Amir Hamza, co-founder of the banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and a longtime ideologue of the group, has reportedly been critically injured in an accident at his residence in Lahore, according to sources familiar with the matter. He is currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital.
While social media reports speculated that Hamza had sustained gunshot wounds, investigations have ruled out foul play, confirming that the injuries were accidental.
Who is Amir Hamza?
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One of 17 founding members of LeT, Hamza is a veteran of the Afghan Mujahideen war and a key figure in radical Islamist circles.
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Known for his fiery speeches and extensive writings, he once served as the editor of LeT’s official publication.
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He authored multiple books promoting jihadist ideology, including Qafila Da'wat aur Shahadat (Caravan of Proselytising and Martyrdom) in 2002.
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Hamza has been listed as a sanctioned terrorist by the United States Treasury Department, which identifies him as a senior figure involved in:
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Fundraising
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Recruitment
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Propaganda
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Negotiations for prisoner release
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Recent Activities
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In 2018, after the Pakistani government cracked down on LeT-affiliated charities like Jamaat-ud-Dawah and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation, Hamza reportedly distanced himself from the main LeT leadership.
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He allegedly founded a splinter group called Jaish-e-Manqafa to continue militant operations, especially in Jammu and Kashmir.
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Despite reports of a breakaway, Indian intelligence sources claim Hamza remains in close contact with LeT leaders and that his new group operates freely within Pakistan.
Current Status
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No official statement has been issued by Pakistani authorities about Hamza’s condition.
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His accident and hospitalization come at a time when international scrutiny of Pakistan’s handling of terror groups has intensified, especially amid India’s Operation Sindoor campaign aimed at exposing Pakistan-sponsored terrorism on the global stage.
This incident adds to the ongoing concerns about Pakistan’s ambiguous stance on terror networks operating from its soil, particularly those targeting India.
