Lashkar-e-Taiba co-founder Amir Hamza shot in Lahore, reportedly critical

He has been admitted to a hospital and is reported to be in critical condition.

In May last year, unidentified individuals had opened fire on him outside his residence in Lahore.

Following that incident, authorities reportedly enhanced his security arrangements, although no official statement was issued at the time.

He co-founded Lashkar-e-Taiba in the mid-1980s along with Hafiz Saeed.

The group has been designated as a terrorist organisation by multiple countries, including the United States. 

 

Hamza has been linked to several operations and is believed to have played a role in planning attacks, including the 2005 incident at the Indian Institute of Science.

Hamza has held key roles within Lashkar-e-Taiba over the years, including membership in its central advisory structure. 

 

The US Department of the Treasury has listed him as a sanctioned individual, citing his involvement in managing external relations and organisational activities.

He has also been associated with affiliated institutions and has contributed to the group’s outreach and communication efforts.

Known for his writings and speeches, Hamza has been actively involved in producing and disseminating material linked to the organisation. 

 

He edited publications and authored multiple works, including a book released in 2022.

He also led specialised campaigns aimed at outreach and mobilisation, reflecting his role in shaping the group’s messaging strategies.

In 2018, Hamza reportedly distanced himself from Lashkar-e-Taiba following international scrutiny of its financial networks, including groups such as Jamaat-ud-Dawah and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation.

He later established a separate outfit, Jaish-e-Manqafa, which has been linked to limited fundraising and propaganda activities.

Despite organisational changes, Hamza continues to be designated as a global terrorist by US authorities. 

 

Officials have described him as a significant figure in long-term efforts related to recruitment, fundraising and ideological dissemination.

Investigations into the latest attack are ongoing, with no group claiming responsibility so far.