The headquarters of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Bahawalpur has reportedly been extensively rebuilt, around 15 months after it was severely damaged in India’s Operation Sindoor in May 2025. Recent visuals accessed by NDTV show the Markaz Subhanallah complex with repaired structures, fresh plaster and paint, and newly restored sections of the facility.
The development has raised fresh concerns in India over the continued presence and revival of infrastructure linked to JeM, which is designated as a terrorist organisation by the United Nations and the United States. The Bahawalpur facility has long been associated with the group and its organisational activities.
Bahawalpur Complex Rebuilt
According to the NDTV report, the Markaz Subhanallah complex had suffered significant damage during the Indian strikes, including impact damage to parts of its central hall. The latest visuals indicate that the damaged portions have since been repaired, with craters filled, structural sections restored and marble flooring installed.
India Today, which also reported on the reconstruction, said the damaged domes have been rebuilt and the facility has undergone extensive refurbishment. Satellite imagery reviewed earlier this year had already shown construction equipment and repair activity at the site.
Alleged Funding for Reconstruction
Intelligence inputs cited in the NDTV report claim that the Pakistani establishment provided PKR 25 crore to JeM in cash instalments for reconstruction of the facility. Around PKR 11 crore was reportedly spent on restoring the central hall.
The funding claim is based on intelligence inputs cited by the report and has not been independently established through publicly available financial records. The alleged state involvement has nevertheless added to questions surrounding Pakistan's approach towards infrastructure associated with banned militant organisations.
Other Structures Also Rebuilt
The reconstruction reportedly extends beyond the main Markaz Subhanallah building. Structures damaged during Operation Sindoor, including the Madrasa Al-Sabir and residential facilities associated with JeM commanders, have reportedly been cleared or demolished, with fresh construction subsequently taking place at the site.
Earlier satellite imagery had similarly indicated debris removal and construction activity at the compound, suggesting that restoration work had continued for several months following the initial damage.
JeM Base Had Strategic Significance
The Bahawalpur complex, located in Pakistan's Punjab province, has long been identified with JeM. India Today reported that the facility covers around 18 acres and has been associated with recruitment, training and ideological activities of the group.
The group has been linked to several attacks in India, including the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2016 Pathankot attack and the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing. JeM chief Masood Azhar and other senior figures have remained associated with Pakistan despite the organisation being banned there.
Reconstruction After Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7, 2025, following the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed. Indian forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir during the operation.
The Bahawalpur complex was among the facilities targeted during the operation. JeM had subsequently acknowledged casualties at the site, including relatives of Masood Azhar.
The reported reconstruction now indicates that the physical damage inflicted on the complex has largely been repaired. For India, the development is likely to reinforce longstanding concerns about the survival of terror-linked networks and infrastructure in Pakistan.
The latest reports, however, primarily establish the extent of reconstruction and cite intelligence claims regarding its financing; they do not independently establish the Pakistani government's direct role in the rebuilding.
