LeT co-founder Amir Hamza critically injured in firing incident in Lahore
PTC Web Desk: Amir Hamza, a founding member of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), was critically wounded after unidentified gunmen opened fire in Lahore on Thursday, officials said. The incident reportedly took place near a media office in the city, where assailants targeted Hamza’s vehicle. He sustained serious injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors have described his condition as extremely critical.
However, Lahore Police provided a slightly different account of the incident. According to a police statement, unknown attackers fired at a vehicle belonging to the chairman of Tehreek-e-Hurmat-e-Rasool Pakistan near Hamdard Chowk. Authorities claimed that those inside the vehicle escaped unharmed.
Following the firing, security agencies placed the area on high alert and initiated search operations to trace those responsible for the attack.
Hamza is known for his long association with Lashkar-e-Taiba, a group designated as a terrorist organisation by the United States. He co-founded the outfit along with Hafiz Saeed and has been linked to multiple terror-related activities, including operations targeting India.
A veteran of the Afghan jihad, Hamza has also been active in ideological and propaganda efforts. He previously served as editor of LeT’s publication and authored several writings promoting extremist views, including a book published in 2002.
Reports suggest that after Pakistan intensified action against organisations such as Jamaat-ud-Dawah and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation in 2018, Hamza distanced himself from LeT. He is believed to have later formed a separate group, Jaish-e-Manqafa, which allegedly continued militant activities, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir.
Despite claims of separation, some reports indicate that Hamza has maintained links with senior LeT figures and remains influential in extremist circles.
Investigations into the Lahore attack are ongoing.
- With inputs from agencies
