Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has released its 2026 list of most-wanted terrorists, featuring Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar and several individuals linked to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. According to sources cited in the report, however, the move is being viewed as an attempt by Pakistan to project action against terror networks ahead of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) plenary scheduled in October.
The FIA has increased the bounty on Azhar by PKR 20 lakh to PKR 70 lakh in its latest Red Book. The report claims that Pakistan has maintained since 2021 that Azhar is no longer on its soil and had fled to Afghanistan, while Indian intelligence assessments cited by sources allegedly indicate that he remains in Pakistan.
The updated Red Book also reportedly contains the names of 19 terrorists associated with the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, including individuals accused of facilitating the attackers’ maritime journey, providing financial assistance or helping operate the logistical network behind the assault. Sources cited in the report allege that while most names continue to appear with photographs and details of their roles, information relating to two individuals has been removed from the latest record.
The report identifies Muhammad Khan of Turbat, who allegedly provided the boat Al-Hussaini used in the attackers’ journey to Mumbai, and Abdul Rehman of Bahawalnagar among those whose photographs, affiliations with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and operational details were reportedly omitted from the updated list.
The latest roster further names 11 LeT-linked individuals accused of facilitating the sea voyage aboard the boats Al-Hussaini and Al-Fauz, along with six individuals accused of providing financial support to the 26/11 operation. The FIA has reportedly described the 17 accused as absconders, while sources cited in the report claim they continue to remain in Pakistan.
According to figures cited in the report, the number of most-wanted terrorists on Pakistan’s FIA list has risen from 1,330 in 2021 to 1,804 in 2026, an increase of nearly 35 per cent. The report argues that merely placing suspects on the list does not necessarily demonstrate effective enforcement against terrorist networks.
The developments come against the backdrop of continued scrutiny of Pakistan’s action against terror financing and extremist organisations. The report links the timing of the updated list to the upcoming FATF review and alleges that Islamabad is seeking to demonstrate compliance with international counter-terror obligations.
Masood Azhar has long been identified by India as the founder and chief of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, which has been blamed for several major terror attacks in India, including the 2019 Pulwama attack. The report also highlights the JeM complex Markaz Subhanallah in Bahawalpur, described as a major training and operational centre of the organisation.
It further claims that the facility, located deep inside Pakistan, was among the sites targeted during India’s precision strikes under Operation Sindoor, with Indian armed forces stating that the complex was destroyed.
The latest FIA Red Book developments are likely to keep international attention focused on Pakistan’s record in identifying, prosecuting and dismantling terror infrastructure, particularly ahead of the next FATF assessment.
