The news coming from Pakistan is enough to raise eyebrows, as Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar may receive 14 crore rupees from the Pakistani government following the deaths of 14 of his family members during India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan, including Jaish-e-Mohammad’s (JeM) headquarters in Bahawalpur. The Pakistani government has announced a relief package of Rs 1 crore per person for the legal heirs of those killed in the airstrikes, with Azhar, believed to be the sole surviving legal heir, set to receive the full compensation. The strikes, part of India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, also neutralized over 100 terrorists, including key figures like Abdul Rauf Azhar, Masood Azhar’s brother.
The compensation plan has drawn political criticism, particularly in India, where concerns have been raised about Pakistan's potential use of international aid, such as the $1.1 billion IMF bailout, for activities linked to terrorism. BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya expressed concern over how IMF funds might be misused, given that the compensation and reconstruction plans could directly or indirectly benefit individuals and groups with global sanctions. The timing of the compensation announcement, along with Pakistan’s commitment to rebuild homes destroyed in the strikes, has led to accusations that these funds may be repurposed for terror-linked activities.
India has also raised alarms over the effectiveness of IMF programs in Pakistan, citing concerns about the misuse of funds for state-sponsored terrorism. During the IMF board meeting on the bailout, India abstained from voting, highlighting its protest over the potential misuse of international financial support. As Pakistan pledges to rebuild the structures damaged in the airstrikes, India is expected to closely monitor whether these sites are again used for terror training or operational command.
According to Pakistani media reports, 14 relatives of Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar were killed in an attack carried out by India. As a result, it is likely that the Pakistani government will compensate Masood Azhar with ₹14 crore. If Masood Azhar is still alive, the compensation will likely be given to him. However, nothing has been confirmed yet.
India had targeted the Jaish-e-Mohammad headquarters in Bahawalpur, Punjab province of Pakistan, as well as the Jamia Masjid Subhan Allah and Usman-O-Ali camps, which were being used as terrorist hideouts. Extensive compensation has been announced for those killed and injured in the attacks.
The compensation details include:
Rs 1 crore for the families of civilians killed
Rs 20 lakh for injured civilians
Rs 1.8 crore for soldiers’ families based on rank
Housing assistance of up to Rs 5 crore
Reconstruction of damaged homes and mosques
Restoration of the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad