A devastating Explosion During Prayer at Nowshera Mosque in the Akora Khattak town in northwest Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during Friday prayers, leaving at least five people dead and 20 others injured. The attack, suspected to be a suicide bombing, targeted the congregation at the mosque ahead of the holy month of Ramazan.
Among the victims was Hamidul Haq Haqqani, the chief of his own faction of the Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI) and the caretaker of the Madrassa-e-Haqqania. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves across the region, sparking widespread condemnation and grief.
Targeted Attack on Hamidul Haq Haqqani
One of the most significant casualties of the blast was Hamidul Haq Haqqani, a prominent religious leader and the head of his own faction of the Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI). Haqqani, who was born in 1968, inherited the leadership of his JUI faction following the demise of his father, Maulana Sami ul Haq, a well-known religious scholar.
As the caretaker of the Madrassa-e-Haqqania, a religious seminary known for its ideological influence, Hamidul Haq played a crucial role in religious affairs in Pakistan.
Police officials, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed, have indicated that the blast is suspected to be a suicide attack with Haqqani as the primary target.
Given his influential position, he was assigned six security guards by the government. However, the attackers managed to circumvent security measures, leading to a devastating loss of life and widespread panic.
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The attack took place during the ‘Jumma’ prayer, a time when mosques are crowded with worshippers. The explosion created chaos, with people scrambling for safety as the mosque’s walls trembled under the impact. The targeting of a religious scholar such as Haqqani raises serious concerns about the growing threat of extremism and sectarian violence in Pakistan.
History and Significance of the Madrassa-e-Haqqania
The Madrassa-e-Haqqania, where Hamidul Haq Haqqani served as caretaker, holds significant religious and political influence in Pakistan. It was founded by Maulana Abdul Haq along the lines of the Darul Uloom Deoband seminary in India, where he had taught. Over the years, the institution has become one of the most prominent religious seminaries in Pakistan, attracting students from various regions.
The seminary follows the Hanafi Deobandi school of Sunni Islam and has often been associated with the ideological propagation of conservative Islamic teachings. Due to the content and methods of instruction, it has been nicknamed the “University of Jihad.”
Footage of deadly blast in Haqqania madrasaa in Nawshera town of Pakistan during friday prayer, initial reports indicates ten deads including Hamid ul Haq head of the madrassa, several wounded. pic.twitter.com/F4Bco0zurJ
— Bismellah Pashtonmal (@bpashtonmal) February 28, 2025
The institution has produced several prominent figures, including members of the Taliban, such as former chief Akhtar Mansour. This historical background adds a layer of complexity to the recent attack, as it raises questions about whether the blast was politically or ideologically motivated.
The madrassa has long been a subject of scrutiny due to its connections with various Islamist movements. However, it has also played a significant role in shaping religious discourse in Pakistan.
The attack on the mosque associated with this seminary may have been aimed at disrupting its activities and sending a strong message to its supporters. The loss of Hamidul Haq Haqqani is likely to have a lasting impact on the religious and political landscape of the region.
Rescue Efforts and Reactions from Authorities
As soon as the blast occurred, rescue teams rushed to the site to evacuate the injured and remove the bodies of the deceased. Emergency services were quickly mobilized, and an emergency was declared in hospitals in both Nowshera and Peshawar.
The injured were transported to medical facilities, where doctors struggled to provide urgent care to those in critical condition. In the wake of the attack, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam leaders made a public appeal for blood donations to help the wounded.
The blast drew immediate condemnation from political and religious leaders across the country. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi strongly denounced the attack, calling it a cowardly act aimed at destabilizing the region. Security forces have since launched an investigation to determine the perpetrators behind the explosion.
The attack has once again highlighted the fragile security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province that has witnessed numerous incidents of violence over the years.
The region remains a hotspot for militant activities, with various extremist groups operating in the area. While the exact motive behind the attack is still under investigation, there is speculation that it could be linked to ongoing conflicts between different militant factions.
In response to the blast, law enforcement agencies have increased security measures across the province, particularly at mosques and other religious institutions. There is a growing concern that similar attacks could occur in the lead-up to Ramazan, a time when places of worship are particularly crowded.
The tragic explosion at the Nowshera mosque serves as a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges facing Pakistan. As authorities work to bring those responsible to justice, the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives and grapples with the ever-present threat of extremism.
The incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures and counterterrorism efforts to protect religious sites and ensure the safety of worshippers.
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