the potential consequences of inaction led China to withdraw its blockade temporarily, resulting in Azhar's eventual inclusion on the UN list as a global terrorist. This designation is crucial, not only for the symbolic acknowledgment of his activities but also for facilitating further international cooperation against groups that conduct terrorism, particularly in conflicted regions such as South Asia.
The situation highlights the complexities of international diplomacy concerning counter-terrorism efforts, illustrating how state interests can conflict with collective security motives. China's protection of Azhar raises questions about its regional strategy and implications for Indo-Pak relations, as well as the terrorist threat in South Asia. As nations coordinate their efforts to combat terrorism, the pathway to effective sanctions and listings can often be impeded, underscoring the need for a unified international approach to confronting such challenges.