Indian intelligence sources have confirmed his death, but the cause is still unclear and the family has not released an official statement.
Tahir Anwar, also known as Hakim Mohammed Tahir Anwar, was more than just a family member. He was a key figure in the banned group and played an active role in JeM’s operations for years. Reports suggest he was involved in arms training and other organizational activities. His death comes as the group faces pressure from earlier setbacks.
Messages on social media from JeM-linked accounts said the funeral prayer was planned for late Monday night at Jamia Usman wa Ali near Heavy Industries Road in Bahawalpur, which is also where the group’s headquarters are located. One tribute called him “extremely soft-hearted and a good person,” and asked for divine forgiveness.
The burial is expected to happen at the Jaish headquarters in Bahawalpur, where security is reportedly strict. Pakistani agencies are said to be watching the situation closely, and Indian intelligence is also tracking developments.
This incident highlights the complex family ties of Masood Azhar, whose close relatives have played major roles in running the group. Many in India still remember the Pulwama attack and the 2019 Balakot strikes linked to JeM, so any signs of weakness among the group’s leaders raise questions about possible internal conflicts or outside pressure.
So far, Masood Azhar has not made any public statement. In the coming days, it may become clearer how this death will affect the already fragile structure of one of South Asia’s most notorious terror groups.