Nowshera: A devastating suicide blast targeted the historic Darul Uloom Haqqania mosque in Akora Khattak, Nowshera, on Friday, leaving eight people dead and at least 18 others injured, officials confirmed.
The explosion occurred in the front row of the congregation soon after Friday prayers, as worshippers were exiting the mosque. The attack took place approximately 60 kilometers (35 miles) east of Peshawar.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed informed Geo News that Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq Haqqani, the son of Maulana Sami-ul-Haq Haqqani, was the primary target of the attack. Maulana Hamid, vice administrator of Darul Uloom Haqqania and emir of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami (JUI-S), succumbed to his injuries while receiving emergency medical treatment.
Police teams were swiftly deployed to the blast site, launching a search operation in the vicinity. Forensics and investigation teams have also been dispatched, with the district police officer present at the scene to oversee security measures.
Being the last Friday before Ramadan, the congregation drew a large crowd of worshippers. The mosque, situated within the Darul Uloom Haqqania compound, serves thousands of students who were preparing to leave for academic breaks. The seminary houses around 4,000 students who receive free education, accommodation, and meals.
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Despite the presence of several police officers and a mobile police van stationed outside the mosque, the attacker managed to carry out the deadly explosion. Seminary workers also regularly monitor visitors for security purposes.
The mosque, located at the heart of Darul Uloom Haqqania, is adjacent to Dar-ul-Hadees, a large building where senior students pursue advanced Islamic studies. Nearby, hostels and residential quarters accommodate students and staff.
Following the attack, Peshawar’s Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) was placed on high alert to receive casualties. The hospital administration declared an emergency to ensure swift medical assistance to the injured.
Reports suggest that the explosion took place near the mosque’s gate, where Maulana Hamid was exiting to return to his residence, which is only a short distance away.
Four bodies have been shifted to Qazi Hussain Ahmed Medical Complex, while the injured are undergoing treatment. Maulana Hamid’s remains have been moved to Nowshera CMH.
Meanwhile, a separate explosion struck Sama Bazaar in Upper Orakzai’s Mamozai area on Friday, resulting in one fatality and injuries to four others.
Kohat’s deputy commissioner stated that police and rescue teams quickly arrived at the scene, initiating relief operations and securing the area. The injured were transported to THQ Hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into both incidents, while security in the region has been heightened to prevent further attacks.
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