Jaish-e-Mohammed Women’s Wing Leader Dr Shaheena Shahid Detained in Lucknow

Post by : Raina Nasser

New Delhi, Nov 11, 2025 – Dr Shaheena Shahid, a physician from Lucknow, has been arrested for her purported involvement in the establishment of the women's wing of the terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) within India. This development follows a crackdown on a terrorism module in Faridabad, adjacent to Delhi, where explosive materials and weapons were confiscated.

Dr Shahid has reportedly been assigned to spearhead the JeM's inaugural women’s brigade, Jamaat ul-Mominaat, which is led by Sadiya Azhar, sister of JeM's founder Masood Azhar, in Pakistan. This move indicates a concerning escalation in JeM's recruitment and indoctrination efforts, with Shahid allegedly recruiting women connected to JeM commanders as well as those from vulnerable demographics in northern India.

The situation unraveled following the detainment of her associate, Kashmiri doctor Muzammil Ganaie, also known as Musaib, in Faridabad. Investigators seized almost 2,900 kg of explosives, timers, and an array of weaponry from Ganaie’s residence. Moreover, Shahid's vehicle, a Maruti Suzuki Swift registered in Faridabad, was found to contain an assault rifle, a pistol, and ammunition, firmly linking her to the terror network.

Residing in Lal Bagh, Lucknow, Dr Shahid has connections to Al-Falah University. Her ties to JeM's operations in India have triggered a probe into the recruitment and radicalization activities within the women's branch. The Jamaat ul-Mominaat initiative launched its enrollment campaign in October at JeM centers in Pakistan, focusing on the spouses of commanders and economically disadvantaged women in major cities like Bahawalpur, Karachi, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Haripur, and Mansehra.

Officials note that these arrests signify a novel tactical approach by JeM, incorporating professionals such as doctors to execute terror-related activities. The apprehensions and seizures are part of a wider initiative aimed at dismantling JeM cells within India, emphasizing the persistent danger posed by international terrorist organizations.

Investigators are actively tracing the network's connections in both India and Pakistan, while Dr Shahida Shahid remains under custody as authorities seek to solidify their understanding of her role within the terror module.