Pakistan Abandons Pahalgam Mastermind Hashim Musa, India’s Hunt to Capture Him Alive Intensifies

A Terrorist Left in the Lurch
Hashim Musa, the former Pakistani commando and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative behind the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians, is reportedly abandoned by Pakistan. Facing global scrutiny after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) exposed the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) nexus, Pakistan is allegedly severing ties with Musa, cutting off logistical support. Starving and hiding in south Kashmir’s rugged terrain, Musa’s predicament has fueled India’s resolve to capture him alive, aiming to extract critical intelligence on Pakistan’s terror network. The ₹20 lakh bounty on his head underscores the high-stakes manhunt.

Mastermind of the Massacre
Musa, a former Pakistan Army Special Service Group member, orchestrated the Baisaran Valley attack with chilling precision. The NIA’s probe revealed he scouted four sites, including Aru and Betaab Valleys, before targeting Pahalgam’s less-guarded tourist hub. Alongside operative Ali Bhai, Musa led a team of Pakistani and local terrorists, supported by 20 overground workers. His elite training enabled the group to evade initial detection, but digital traces linked to ISI safe houses in Muzaffarabad exposed Pakistan’s role. Musa’s involvement in a 2024 Sonamarg attack further cements his status as a key LeT figure.

India’s Strategic Pursuit
Indian security forces, including the Army, CRPF, and NIA, have intensified operations in Anantnag and Kulgam, employing drones, satellite imagery, and local informants to track Musa. The strategy prioritizes live capture to unravel ISI’s operational blueprint and identify local collaborators. Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s vow to hunt down every perpetrator has galvanized the effort, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi granting forces full operational freedom. Over 1,500 suspects have been detained, and checkpoints dot Kashmir’s forests.

Global Pressure and Pakistan’s Retreat
Facing diplomatic isolation, Pakistan’s move to disown Musa aligns with its denial of involvement, despite evidence of ISI coordination. The U.S. and UN have urged cooperation, while India pushes to throttle Pakistan’s terror funding via the FATF and IMF. As Musa’s survival grows precarious, India’s relentless pursuit aims to deliver justice and deter future attacks.