New Delhi – In a shocking revelation, investigators have identified ex-Pakistan Army commando Hashim Musa as the prime suspect behind the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. Security sources confirmed Tuesday that Musa is a former regular of Pakistan Army’s elite Para Forces, bringing a sinister military dimension to the terrorist incident that has heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
Intelligence sources revealed that ex-Pakistan Army commando Hashim Musa was dismissed from military service before joining the banned terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). However, security establishment sources suspect this dismissal may have been orchestrated to provide plausible deniability, with Musa potentially being directed by Pakistan’s Special Service Group (SSG) to infiltrate and strengthen LeT’s operations in Kashmir.
Also Read: PM Modi Gives Free Hand to the Indian Army for Decisive Pahalgam Attack Response
Military Background of Ex-Pakistan Army Commando Hashim Musa
The military expertise of ex-Pakistan Army commando Hashim Musa makes him an exceptionally dangerous terrorist operative. As a trained para commando with specialized skills in unconventional warfare and covert operations, Musa possesses advanced capabilities that ordinary militants lack. Security officials note that such commandos typically excel in weapons handling, hand-to-hand combat, navigation, and survival skills – attributes that make tracking and neutralizing them particularly challenging.
“Ex-Pakistan Army commando Hashim Musa’s military background significantly elevates the threat level,” a senior security official explained. “His training would have included mission planning, target selection, and tactical execution – all skills that were evidently applied in the Pahalgam attack’s precision and lethality.”
Intelligence reports indicate that ex-Pakistan Army commando Hashim Musa crossed into Indian territory in September 2023, establishing his primary area of operation in Kashmir’s Budgam district near Srinagar. This strategic location allowed him to coordinate terrorist activities while maintaining proximity to potential escape routes.
Ex-Pakistan Army Commando Hashim Musa’s Identity Exposed by Local Facilitators
Authorities uncovered ex-Pakistan Army commando Hashim Musa’s SSG background during interrogations of 14 Kashmiri Over Ground Workers (OGWs) suspected of providing logistical support for the Pahalgam attack. These local facilitators reportedly assisted the terrorists with reconnaissance, shelter, transportation, and potentially the movement of weapons used in the deadly assault.
“The interrogation of these OGWs has been crucial in establishing ex-Pakistan Army commando Hashim Musa’s identity and background,” revealed a source close to the investigation. “Their statements consistently point to Musa’s military training and his leadership role in planning the attack.”
National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials have confirmed the involvement of a well-established local network operating in south Kashmir that guided the attack team headed by ex-Pakistan Army commando Hashim Musa. This symbiotic relationship between foreign terrorists and local facilitators presents a complex security challenge that authorities are working to dismantle.
Previous Terror Operations Linked to Ex-Pakistan Army Commando Hashim Musa
The investigation has also connected ex-Pakistan Army commando Hashim Musa to three previous attacks in Kashmir during 2024. Security establishment sources pointed to similar operational patterns observed in the October 2024 attacks that resulted in the deaths of six non-locals, a doctor, two Indian Army personnel, and two Army porters.
“Ex-Pakistan Army commando Hashim Musa’s involvement in multiple attacks demonstrates a pattern of escalating violence directed particularly at non-locals and security personnel,” a senior intelligence official stated. “His military background allows him to plan and execute complex operations with tactical precision.”
The recurring involvement of ex-Pakistan Army commando Hashim Musa in multiple attacks underscores the persistent threat posed by military-trained terrorists operating in Kashmir. His ability to plan and execute sophisticated attacks highlights the evolution of terrorist tactics in the region.
Attack Team Led by Ex-Pakistan Army Commando Hashim Musa Identified
Investigators have confirmed that the Pahalgam attack was carried out by a team of four terrorists, including ex-Pakistan Army commando Hashim Musa (alias Suleiman), another Pakistani terrorist identified as Ali Bhai (alias Talha Bhai), and two local militants named Adil Thoker and Asif Shaikh.
Sources indicate that while these four individuals had direct involvement in the attack, interrogations of the OGWs suggest that additional Pakistani terrorists may have played supporting roles in the operation led by ex-Pakistan Army commando Hashim Musa. This revelation points to a larger conspiracy with potential connections extending beyond Kashmir.
“The attack bears hallmarks of professional military planning that align with ex-Pakistan Army commando Hashim Musa’s training,” noted a counterterrorism expert. “The selection of a tourist location during peak season suggests a deliberate strategy to maximize casualties and international attention.”
Pakistan’s State Actors Implicated Through Ex-Pakistan Army Commando Hashim Musa
The identification of ex-Pakistan Army commando Hashim Musa as a key perpetrator strengthens India’s position that Pakistan’s state actors continue to support cross-border terrorism. Security establishment sources view this case as clear evidence of Pakistan Army and ISI involvement in fomenting violence in Kashmir.
“The presence of ex-Pakistan Army commando Hashim Musa in a major terrorist operation cannot be dismissed as coincidental,” asserted a senior security official. “This represents a pattern of Pakistan deploying military-trained operatives under the cover of terrorist organizations to maintain plausible deniability while advancing state objectives.”
The revelation about ex-Pakistan Army commando Hashim Musa comes at a time when India is weighing various response options following the Pahalgam attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently chaired high-level security meetings and has granted the armed forces complete operational freedom to respond to the terrorist incident.
Broader Implications of Ex-Pakistan Army Commando Hashim Musa’s Involvement
The confirmation of ex-Pakistan Army commando Hashim Musa’s role in the Pahalgam attack carries significant diplomatic and military implications. This evidence of direct involvement by former Pakistani military personnel provides India with stronger grounds to pursue international action against Pakistan’s support for terrorism.
“Ex-Pakistan Army commando Hashim Musa represents the dangerous convergence of state military training and terrorist ideology,” explained a security analyst. “His case exemplifies the ‘revolving door’ between Pakistani military establishments and terrorist organizations that India has long alleged.”
The Pahalgam attack, being the deadliest since the 2019 Pulwama strike, has already prompted India to take several diplomatic measures against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, downgrading diplomatic relations, and closing border crossings.
Ongoing Investigation into Ex-Pakistan Army Commando Hashim Musa’s Network
As authorities continue their investigation into ex-Pakistan Army commando Hashim Musa and his associates, efforts are underway to dismantle the entire support network that enabled the Pahalgam attack. Security forces have intensified operations in Kashmir to track down remaining terrorists and their facilitators.
“Neutralizing ex-Pakistan Army commando Hashim Musa is now a top priority for security forces,” confirmed a defense official. “Equally important is dismantling the local support structure that allows such foreign terrorists to operate effectively in the region.”
The April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives and injured many others, has reminded the nation of the persistent threat of terrorism in Kashmir. The identification of Hashim Musa as a key perpetrator adds a disturbing dimension to this tragedy, highlighting the complex challenges facing India’s counterterrorism efforts in the region.
