NOWSHERA: A top official of Darul Uloom Haqqania was among eight people killed, while at least 18 others sustained injuries in a suicide blast that targeted the historic seminary’s mosque in Nowshera, officials confirmed on Friday.
The bomb exploded in the front row soon after Friday prayers as worshippers were leaving the congregation at the Darul Uloom Haqqania mosque in Akora Khattak, located about 60 kilometres (35 miles) east of Peshawar.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed told Geo News that Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq Haqqani, the son of Maulana Sami-ul-Haq Haqqani, was the target of the attack.
Maulana Hamid, the vice administrator of Darul Uloom Haqqania and emir of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami (JUI-S), succumbed to his injuries as he was undergoing emergency medical treatment, the top cop said.
Hameed added that police teams were present at the site of the explosion, and a search operation was also underway in the surroundings. Forensics and investigation teams had been dispatched to the incident site, and the district police officer was also present there, the IGP said.
This was the last Friday congregation before Ramadan, drawing a large crowd of worshippers. The mosque is located inside the compound of the madrassa, whose students were set to go on leave, as it marked the final day of their academic year.
The sprawling campus is home to roughly 4,000 students who are fed, clothed and educated for free.
Security arrangements at the mosque include the presence of several policemen and a police mobile van, while seminary workers monitor visitors.
The mosque is situated at the centre of Darul Uloom Haqqania, with Dar-ul-Hadees adjacent. It is a large building where senior students pursue their studies. Nearby, there are hostels and residential quarters.
The administration and medical staff of Peshawar’s Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) — which is around 45 minutes away from the blast site — were directed to remain prepared for receiving casualties.
The hospital spokesperson said a high alert and emergency had been declared at the medical facility to deal with any situation.
The latest reports suggest that the blast took place near the gate of the mosque from where Maulana Hamid was returning to his residence, which is a stone throw away from the mosque.
The bodies of four deceased have been kept at the Qazi Hussain Ahmed Medical Complex, while the other injured are receiving treatment. Meanwhile, Hamid’s body is at Nowshera CMH.
Separately, a powerful explosion rocked Sama bazaar in the Mamozai area of Upper Orakzai on Friday, killing one person and injuring several four others.
In a statement the Kohat deputy commissioner said police and rescue teams swiftly arrived at the scene, launching relief operations and securing the area. The injured were immediately shifted to THQ Hospital for medical treatment.
Condemnations pour in
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the Nowshera blast. He also conveyed profound grief over the martyrdom of Maulana Hamid in the attack.
The prime minister extended his condolences to the families of the victims.
President Asif Zardari strongly condemned the suicide blast, saying that targeting innocent worshippers was a vile and deplorable act.
He further remarked that terrorists are enemies of the nation, the country, and humanity. The president also offered prayers for the souls of those who lost their lives in the attack.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the explosion, expressing heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the martyrs.
Naqvi said that no words were enough to denounce such a tragic incident at the mosque. He affirmed that, with the nation’s support, every conspiracy of the enemy would be thwarted.
“We stand with the families of the martyrs and the injured,” the interior minister added.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur strongly condemned the explosion, calling it a tragic and deplorable act.
He directed authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the incident and submit a comprehensive report.
The chief minister also instructed officials to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured.
“Targeting innocent people in a place of worship is an inhumane act,” Gandapur said, adding that no words were enough to condemn such an attack.
He emphasised that all available resources should be utilised to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In a statement, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) spokesperson Aslam Ghauri, condemning the suicide blast, said that the incident at Akora Khattak was deeply tragic.
He urged party workers and volunteers to extend full cooperation in relief efforts. Ghauri also appealed to JUI-F members to donate as much blood as possible for the injured.
“We pray for the martyrs to be granted the highest ranks in the hereafter,” Ghauri added.
Similarly, National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan also denounced the suicide attack, saying he was saddened over the martyrdom of Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq Haqqani and others in the attack.
