NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — The death of a senior figure linked to the Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed has raised fresh questions, including whether its founder, Masood Azhar, appeared in public at the funeral. Mohammad Tahir Anwar, described as Azhar’s eldest brother, died earlier this week in Bahawalpur, according to NDTV. Reports said his funeral took place at Jamia Masjid Usman Wali in the city. However, no verified information has confirmed Azhar’s presence at the funeral.
Anwar’s death has drawn attention due to the lack of clarity about its cause. Official channels linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed confirmed his passing but did not provide details about how he died. Sources familiar with the group described Anwar as one of Azhar’s five brothers. They said he played an active role in the organization’s operations. However, independent verification of his role remains limited. The absence of confirmed details has fueled speculation. Still, no official Pakistani authority has publicly addressed the circumstances surrounding his death.
The funeral in Bahawalpur quickly became a point of focus. Observers and analysts questioned whether Masood Azhar attended the ceremony. Azhar has largely stayed out of public view for years. As of now, no confirmed sighting or credible report places him at the funeral. Security concerns and his high-profile status may explain his absence from public events. Azhar remains a globally designated terrorist. The United Nations Security Council has listed him for his role in major attacks. His movements and appearances often attract scrutiny from intelligence agencies.
Jaish-e-Mohammed has been linked to several high-profile attacks in India. These include the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2019 Pulwama bombing. The group has also been accused of involvement in the 2016 Pathankot airbase attack. Indian authorities have long accused Azhar of orchestrating or supporting these operations. He founded the group after his release from Indian custody in 1999 following the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814. Since then, Jaish-e-Mohammed has remained a key focus in regional security discussions.
The latest developments come months after Azhar claimed personal losses during Indian airstrikes. He said that 10 members of his family and four aides died in strikes targeting the group’s headquarters in Bahawalpur.
The operation, referred to as “Operation Sindoor” in some reports, followed a deadly attack in Pahalgam. Indian authorities have not publicly confirmed all details mentioned in Azhar’s statement. In a message attributed to him, Azhar expressed no regret over the deaths. He described those killed as “blessed” and said he wished to join them. The statement circulated through channels linked to the group.
Analysts say the death of a senior family member could affect internal dynamics within Jaish-e-Mohammed. Family ties often play a role in the structure of such organizations. However, experts caution against drawing quick conclusions. The group has shown resilience in the past despite leadership losses and external pressure. The lack of confirmed information about Azhar’s presence at the funeral also highlights ongoing challenges in tracking his movements.
The developments come at a time of ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan over security issues. Militant groups operating from Pakistani soil remain a major concern for Indian authorities.
