Killing Of Lashkar-Jaish Cadre in Pakistan: Army Diktat Or Infighting? Exclusive

Last Updated:April 17, 2026, 13:42 IST

“There is a pattern of targeted killings of terrorists linked to anti-India groups Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizbul Mujahideen and Khalistani outfits," said sources

Following the firing at Amir Hamza, a founding member of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Lahore, who is in critical condition, terror groups in Pakistan are upset with the Army for not giving them proper security, sources said.

“There is a pattern of targeted killings of terrorists, militants and individuals linked to anti-India groups Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizbul Mujahideen and Khalistani outfits. These are typically carried out by unidentified gunmen described as motorcycle borne attackers firing at close range," said sources closes to Lashkar.

Amir Hamza was among the early figures behind the formation of Lashkar-e-Taiba, alongside Hafiz Saeed, and has been associated with several terror-linked activities, including attacks in India.

He is considered a veteran of the Afghan jihad and was known within the organisation for his speeches and writings. Hamza earlier served as the founding editor of LeT’s publication Majallah al-Daawa and authored a book titled Qafila Da’wat aur Shahadat in 2002.

The United States has designated Lashkar-e-Taiba as a terrorist organisation and lists Hamza under its sanctions regime. He is believed to have been part of the group’s central leadership, with roles spanning recruitment, fundraising and efforts linked to detained militants.

According to the sources, these incidents are not random murders but appear selective and involve high-value targets wanted in India for terrorism, raising suspicion even on the Army.

2023 Killings in Pakistan

• Shahid Latif (JeM commander, linked to Pathankot attack): Killed in Sialkot by unidentified gunmen.
• Muhammad Riaz: Killed in POK.
• Riyaz Ahmad alias Abu Qasim Kashmiri (LeT): Shot in a mosque in Rawalakot.
• Paramjit Singh Panjwar (Khalistan Commando Force chief) was Killed in Lahore.
• Ziaur Rehman (LeT): Shot in Karachi by motorcycle-borne assailants.
• Bashir Ahmad Peer (Hizbul, Rawalpindi), Syed Khalid Raza (Karachi), and several more in similar patterns.

2024-25 killings in Pakistan

• Abu Qatal (LeT aide to Hafiz Saeed) who was shot dead in Jhelum March 2024.
• Saifullah Khalid (LeT) Killed in Matli, Sindh May 2025.
• Maulana Kashif Ali (Hafiz Saeed’s brother-in-law, LeT-linked): Killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Feb 2025)
• Razaullah Nizamani (LeT): Killed in 2025.
• Mufti Shah Mir (scholar linked to ISI Jadhav case Balochistan (March 2025).
• Lt Col Imran Dayal (Pakistani Army officer, alleged terror links): Shot in Dera Ismail Khan

2026 killings so far

Bilal Arif Salafi (LeT commander): Shot and stabbed inside Markaz Taiba, Muridke (after Eid prayers).

Additional militant ambushes by unknown gunmen reported in northwest Pakistan

Modus operandi

Usually 1–2 unknown gunmen on motorcycles, close range shooting, quick escape. No claims of responsibility in most case

Locations: Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Peshawar, and other areas

Broader violence: Pakistan has ongoing issues with terrorism, Baloch insurgencies, sectarian killings, and enforced disappearances but these do not match a single unknown man perpetrator.

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