French magazine reveals Pakistan’s links with extremist network Jaish-e-Mohammed

In a detailed investigative report, French magazine Le Spectacle du Monde revealed the dangerous links between Pakistan and terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

The article titled “Jaish-e-Mohammed, Troubled Games in Pakistan”, published in the Winter 2024 edition of the French magazine, written by Antoine Colonna – Editor in Chief – Spectacle du Monde was translated into English using AI, based on Pakistan Investigates the alleged role of. Providing shelter and support to extremist groups despite international commitments to fight terrorism.

The report highlights the resurgence of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), particularly in the Bahawalpur area of ​​Punjab province where the group reportedly operates large complexes such as Markaz Subhan Allah. Equipped with dormitories, religious education centers and even self-sustaining systems powered by solar energy, these facilities serve as centers for imparting education and training to terrorists.

According to the magazine’s report, satellite imagery and eyewitness accounts show that these operations apparently took place, with one of the complexes located just eight kilometers from a Pakistani military base.

“According to satellite images available on the Planet Labs website, Jaish-e-Mohammed has two centers in the Bahawalpur area: Markaz Subhan Allah and Usman-o-Ali Mosque,” said the report published in French, translated English using AI.

It said the first is a 60,000 square meter site. It includes a center for Quran studies, a sports hall, dormitories and about fifty rooms.

“Masood Azhar’s nephew, Muhammad Ataullah Kashif, is the administrative head of Markaz. The center provides extremist religious education as well as physical training to its approximately 600 to 700 internal members. It houses 40 to 50 teachers,” the French magazine said in its report.

The report highlights Jaish-e-Mohammed’s historical ties with Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI, which allegedly facilitated its activities against India.

“In the 2000s, JIN (Joint Intelligence North), a branch of the ISI, was specifically tasked with training and manipulating radical Islamic elements against India. During the Cold War, the ISI adopted a structure similar to SAVAK, the internal intelligence service of the Shah of Iran. It also received assistance from the CIA and SDECE, the predecessor of France’s DGSE,” the report said.

It added, “In the same spirit, the security of the campus has been strengthened; Satellite photos show the construction of new guard posts. Solar panels can also be seen, making the center completely self-sufficient.”

Former Pakistani officials, including former President Pervez Musharraf, have acknowledged supporting Jaish-e-Mohammed during his/her tenure. Such revelations underline the systemic links between Pakistan’s state apparatus and extremist networks.

Further complicating Pakistan’s international standing is its history with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). While Pakistan was removed from the FATF gray list in 2022, the report warned that there could be a fresh investigation if reports of JeM’s uncontrolled growth are proven true.

The revelations highlight the broader geopolitical implications of Pakistan’s actions, including rising tensions with fellow nuclear power India.

The article concludes by emphasizing the urgent need for international accountability and stronger counter-terrorism measures to ensure regional stability.