A devastating suicide blast struck the Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing at least five people, including JUI-S leader Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani. The attack, which occurred during Friday prayers, also left 20 others injured. Officials suspect Haqqani was the target of the explosion.
Blast Hits Worshippers During Friday Prayers
The explosion ripped through the main prayer hall of the seminary at around 2 p.m. Worshippers had gathered for prayers when the blast occurred. KP Police Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed confirmed that it was a suicide attack. Among the injured were three police officers.
Emergency response teams quickly arrived at the scene. Rescue 1122 officials transported the wounded to nearby hospitals, while the KP government declared an emergency across all medical facilities in Peshawar, 70 kilometers away. Authorities directed hospitals to ensure the presence of medical staff and essential medicines.
No Immediate Claim of Responsibility
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Officials are investigating the incident, but initial reports suggest Haqqani was deliberately targeted. The slain religious leader was the son of Maulana Samiul Haq, a prominent cleric who was assassinated in 2018. Haqqani also led the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami (JUI-S) political party and previously served in the National Assembly.
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Government Officials Condemn Attack
Leaders across Pakistan strongly condemned the attack. President Asif Ali Zardari denounced the bombing, calling it a “heinous act of terrorism.” He expressed condolences to the victims’ families and vowed to fight terrorism.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack, stating that “such cowardly acts cannot weaken our resolve against terrorism.” He assured that the government would provide the best medical care to the injured and ordered a detailed report on the incident.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also voiced their outrage. Kundi blamed “hostile forces” for the attack, accusing the provincial government of failing to maintain security.
Seminary’s History and Previous Controversies
The Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary, founded in 1947, has a long and controversial history. Some of its alumni include key Taliban leaders. In the past, the seminary has faced allegations of links to extremist groups, though it has denied involvement in any attacks.
Haqqani recently led a delegation of religious scholars to Afghanistan for talks with Taliban leaders. He claimed the visit helped reduce tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Series of Attacks on Places of Worship
The Nowshera blast is part of a disturbing pattern of attacks on mosques and religious institutions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In January 2023, a deadly explosion inside a Peshawar mosque killed over 100 people. In 2022, a suicide bomber targeted Jamia Masjid Koocha Risaldar, killing worshippers during Friday prayers.
Authorities are still investigating the latest attack, and security forces remain on high alert. With tensions rising, the government faces mounting pressure to strengthen security and prevent further violence.
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