Unknown gunmen reportedly shot and critically injured Amir Hamza, the most-wanted terrorist and co-founder of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, in Lahore on Thursday (April 16, 2026).
Intelligence sources said the unidentified attackers got off motorcycles and opened fire at Hamza when he stepped out of a news channel’s office in Lahore.
Hamza sustained serious injuries in the attack and was rushed to a hospital, where his condition remained critical, the sources said.
In a statement, a Lahore Police official said police responded to the incident of firing by unidentified individuals at the vehicle of the Chairman of Tehreek-e-Hurmat-e-Rasool Pakistan at Hamdard Chowk.
The official said that all individuals in the vehicle remained safe. A high alert has been issued in the area, and search operations are underway to identify and arrest the perpetrators.
Hamza co-founded Lashkar-e-Taiba along with terrorist Hafiz Saeed and is linked to multiple terrorist activities, including several attacks in India.
A veteran of the Afghan mujahideen, he is known for fiery speeches and prolific writings. He was once the editor of LeT’s official publication ‘Majallah al-Daawa’ and has authored several books, including Qafila Da’wat aur Shahadat in 2002 (Caravan of Proselytising and Martydom).
The United States Treasury Department designated Lashkar-e-Taiba as a terrorist organisation and lists Amir Hamza as a sanctioned terrorist.
Hamza is believed to have been a LeT central committee member and played a critical role in fundraising, recruitment, and negotiations for the release of detained militants.
In 2018, following financial crackdowns on LeT-affiliated charities Jamaat-ud-Dawah and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation by Pakistani authorities, Hamza reportedly distanced himself from LeT.
He subsequently founded a splinter group named Jaish-e-Manqafa, allegedly to continue militant operations, including in Jammu and Kashmir. This new group is functioning freely within Pakistan, and Hamza remains in close contact with LeT leadership.