New Delhi: The Union government has criticised Pakistan’s announcement of a reward for information on Masood Azhar, chief of the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror outfit, calling it an “empty drama”.
According to the report, Masood Azhar has been linked to multiple terror cases, ranging from the 2001 Parliament attack in Delhi to last year’s attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir.
India has repeatedly alleged that Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI, has been supporting Azhar. The issue has also been cited as a factor behind Pakistan facing continued difficulties in accessing foreign financial assistance.
Pakistan’s intelligence and investigation agency, the FIA, recently announced a reward of Rs 70 lakh for anyone providing information about Azhar.
Reacting to the announcement, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said it was widely known that a country that supports terrorism offering a reward to “catch” such individuals is a hollow move. He added that Pakistan has made similar attempts in the past to mislead the international community, and urged credible, firm action against those accused of terrorism instead of issuing ineffective announcements.
