Amir Hamza, a founding member of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, has been critically injured after being shot by unidentified gunmen in Lahore. The attack, which took place outside a news channel office, has once again drawn attention to the shadowy world of militant networks operating in the region.
According to initial reports, unknown assailants opened fire on Hamza in broad daylight before fleeing the scene. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Security agencies have launched an investigation, but the motive behind the attack and the identity of the attackers remain unclear.
Hamza, born in 1959, is a veteran of the Afghan jihad and is widely regarded as one of the ideological pillars of Lashkar-e-Taiba. He co-founded the group in the mid-1980s alongside Hafiz Saeed, who went on to become its most prominent face. Over the years, Hamza emerged as a key strategist and propagandist, known for his fiery speeches and extensive writings that helped shape the group’s narrative.
The United States has designated Hamza as a global terrorist due to his alleged involvement in multiple terror activities, including those targeting India and other regions. He has also been associated with the group’s publications and ideological outreach, having edited its official magazine and authored several books. Among his notable works is Qafila Da'wat aur Shahadat (2022), which reflects his long-standing role in promoting extremist ideology.
In 2018, Hamza reportedly distanced himself from Lashkar-e-Taiba following a crackdown by Pakistani authorities on terror financing networks linked to charities such as Jamaat-ud-Dawah and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation. Despite this apparent split, he continued to remain active in militant circles.
Subsequently, Hamza founded a splinter outfit named Jaish-e-Manqafa, through which he allegedly continued fundraising efforts. These funds were reportedly used to support terror operations, including those in Jammu and Kashmir.
The attack on Hamza underscores the internal rivalries and volatile dynamics within militant networks. While it remains uncertain whether the shooting was the result of factional disputes, targeted retaliation, or other factors, the incident highlights the persistent instability surrounding extremist groups in the region.
Authorities are expected to release more details as the investigation progresses.
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