Pulwama Attack Mastermind Hamza Burhan Shot Dead in POK

A major development has emerged from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as Hamza Burhan, also known as “Doctor,” was reportedly shot multiple times by unidentified gunmen in Muzaffarabad.

Burhan, whose real name was Arjumand Gulzar Dar, hailed from Pulwama in Jammu & Kashmir and was considered one of the key operatives linked to the deadly 2019 Pulwama attack that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel.

Who Was Hamza Burhan?

According to security agencies, Burhan crossed into Pakistan in 2017 under the pretext of higher studies before joining the banned terror outfit Al-Badr, where he eventually became a commander.

He later returned to Kashmir and allegedly played a major role in radicalising youth in South Kashmir, particularly in Pulwama and Shopian. Indian intelligence agencies accused him of supplying explosives and logistical support to militants involved in the Pulwama attack carried out by Jaish-e-Mohammed.

The Ministry of Home Affairs officially designated him a terrorist in 2022.

Mysterious Killings Continue in Pakistan

Burhan’s shooting adds to a growing list of mysterious attacks targeting terror operatives inside Pakistan and PoK. Over the past few years, several leaders linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, JeM, and Hizbul Mujahideen have been assassinated by “unknown gunmen” or died under suspicious circumstances.

Recent names include:

• Amir Hamza, LeT co-founder, shot in Lahore

• Muhammad Tahir Anwar, brother of Masood Azhar

• Abu Qatal, close aide of Hafiz Saeed

Is a Silent Shadow War Underway?

The repeated elimination of high-profile militants has intensified speculation about covert operations and internal rivalries within terror networks operating from Pakistan.

As terror figures continue to fall one after another, the question remains: Who exactly are these “unknown gunmen”?