Amir Hamza, co-founder of banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, was reportedly shot at in Lahore on Thursday in what is being described as the second attempt on his life in less than a year.
According to reports, the 67-year-old was attacked by unidentified gunmen while leaving a local television station. He was said to be accompanied by Pakistani judge Nazir Ahmad Ghazi at the time of the incident.
Two armed men on a motorcycle allegedly opened fire near a bus stop before fleeing. Hamza was rushed to a hospital. His condition has not yet been officially confirmed, and no group has claimed responsibility.
Second attack in one year
This is reportedly the second such incident targeting Hamza. In May last year, he survived another shooting in which he sustained injuries after being shot in the waist.
Sources have suggested that internal differences within Lashkar-e-Taiba could be one possible reason behind the repeated attacks, though there has been no official confirmation.
Linked to Bengaluru IISc terror attack
Hamza is among those accused in the 2005 terror attack on Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, where a scientist was killed and several others were injured during an attack on the campus.
He has long been associated with Hafiz Saeed and Abdul Rehman Makki, both key figures linked to the outfit.
Global terror designation
The United States Department of the Treasury designated Hamza a global terrorist in 2012. He has also been accused of handling propaganda, publications and organisational outreach for Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Spotlight on internal tensions
The latest attack has once again raised questions over possible internal rivalries and instability within extremist networks operating in Pakistan. Investigations are under way.