Jaish plots PKR 3.9 billion fundraising to build 313 new 'markaz': How Masood Azhar is using digital wallets to evade FATF

A general view of a damaged structure of an Islamic seminary after Indian strikes in Ahmedpur Sharqia, about 7 kilometers from Bahawalpur in Pakistan's Punjab province, on May 7, 2025.

Months after Indian forces dealt a severe blow to Pakistan-based terror outfits in Operation Sindoor, intelligence reports suggest that Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has found a new way to raise funds and rebuild its network, through digital wallets.

On May 7, the Indian Armed Forces carried out precision strikes under Operation Sindoor, destroying nine terror launch pads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Among the facilities hit were JeM’s main base, Markaz Subhanallah, and four key training camps -- Markaz Bilal, Markaz Abbas, Mahmona Zoya and Sargal. The strikes killed over 100 terrorists and came in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that left 26 civilians dead.

Now, intelligence inputs accessed by Indian media show that JeM is attempting to rebuild its network using digital wallets linked to the family of its chief, Masood Azhar.

Pakistan’s new strategy to keep JeM alive

According to The Economic Times, JeM has prepared a PKR 3.9 billion plan to set up a wide network of “Markaz” or religious centres, replicating a model once deployed by Lashkar-e-Taiba. The plan reportedly includes opening 313 new camps, making it harder for Indian intelligence agencies to track their movements.

“The money is being collected through digital wallets linked to the relatives of JeM leader Masood Azhar, and at least five such wallets have been found with direct ties to the banned group,” ET reported, citing sources.

The push to raise money began soon after Operation Sindoor. According to India Today, JeM launched an online campaign through EasyPaisa, a Pakistani mobile wallet, to raise PKR 3.91 billion for constructing 313 new camps across Pakistan.

Rather than traditional bank accounts, donations are being funneled into wallets controlled by Azhar’s family. This allows Pakistan to claim it has cut off terror financing while, in reality, funds continue to reach JeM.

This approach also helps bypass scrutiny from global watchdogs like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which largely tracks conventional banking channels but cannot effectively monitor family-linked wallet systems.

Led by Azhar and his inner circle

The online fundraising drive is being spearheaded by Masood Azhar himself, along with his brother Talha Al Saif, who has been appealing to supporters to contribute. India Today reported that appeals are spread through proxy social media accounts on Facebook and WhatsApp, using posters, videos, and even a signed letter from Azhar.

Apart from digital wallets, JeM leaders have also been collecting cash donations in mosques during Friday prayers. Officials believe these contributions are falsely presented as humanitarian aid for Gaza, but in reality, are being diverted to JeM’s militant activities.

Another key player is the Al Rahmat Trust, a Bahawalpur-based charity long linked to JeM. Run by Azhar and his close aides, the trust has been channeling money through separate bank accounts, serving as one of JeM’s main financial arms.

How the digital wallets work

According to The Economic Times, wallets like EasyPaisa and SadaPay are at the heart of JeM’s new funding model. These platforms operate outside the traditional banking system, allowing wallet-to-wallet and wallet-to-cash transfers.

“Azhar’s family operates 7 to 8 wallets at a time and changes them every four months. Once large sums build up, the money is either broken into smaller amounts or taken out in cash. Around 30 fresh wallets are opened every month,” ET quoted sources as saying.

At present, nearly 80% of JeM’s finances are managed through these wallets, with yearly transactions estimated between PKR 80-90 crore, India Today reported.

The funds are being used to buy weapons, run training facilities, maintain communication networks, purchase luxury cars, and support Azhar’s family. Intelligence officials say a large share of this money originates from Gulf nations.