NEW DELHI: Hidden behind the civilian facade of Mohalla Roli on Dhara Bypass Road in Kotli, Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), lies a facility that is not just a religious centre but a militarised hub of terror: Markaz Saidna Hazrat Abbas Bin Abdul Mutalib, more commonly known as Markaz Abbas. This centre belongs to the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM)—the UN-sanctioned terror outfit responsible for numerous deadly attacks in India.
Just 2 km southeast of the Kotli Military Camp, the location of Markaz Abbas speaks volumes about the Pakistani military’s proximity and silent support to Jaish operations in the region.
Inside Markaz Abbas
The building can house 100–125 JeM cadres, with 40–50 active operatives stationed at any given time. It has emerged as a key logistical and operational outpost for JeM since the relocation of its weapons storage from Sialkot.
Following the Pathankot attack in 2016, JeM shifted its arms and ammunition stores from Daska Markaz (Sialkot) to Markaz Abbas—a significant move signaling the camp’s upgraded strategic role.
The Man Behind It: Qari Zarrar
At the heart of this base is Hafiz Abdul Shakoor alias Qari Zarrar—a veteran jihadist and founding member of JeM, who broke away from Harkat-ul-Mujahideen to form Jaish with Maulana Masood Azhar.
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Zarrar is a Shura council member of JeM.
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Lives in a three-storey building adjoining Markaz Abbas.
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Wanted by India’s NIA for planning the Nagrota Army Camp attack (Nov 29, 2016) near Baleeni Bridge.
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Also engaged in fund-raising for JeM via Afghanistan networks.
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Personally handles transportation of weapons from Kotli to Sialkot.
Key JeM Cadres Operating From Markaz Abbas
Other known terrorists based at Markaz Abbas include:
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Qari Maaz (son of Qari Zarrar) – Formerly part of JeM’s Afghanistan wing, now oversees launching detachments in North Kashmir.
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Mohammad Maviya Khan
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Tahir Nazir
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Abu Bakr
Maaz, having returned from Afghanistan in October 2018, plays a crucial role in cross-border terror operations and infiltration planning.
Pakistan’s Shadow Role
Though not publicly acknowledged, the location of this JeM base so close to a military camp in Kotli clearly points to complicity or at least tolerance from Pakistan’s Army and ISI.
The movement of arms, use of civilian structures for military training, and unchecked presence of wanted terrorists like Zarrar underscore Pakistan’s continued use of PoJK as a terror launchpad.
Global Designation & UN Blacklisting
JeM has been proscribed under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act since 2001, and is also listed as a terrorist organization by:
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USA, UK (October 2001)
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Canada (November 2002)
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Australia (August 2015)
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UAE (November 2014)
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United Nations (October 2001)
JeM’s chief Maulana Masood Azhar was also added to the UNSC 1267 sanctions list in May 2019, linking the outfit to Al-Qaeda and global jihadist networks.
Strategic Implications for India
Markaz Abbas has evolved into a key hub in Jaish’s operational chain, particularly after the Pathankot attack. Its growing arsenal, veteran leadership, and proximity to launching routes into Kashmir make it a top target in India’s counterterrorism radar.
If Shawai Nallah is LeT’s engine room, Markaz Abbas is JeM’s loaded gun—ready to be fired into Indian territory with each new batch of indoctrinated cadres.
