Jaish-e-Mohammed Leader Hakim Mohammad Tahir Anwar Reported Dead in Bahawalpur
Pro-Jaish-e-Mohammed Telegram channels circulated news on Monday announcing the death of Hakim Mohammad Tahir Anwar, the elder brother of Maulana Masood Azhar, the founder of the Pakistan-based terrorist organization. The cause of death is currently not known, according to the reports shared on these encrypted platforms.
Funeral Arrangements and Leadership Implications
A funeral message indicated that prayers for Anwar will be held at 11 pm at Jamia Usman-o-Ali in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Anwar was one of the five brothers of Masood Azhar. If confirmed, his death is expected to create a significant void in Jaish-e-Mohammed's leadership hierarchy, as he held a key role within the terror outfit.
Within Jaish-e-Mohammed, two of Azhar's elder brothers were known to occupy critical positions: Ibrahim Azhar managed operations in Afghanistan, while Hakim Mohammad Tahir Anwar led the armed cadres of the group. Later, Anwar was appointed as the head of JeM's Markaz Usman-o-Ali, a center that was reportedly used to temporarily house operatives involved in Masood Operation Sindoor last year.
Message from Masood Azhar and Background
The funeral prayer message, which appeared to be authored by Masood Azhar himself, read: "...My dear elder brother... Hakeem Muhammad Tahir Anwar... has passed away..." This development underscores the internal dynamics and familial ties that often influence the structure of such militant organizations.
About the Author: Raj Shekhar Jha is a journalist for the Times of India with over a decade of experience in reporting on national security, terrorism, crime, and prisons. His expertise provides context to such sensitive developments in the region.
