Hamza Burhan, a key figure behind the devastating 2019 Pulwama terror attack on a CRPF convoy, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), officials confirmed Thursday. The attack resulted in critical injuries to Burhan, who later succumbed at a military hospital in Rawalpindi. Burhan, also known as Arjumand Gulzar, was operating with extensive security vetted by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
The ambush occurred in Muzaffarabad, and the assailants managed to escape before local security forces could respond. Burhan, originally from Khar in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, had a history of affiliations with various terror groups, including Al Badr and Al Baraq. According to officials, he maintained a close working relationship with the ISI after leaving Al Baraq.
As per information available with TahirRihat.com, Burhan was formally designated as a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for his involvement in orchestrating the February 14, 2019, suicide attack led by Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). The attack on the CRPF convoy in Pulwama resulted in the deaths of 40 Indian personnel. Following the attack, Indian security forces conducted an intelligence-led operation, with Indian Air Force jets striking JeM training camps in Balakot on February 26, 2019.
Sources said that Burhan, who also used the alias ‘Doctor’, had been residing in Cheela Bandi, a densely populated area on the outskirts of Muzaffarabad. He was provided with substantial security, including eight commandos, a bullet-resistant vehicle, and an escort vehicle, which indicated a high level of protection from state actors and significant operational importance, according to sources. This security detail was reportedly assigned to him after an alleged fabricated attack on himself that occurred between January and February 2025, sources added.
Burhan’s activities were closely linked to Farooq Qureshi, a former Al Baraq commander whose name has repeatedly appeared in dossiers connected to narcotics trafficking, counterfeit currency operations, arms smuggling, and cross-border militant activities in the Kashmir Valley. (Sources reported that) the two individuals operated from an industrial compound referred to locally as the “Machis Factory” in Muzaffarabad.
Burhan maintained close ties with Pakistan’s ISI, particularly with an officer identified as Col Rizwan, suggesting deep intelligence connections and protective measures, sources said. Furthermore, (sources noted that) Burhan had recently married the daughter of Qadir Lala, a former Hizbul Mujahideen operative from Kupwara. Lala is currently employed as a security operator at the terror group’s housing project in Chek Shezad, Pakistan.
Sources also revealed that Burhan had ongoing connections with Murtaza, another former Hizbul Mujahideen operative from Pulwama, who is now based in Islamabad. Burhan reportedly made frequent visits to Murtaza’s residence. The elimination of Hamza Burhan represents a notable development in counter-terrorism efforts, though the identities and motives of the gunmen remain unknown. The incident occurred within a region where various militant groups operate, often under the protection or with the tacit support of state actors.
The circumstances surrounding Burhan’s death are under investigation, and speculation is rife regarding the potential involvement of rival militant factions, intelligence agencies, or other actors seeking to destabilize the region. Such operations in PoK are not uncommon, with various groups and individuals vying for power and influence. The implications of Burhan’s death on the operational capabilities and future strategies of the terror groups he was associated with remain to be seen.
Security analysts suggest that this event could trigger a series of retaliatory actions or shifts in the regional power dynamics among various militant organizations. Considering Burhan’s extensive network and affiliations, his elimination may disrupt existing operational structures and create opportunities for rival groups to consolidate their influence. The incident also highlights the complex and volatile security environment in the Kashmir region, with various state and non-state actors engaged in a protracted conflict. This scenario poses significant challenges for regional stability and counter-terrorism efforts.
The investigation into Burhan’s killing is expected to involve multiple agencies and stakeholders, aiming to uncover the identities of the perpetrators and their motives. The findings of this investigation could provide valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of the region’s security landscape. Increased vigilance and intelligence gathering will be crucial in preventing further escalations and maintaining peace and stability.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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