In a dramatic development that could have far-reaching implications for regional security, top Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commander Ghazi Baba has reportedly been shot dead near Peshawar by unidentified assailants. Known for masterminding several high-profile terror attacks in India and for his role in spreading anti-India propaganda, Ghazi Baba’s death marks a significant moment in the ongoing crackdown on Pakistan-based terrorist networks.
Ghazi Baba, whose real name was Rana Tahir Nadeem, was one of the most feared figures in the JeM hierarchy. He was widely believed to be the architect behind the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 1995 kidnapping of foreign tourists in Kashmir, and multiple car bombings targeting Indian security forces. His close ties with JeM founder Maulana Masood Azhar made him a central figure in the group’s operations across South Asia.
The incident reportedly occurred in the Pishtakhara area of Peshawar, a region that has seen a surge in targeted killings of individuals linked to extremist groups. While Pakistani authorities have yet to officially confirm Ghazi Baba’s death, intelligence sources suggest that the attack was part of a broader pattern of eliminations targeting key operatives from groups like JeM, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen.
This latest killing adds to a growing list of mysterious assassinations of radical figures in Pakistan, many of whom were involved in cross-border terrorism. The identity of the gunmen remains unknown, fueling speculation about possible involvement of foreign intelligence agencies. As Pakistan grapples with internal instability and mounting international pressure, the death of Ghazi Baba could signal a turning point in efforts to dismantle entrenched terror networks operating within its borders.
