Masood Azhar’s Sister Leads JeM Women’s Wing After Operation

In a significant and unexpected development, Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has announced the formation of its first-ever women's wing, named "Jamaat-ul-Mominaat." The newly created women's brigade will be led by Sadiya Azhar, the sister of JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar. This announcement comes months after India's Operation Sindoor dealt a crippling blow to JeM by targeting its headquarters in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, where Sadiya Azhar's husband, Yusuf Azhar, was reportedly killed in the Indian strikes.

Operation Sindoor, launched by India on 7-8 May 2025, was a precise military action targeting nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the deadly Pahalgam terror attack earlier in April. The operation severely damaged JeM's infrastructure and took a toll on its leadership, including the loss of several family members of Masood Azhar. This has forced the militant outfit to reconsider its strategies, evidenced by the decision to include women in its operational structure for the first time.

Traditionally, JeM has barred women from engaging in armed combat roles or jihad. However, the death of Yusuf Azhar and the impact of Operation Sindoor have prompted a strategic rethink. The formation of Jamaat-ul-Mominaat signals a shift towards incorporating women more actively, partly as a psychological and propaganda tool. Recruitment for the new wing began on 8 October 2025 at Markaz Usman-o-Ali in Bahawalpur, focusing on wives of JeM commanders and economically vulnerable women who study at its centres in various Pakistani cities.

The women's wing's activities are believed to extend beyond physical combat roles. Reports suggest their involvement in psychological warfare, propaganda dissemination, and grassroots recruitment. Online networks, social media platforms, and WhatsApp groups are reportedly being leveraged to spread their influence, even reaching areas like Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of southern India. This move reflects a shift in tactics by JeM, which appears to be adapting to the setbacks inflicted by India's counter-terrorism measures.

Masood Azhar and his brother Talha al-Saif are said to have jointly approved this major strategic change, signalling the leadership's intent to rebuild and expand JeM's operational capabilities despite the losses suffered. The incorporation of women into roles previously forbidden marks a significant evolution in the group's approach to militancy. It also aligns with trends seen in other extremist organisations globally, such as ISIS and Boko Haram, which have utilised female operatives in various capacities, including suicide attacks.

From a broader perspective, this development highlights the continuing challenges posed by militant groups adapting their tactics in response to military pressure. The formation of a women's wing represents an attempt by JeM to sustain its operational relevance and influence in the region. It also raises concerns about the increasing militarisation of women within extremist groups, which can complicate counter-terrorism efforts and societal stability.

While it is crucial to recognise the severity of JeM's actions and the threat it poses, reporting on these developments with a balanced perspective is essential. The shift in JeM's tactics following Operation Sindoor underscores the complex dynamics of militant group resilience. It reflects how such organisations exploit familial ties, gender roles, and societal vulnerabilities to maintain their foothold and propagate their agenda.

In conclusion, the announcement of Jamaat-ul-Mominaat and Sadiya Azhar's leadership role is a significant milestone in the evolving landscape of militant activity in South Asia. It follows a devastating setback from Operation Sindoor which targeted JeM's core infrastructure but has now triggered a strategic pivot within the group. This situation calls for vigilant monitoring and a nuanced understanding of how militant groups adapt to setbacks, making it clear that the fight against terrorism is continually evolving.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies