Masood Azhar, leader in 2001 Parliament attack, kept safe by Pakistan's custody

New Delhi, December 13: Masood Azhar Alvi, the orchestrator of the 2001 Parliament attack, now resides under the protective custody of the Pakistani deep state in Islamabad, shielding the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) kingpin from potential harm. Despite being charge-sheeted for various attacks, including the Pulwama attack in 2019, Azhar's strategic seclusion raises concerns about Pakistan's commitment to counter-terrorism efforts.

At 55, Azhar rarely ventures to his seminary, Markaz-e-Usman-o-Ali, in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. His association with JeM extends to brutal attacks on India, such as the assault on the Ram Janambhoomi temple in Ayodhya (2005) and the Pulwama attack on CRPF troopers (2019). Azhar, a former ally of Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden and Taliban founder Mullah Omar, has consistently evaded accountability for his role in these terror acts.

Fuelled by animosity towards India, Azhar's actions have frequently brought the two nations to the brink of war. Despite the extensive evidence of his involvement in terror attacks, Pakistani authorities have chosen to protect him rather than hold him accountable. Even under international pressure and the threat of war with India, Pakistan designated Azhar as a terrorist and JeM as a terrorist group in 2002.

Interestingly, Azhar, considered a "jihadi jewel" by Pakistan, receives security akin to that provided to visiting heads of state. This protection remains in place, despite the 2003 involvement of JeM cadre, along with Al-Qaeda members, in two unsuccessful attacks on General Musharraf. In defiance of a government ban, the group renamed itself Khuddamul Islam.

Maintaining control over JeM, Azhar has entrusted key positions to close family members. Abdul Rauf Asgar Alvi oversees day-to-day operations, Talha Saif heads Al Murabitoon (JeM's student wing), and Mohammed Yousuf Azhar manages training activities. Azhar's older brother, Ibrahim Athar Alvi, orchestrated the IC-814 hijacking in 1999, securing Azhar's release. Maulana Ashfaq Ahmad, another brother-in-law, coordinates Al Rehmat Trust, a principal fund collector for global jihad operating overtly as JeM's charity wing.

Despite global scrutiny, Azhar's JeM remains active in the Jammu and Kashmir sector, persistently posing a threat to India and fostering communal strife. Pakistan's commitment to curbing jihadist groups comes under question, raising concerns about regional security.