Well-known for being the co-founder and leading thinker for the banned terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Amir Hamza has recently been reported to be in serious condition after being shot at point blank range in Lahore. Hamza, who is designated a global terrorist by the United States government, was treated for numerous gun shot wounds at his home, but was also moved immediately to a high security military facility protected by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and has played a critical role in disseminating their teachings throughout Pakistan and beyond as a top leader of LeT ideology. He has shared his ideologies through numerous platforms such as books, speeches, and pamphlets. Hamza continues to give speeches to large crowds across Punjab and has mentored the youth of Pakistan for many years through these various forms of communication.
As a founding father of LeT, he has dedicated his life to supporting Jihad against the enemies of Allah and will continue to do so until his death.
On Thursday, September 3, 2023, Hamza was shot multiple times while leaving the home of a family member in Lahore, Pakistan. According to police officials, three unidentified gunmen attacked Hamza’s car with numerous gunshots; when he got in his car after talking to family members for 45 minutes, the gunmen opened fire upon returning from their ambush.
Hamza sustained several gunshot wounds and was transported to a local hospital, where he is currently in extremely critical condition.
Hamza Amir is a key component of Lashkar-e-Taiba’s historical foundation. He was one of the original co-founders along with Hafiz Saeed and had previously fought as a member of the Afghan Mujahedeen during a time of conflict in that region. In addition to being a dedicated orator, Hamza authored extremist literature. He served as the first editor of Lashkar-e-Taiba’s official publication, Majallah al-Daawa, and published influential works, including his work Qafila Da’wat aur Shahadat (2002).
Amir Hamza does more than just provide ideological direction for Lashkar-e-Taiba; he is a member of Lashkar-e-Taiba’s central advisory committee. In December 2019, the United States Department of Treasury designated him as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. The United States Department of Treasury has also mentioned the pivotal role that Mr. Hamza plays in:
Fundraising for Lashkar-e-Taiba by coordinating activities associated with charitable organisations that are affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Recruiting individuals to Lashkar-e-Taiba by using his writing as a tool to bring in others with the goal of joining the organisation.
Negotiating with the Government of Pakistan on behalf of Lashkar-e-Taiba in order to help secure the release of captured or detained individuals affiliated or associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba.
In 2018, as the government of Pakistan began receiving pressure from the international community regarding the need to stop providing financial or other forms of support to organisations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (including affiliate organisations, such as Jamaat-ud-Dawah), Hamza Amir reportedly distanced himself from Lashkar-e-Taiba.
He subsequently created a separate, but affiliated, organisation called Jaish-e-Manqafa. Indian intelligence agencies have also stated that this organisation operates as a part of Lashkar-e-Taiba.
