Islamabad: Three senior members of the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), including a close aide to the group’s founder Hafiz Saeed, have reportedly died in separate incidents under mysterious circumstances in Pakistan, according to multiple local media reports.
The deceased have been identified as Ghazi Mumtaz, Khalid Bashir and Mohammad Khusaima Qasim, all described as senior operatives within the banned militant organization.
While the circumstances surrounding their deaths remain unclear, the incidents have sparked speculation within security circles. Pakistani authorities have not officially confirmed the reports or commented on the causes of death.
The reported deaths come amid recurring claims that militants accused of planning and executing attacks against India have increasingly been targeted inside Pakistan. Although there has been no official response from Pakistani security agencies, the deaths of multiple high-ranking Lashkar-e-Taiba figures in unrelated incidents have drawn renewed attention.
Ghazi Mumtaz Found Dead in Upper Dir
Ghazi Mumtaz, regarded as one of Lashkar-e-Taiba’s early members, was reportedly found dead under unexplained circumstances in Barawal, Upper Dir district of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
According to reports, Mumtaz had previously operated as a Lashkar militant in India and was later awarded the honorific title “Ghazi” by the organization. He was also believed to be a close associate of Lashkar founder Hafiz Saeed. His funeral was reportedly scheduled to take place on Saturday evening at Nusrat Koto Primary School.
Security analysts believe his death could be a significant setback for the group’s Kashmir-focused network.
Mohammad Khusaima Qasim Reportedly Killed in Bahawalpur Hit-and-Run
The second reported fatality is Mohammad Khusaima Qasim, who allegedly died in a hit-and-run incident in Bahawalpur.
Qasim was reported to be the brother of senior Lashkar commander Mohammad Yaqoob. His funeral was held on Friday night and was reportedly attended by several prominent figures linked to the organization. Local authorities have not released further details regarding the incident.
Khalid Bashir Also Reportedly Dies Under Suspicious Circumstances
The third reported casualty is Khalid Bashir, another senior Lashkar-e-Taiba operative. Reports say he too died under suspicious circumstances, although details regarding the location and cause of his death have not been made public.
Renewed Questions Over Security of Militant Leadership
Over the past several years, a number of senior Lashkar-e-Taiba commanders have been killed inside Pakistan. While some deaths have reportedly been linked to internal rivalries, others have been attributed to attacks by unidentified assailants. In several cases, the exact circumstances have remained unresolved.
The latest reports have once again raised questions about the security and stability of the leadership structure of militant groups operating in Pakistan.
No group has claimed responsibility for the deaths, and Pakistani authorities have yet to issue an official statement.
