Jaish Chief's Audio Signals Renewed Threat
In a chilling development, a new audio recording of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar has surfaced, in which the UN-designated terrorist is heard boasting of his organization's strength and readiness for "jihad." The audio, reportedly played at a mosque in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, is being interpreted by intelligence agencies as a clear signal of a renewed terror push orchestrated with state knowledge.
In the recording, Azhar brags about a cadre of 30,000 members and claims that "10,000 fidayeen (suicide attackers) are ready for jihad." He asserts that no force or missile can stop them, sending a direct and defiant message.
A Coded Call for Action
Intelligence sources view Azhar's message as more than mere rhetoric. His specific reference to needing funds for "Mujahideen" is seen as a coded appeal to finance upcoming attacks. This aligns with recent intelligence indicating a revival of terror financing networks operating out of Rawalpindi, Lahore, and the Gulf region.
The re-emergence of Azhar, a key figure behind the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2019 Pulwama bombing, is believed to be a strategic move by Pakistani agencies. Analysts suggest he is being recycled to reorganize sleeper cells and escalate the proxy war against India, with a potential focus on disrupting events like the Amarnath Yatra.
Change in Terror Strategy
The glorification of suicide attackers in the audio also points to a potential shift in Pakistan's terror policy. With traditional infiltration routes becoming more difficult to breach, there appears to be a greater emphasis on promoting lone wolf and suicide attacks. This strategy is reportedly being supported by newly activated madrassa clusters in South Punjab and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which are used for recruitment and indoctrination.
A History of Denial
The broadcast from a Pakistani mosque directly contradicts the country's official stance. Pakistan has consistently denied harboring Azhar, despite India's repeated demands for his extradition. Recently, Pakistani politician Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that Islamabad has no knowledge of Azhar's location. This latest audio provides further evidence that UN-sanctioned terrorists continue to operate with impunity on Pakistani soil, posing a significant and evolving threat to regional stability.