Controversial Leadership of Terror-Linked School in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

A recent shooting incident involving Dr. Hamza Burhan, a member of the terror group Al-Badr, has sparked concerns about the leadership of schools in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The AIMS Higher Secondary School, where he was involved, is part of a network run by Lashkar-e-Taiba, which is accused of indoctrinating students with anti-India sentiments. This incident highlights the troubling intersection of education and terrorism in the region, raising questions about the safety and influence of such institutions on young minds.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 22, 2026, 02:44 IST

Incident Involving Terror-Linked Individual

Dr. Hamza Burhan, who became affiliated with the terrorist group Al-Badr during his visit to Pakistan in 2017, sustained injuries in a shooting incident near a school located on Gojran Road in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Initial reports indicated that the principal of AIMS Higher Secondary School had been killed, but it was later revealed that the individual was actually Arjumand Gulzar Dar, also known as Hamza Burhan, a 27-year-old son of Gulzar Ahmed Dar from Kharbatpora, Ratnipora, Pulwama. He was reportedly a member of Al-Badr and had connections to various terrorist activities.

This situation raises significant concerns regarding his role in an educational institution. AIMS stands for Al-Aqsa Islamic Model School, and it is noteworthy that Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operates a network of schools across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under this name. These institutions are not only involved in managing mosques and madrassas but also serve as centers for indoctrination, blending modern education with religious teachings, particularly as enrollment in traditional madrassas declines.

On April 23, the AIMS Khambal Campus hosted a conference promoting pro-Palestine and pro-Kashmir sentiments, attended by senior LeT leaders. During this event, students delivered speeches that criticized India and Israel. Furthermore, schools under LeT's influence have been known to foster an anti-India narrative, as evidenced by a recent skit performed by elementary students at AIMS Mirpur, which depicted the Indian Army as perpetrators of civilian casualties.