We demonstrate that mapping active deformation domains is one of the best methodologies for understanding active tectonics in orogenic zones. Such an approach is a robust and simple tool to map seismic hazards and interpret the active tectonic frameworks of orogenic belts. The database of the published active fault zone of the Western Himalayan portions was used to delineate the major deformation zones, supplemented with the earthquake centroid moment tensor (CMT) events and seismicity to map and interpret the active tectonic deformation zones. The results show a systematic deformation pattern in the eastern portion of the Hazara-Kashmir-Syntaxis (HKS), suggested by a narrow zone of reverse faulting and a wide zone of transtension indicated by the normal and strike-slip faults. In comparison, the western portion of the HKS shows an asymmetrical pattern of active thrusting in the frontal regions and transpression in the hinterland areas. These results suggest that deformation patterns differ at the east and west of the HKS and should not be treated as similar, although, on the regional scale, the deformation is a product of collisional tectonic interaction between the lithospheric plates of India and Eurasia, and would be expected to match; however, the variations of active deformation are a reflection of structural complexity at depth. We suggest that out-of-sequence faulting is common, and earthquake hazards are also common and not restricted to the frontal fault system.