A major controversy has erupted after reports revealed that the banned terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) is planning a public memorial for Yusuf Azhar, the brother of its founder Masood Azhar. The event, scheduled for September 25 in Peshawar, Pakistan, is raising alarms as it is allegedly designed to serve as both a tribute and a recruitment drive for the group.
Operation Sindoor: India’s Response
The memorial news comes just months after Yusuf Azhar was killed during India’s counter-terror campaign, Operation Sindoor. Launched on May 7, the operation was carried out in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists.
India’s strikes targeted nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Among the biggest blows was the strike on Jamia Masjid Subhan Allah, JeM’s headquarters in Bahawalpur. According to both Indian intelligence and a viral JeM video, the strikes killed ten of Masood Azhar’s family members, including his elder sister, her husband, and several children. Yusuf Azhar himself was also confirmed dead.
A Memorial or a Recruitment Campaign?
Intelligence reports now suggest that the memorial for Yusuf Azhar will be held at Marakaz Shaheed Maksudabad in Peshawar. Senior JeM commanders are expected to attend. However, the group has rebranded itself as “Al-Murabitun”—meaning “defenders of the land of Islam”—in an effort to dodge global sanctions and scrutiny.
The move is being viewed as a deliberate attempt to evade international restrictions while showcasing resilience. Experts warn that such gatherings are not merely symbolic but also serve as recruitment platforms for extremist groups.
Shifting Strategies of Terror Networks
This memorial is part of a larger shift by organizations like JeM and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). Following India’s deep-strike success in Operation Sindoor, these groups are reportedly relocating their bases deeper into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Analysts believe the aim is to rebuild their networks under the radar while maintaining ideological influence.
Global Implications
India has repeatedly maintained its commitment to avoiding civilian casualties and pursuing a measured but firm response to terrorism. Yet, the announcement of a public memorial for a terrorist’s brother highlights the challenges of tackling state-supported terror safe havens.
The global community is now being urged to strengthen cooperation against such networks. Without collective pressure, events like the Yusuf Azhar memorial could normalize extremist propaganda and recruitment efforts.
