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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pakistan-based terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has established its first women&rsquo;s wing, named Jamaat-ul-Mominaat, marking a significant shift in its operational strategy. The announcement came via a letter issued by JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar, with recruitment for the new unit starting on October 8 at Markaz Usman-o-Ali in Bahawalpur, Pakistan.</span><br><br>
<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">According to JeM&rsquo;s propaganda arm, Al-Qalam Media, Jamaat-ul-Mominaat will serve as the group&rsquo;s dedicated women&rsquo;s brigade. The wing is reportedly led by Sadiya Azhar, sister of Masood Azhar. The recruitment campaign targets wives of JeM commanders and economically disadvantaged women studying at the group&rsquo;s centers in cities such as Bahawalpur, Karachi, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Haripur, and Mansehra.</span><br><br>
<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Historically, JeM, rooted in Deobandi ideology, prohibited women from participating in armed jihad or combat roles. However, following recent setbacks, including the Indian military&rsquo;s Operation Sindoor, which targeted JeM&rsquo;s Bahawalpur headquarters, the group has revised its stance. Intelligence reports suggest that Masood Azhar and his brother Talha al-Saif approved the inclusion of women in the organization&rsquo;s operational framework, leading to the formation of this new brigade.</span><br><br>
<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The creation of Jamaat-ul-Mominaat follows a broader trend among some terrorist groups, such as ISIS and Boko Haram, which have utilized women in combat roles, including as suicide bombers. In contrast, Pakistan-based groups like JeM, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen have traditionally restricted women&rsquo;s involvement. The launch of this women&rsquo;s wing indicates a strategic pivot for JeM as it seeks to bolster its ranks amid ongoing challenges.</span></div>
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JeM Launches First Women Wing, Jamaat-ul-Mominaat

Jaish-e-Mohammed forms women’s brigade led by Sadiya Azhar, targeting commanders’ wives

JeM Launches First Women Wing, Jamaat-ul-Mominaat

Jaish-e-Mohammed forms women’s brigade led by Sadiya Azhar, targeting commanders’ wives

October 9, 2025 | 21:29 IST