Amir Hamza, a founding member of the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), was shot by unidentified attackers in Lahore and is currently in critical condition, according to available information.
The attack reportedly took place outside a news channel office, where gunmen opened fire on Hamza before fleeing the scene. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he remains under treatment.
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This marks the second attempt on Hamza’s life within a year. In May last year, he was similarly targeted by unknown assailants outside his residence in Lahore. Following that incident, he was hospitalised, and reports indicated that authorities had tightened his security, although no official statement was issued.
Key Figure in Lashkar-e-Taiba
Born on May 10, 1959, in Gujranwala, Punjab province, Hamza is considered a veteran of the Afghan jihad. He co-founded Lashkar-e-Taiba in the mid-1980s along with Hafiz Saeed.
Over the years, Hamza has been regarded as one of the most influential figures within the organisation, often described as second only to Saeed. He has held multiple senior roles and played a central part in shaping the group’s propaganda strategy and outreach efforts.
He is also linked to several terror-related activities, including involvement in planning the 2005 attack on the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, one of the early major strikes attributed to LeT outside Kashmir.
The United States Department of the Treasury has designated Hamza as a global terrorist, citing his role in LeT’s leadership and operations. In a 2012 statement, the department noted that he was part of the group’s central advisory committee and managed external relations under Saeed’s direction.
Hamza was also associated with organisations linked to LeT, including charitable fronts and educational institutions, where he held senior positions.
Role in Propaganda and Splinter Activities
Known for his ideological influence, Hamza has been actively involved in producing and disseminating propaganda. He edited the group’s weekly publication, authored multiple books—including Qafila Da’wat aur Shahadat in 2022—and led LeT’s “special campaigns” division focused on mobilisation efforts.
In 2018, amid international scrutiny and crackdowns on LeT-linked entities such as Jamaat-ud-Dawah and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation, Hamza reportedly distanced himself from the main organisation. He later formed a splinter group known as Jaish-e-Manqafa, which has been linked to limited fundraising and propaganda activities.
Despite the split, U.S. authorities continue to view him as a significant figure in LeT’s long-standing operations, particularly in recruitment, radicalisation, and funding networks.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have not yet identified the attackers or established a motive behind the latest shooting. The incident adds to a pattern of targeted attacks on high-profile individuals linked to militant organisations in Pakistan.
Further updates are awaited as investigations continue.
