In a significant shift in operational strategy, the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has announced the formation of its first-ever women’s wing, named Jamaat-ul-Mominaat. This development comes months after the group suffered substantial losses during India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted its headquarters in Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
Formation of Jamaat-ul-Mominaat
The announcement was made public through a letter issued under the name of JeM’s chief, Maulana Masood Azhar. The newly established women’s brigade is reportedly led by Sadiya Azhar, Masood Azhar’s sister. Recruitment for the unit commenced on October 8, 2025, at the Markaz Usman-o-Ali in Bahawalpur, a known JeM stronghold.
Strategic Shift and Recruitment Focus
Historically, JeM, adhering to a Deobandi-inspired ideology, has prohibited women from participating in combat or operational roles. However, following the devastating impact of Operation Sindoor, the organization appears to have revised its stance. Intelligence sources indicate that Masood Azhar and his brother, Talha al-Saif, have jointly approved the inclusion of women in JeM’s operational framework.
The recruitment efforts for Jamaat-ul-Mominaat are reportedly targeting wives of JeM commanders and economically vulnerable women studying at the group’s centers in Bahawalpur, Karachi, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Haripur, and Mansehra. The organization’s propaganda arm has been instrumental in disseminating information about the new unit through various media channels.
Implications for Regional Security
The formation of a women’s wing by JeM marks a notable departure from traditional practices among South Asian terror groups, which have typically excluded women from active combat roles. This strategic shift raises concerns among security agencies, as the inclusion of women could facilitate new avenues for recruitment and operational activities, including potential involvement in suicide attacks and propaganda dissemination.
The establishment of Jamaat-ul-Mominaat also highlights the evolving nature of terrorist organizations in the region, as they adapt to countermeasures and seek to expand their operational capabilities. The international community remains vigilant, monitoring developments closely to assess the potential impact on regional and global security dynamics.
Conclusion
The creation of Jaish-e-Mohammed’s first women’s wing, Jamaat-ul-Mominaat, signifies a strategic recalibration by the organization in response to setbacks incurred during Operation Sindoor. Led by Sadiya Azhar, the unit’s formation underscores the group’s intent to diversify its recruitment and operational strategies. As developments unfold, it is imperative for regional and international stakeholders to remain alert to the evolving tactics employed by terrorist organizations and to collaborate in efforts to counteract their activities.
