Dhurandhar in Pakistan? Maulana Masood Azhar’s elder brother Hakim Mohammad Tahir, a key Jaish leader, dies

Reports claiming the death of Hakim Mohammad Tahir Anwar, elder brother of Maulana Masood Azhar, went viral on Monday after pro-Jaish-e-Mohammed Telegram channels shared a funeral message announcing prayers at Jamia Usman-o-Ali in Bahawalpur. The cause of death remains unknown, and there is no official confirmation so far. Anwar held a key role within the outfit, leading its armed cadres and later heading the Markaz Usman-o-Ali, making the development significant if verified.

Telegram channels carry funeral message of Masood's brother

Pro-Jaish-linked Telegram handles circulated a message announcing Anwar’s death, without specifying the reason. According to the message, funeral prayers are scheduled at 11 pm at Jamia Usman-o-Ali in Bahawalpur.

The message, believed to be from Azhar, read: “...My dear elder brother... Hakeem Muhammad Tahir Anwar... has passed away...”


While Azhar remains the face of the group, his elder brothers have long been seen as operational pillars.

Within the structure, Ibrahim Azhar reportedly handled operations in Afghanistan, while Tahir Anwar was in charge of armed cadres. His role later expanded when he was appointed head of JeM’s Markaz Usman-o-Ali, a key centre linked to the outfit’s activities.

If the reports turn out to be accurate, Anwar’s death could leave a gap in the group’s internal chain of command. For an organisation that relies heavily on close-knit leadership, even one missing link can shift equations on the ground.

The Markaz he headed has also drawn attention in the past. It was used to temporarily house Masood Azhar during Operation Sindoor last year, adding to its strategic importance.

For now, the developments remain in the realm of unverified reports circulating online. There has been no independent confirmation or official statement on the cause of death.