At least five people have been dead and 13 injured in a blast that occurred during Friday prayers at Darul Uloom Haqqania, a well-known seminary in Akora Khattak, Nowshera. Maulana Hamidul Haq, the chief of Jamiat Ulema-Islam-Sami (JUI-S), is among the victims.
Police claimed several people sustained serious injuries in the blast. Rescue 1122 teams reached the scene, and efforts to transfer the injured to nearby hospitals are underway, they added.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah confirmed the death of JUI-S chief Maulana Hamidul Haq, the son of the founder of the madrassa – Maulana Samiul Haq, in the explosion. An emergency has been declared in all hospitals in Peshawar.
The inspector general of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police said that the explosion appears to be a suicide attack. Initial reports suggest that four to five individuals have been injured, while one or two fatalities have also been reported. He believed Maulana Hamidul Haq may have been the target, who is reported to be in critical condition.
The area has been cordoned off, and investigations are ongoing. Security personnel had been deployed in significant numbers, around 25, due to existing threats in different areas. Officials are working to resolve security challenges in collaboration with relevant agencies.
The seminary, often referred to as the “University of Jihad”, was founded by Maulana Samiul Haq.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the blast and condoled the death of JUI-S chief Maulana Hamidul Haq and other victims. He has directed the authorities to ensure all possible medical assistance for the injured.
President Asif Ali Zardari has also strongly condemned the heinous act of targeting worshippers in a suicide attack in Nowshera. He expressed deep sorrow and regret over the loss of innocent lives, and called the attack on worshippers a brutal and unforgivable crime.
The president declared that terrorists are enemies of the country, the nation, and humanity. He has prayed for forgiveness for those killed and offered condolences to their families.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur strongly condemned the tragic incident and sought a comprehensive report from the authorities concerned on all aspects of the attack. The CM has directed officials to provide the best possible medical care to the injured.
Gandapur called the attack an inhuman act to kill innocent people in a place of worship. He says no amount of condemnation is enough for such brutality and ordered the use of all available resources to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz prayed for the swift recovery of the injured worshippers. She has labelled the attack during Friday prayers an act of open terrorism, affirming that Pakistan will win the war against terrorism, emphasizing that the entire nation stands united.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has urgently contacted higher authorities regarding the Jamia Haqqania blast. He has also sought a detailed report on the incident from relevant authorities.
He called the blast in Jamia Haqqania a conspiracy of forces hostile to Islam and Pakistan. “The province will suffer for an unknown time due to the incompetence and communalism of the provincial government,” Kundi remarked.
The JUI spokesperson condemned the blast, calling it deeply regrettable. “Even mosques and madrassas are no longer safe,” says Aslam Ghauri, blaming the government for failing to maintain peace and order.
He accused the authorities of prioritizing cricket over national security. He prayed for the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
