A suicide bombing during Friday prayers at Dar-ul-Uloom Haqqania’s mosque claimed the lives of five people, including JUI-S central leader and deputy head of the seminary, Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq Haqqani. Several others sustained severe injuries.
Inspector General Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hamd confirmed the attack, stating that the initial death toll was four, with multiple people critically injured. He also verified that Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq was the primary target of the attack.
Also Read: Explosion During Friday Prayers at Jamia Haqania: Four Dead, JUI-S Leader Injured
Nowshera Deputy Commissioner Irfanullah Mehsud reported that Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq’s body had been shifted to CMH Nowshera, with the death toll rising to five. He further revealed that the blast occurred near the mosque’s exit, typically used by Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq after prayers, and was detonated just as he was leaving for his residence.
Following the explosion, an emergency was declared at Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar. The hospital spokesperson stated that the administration and medical staff have been placed on high alert to deal with the situation.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from national leaders:
President Zardari denounced the attack, calling it a heinous and cowardly act. He emphasized that targeting innocent worshippers is inhumane, declaring that terrorists are enemies of Pakistan and humanity. He also offered condolences to the victims' families and prayed for the deceased.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack and demanded an immediate investigation report. He directed authorities to provide the injured with the best possible medical care and prayed for their swift recovery.
He reaffirmed that such cowardly acts of terrorism will not weaken Pakistan’s resolve in its fight against extremism, stating, "We are committed to eliminating terrorism in all its forms."
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi condemned the attack and sought a detailed report from officials. He labeled the bombing a conspiracy by anti-Islam and anti-Pakistan forces and criticized the provincial government's failure to ensure security.
"The people of this province continue to suffer due to the incompetence and collusion of those in power. It is critical to rid the province of those who harbor terrorists," he stated.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur directed authorities to thoroughly investigate all aspects of the attack. He instructed emergency responders to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured and vowed to bring those responsible to justice.
"Targeting innocent worshippers in a place of prayer is a barbaric act that deserves the strongest condemnation. All available resources will be utilized to track down the perpetrators," he declared.
Security forces have cordoned off the area, and an investigation is underway to determine how the suicide bomber breached security at the mosque.
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18 Apr, 2025
