NOWSHERA - The tranquil town of Akora Khattak is in deep mourning following a devastating suicide blast at the Haqqania seminary mosque after Friday prayers that resulted in the tragic deaths of eight individuals, including the seminary’s administrator, Maulana Hamidul Haq. The explosion, which also left more than 20 others injured, has left the entire community in deep shock, grappling with the aftermath of the brutal attack on the peaceful worshipers. The deadly attack, which occurred late Friday afternoon, targeted Maulana Hamidul Haq, a prominent figure in the region’s religious circles in Nowshera. Eyewitnesses and CCTV cameras described chaotic scenes at the seminary mosque as people scrambled to help the injured, while others tried to make sense of the unimaginable horror unfolding before them. DPO Nowshera, Abdul Rasheed Khan, confirmed the tragic toll of the blast, noting that at least eight people died immediately, including Maulana Hamidul Haq, and more than 20 others were wounded, some critically. The attack took place as Maulana Haq was leaving the mosque for his home. The DPO said the suicide bomber, disguised as a religious scholar, managed to get close to the Maulana at the mosque’s gate before detonating the six kilogram explosives strapped to his body. Maulana Hamidul Haq, the son of the late Maulana Samiul Haq, a respected religious leader and former senator, had succeeded his father as head of the JUI-S after his father was tragically stabbed to death in Rawalpindi in November 2018.
The victims of the blast included both seminary students and worshippers who had gathered for prayers.
Muhammad Alam, a long-time resident of Akora Khattak, voiced the deep sorrow felt by the residents. “This is a place where everyone came for worship. To see this kind of suicide attack on peaceful worshipers is unbearable,” he said.
“We are in deep shock. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones,” he maintained.
While no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, suspicions are high that militant factions active across the western border may be behind the blast.
In the wake of the tragedy, there has been an outpouring of solidarity from the local community at Akora Khattak.
Residents have gathered at local mosques and residences of the victims to offer condolences, and blood donations have been organised to help those injured in the blast.
The once peaceful town is now shrouded in grief, with people coming together to mourn their loss and support one another during this difficult time.
“We are all connected here,” said Sanaullah, another local resident, adding, “It doesn’t matter who you are, this attack has affected us all deeply.”
Prof Dr Abdul Ghafoor, former Director of Sheikh Zayd Islamic Centre in Peshawar, condemned the attack, calling it “highly deplorable” and emphasising the need for a thorough investigation.
He also called for those responsible to be brought to justice.
“Attacking peaceful worshipers is a cowardly act that has no justification,” Dr Ghafoor stated.
The provincial government has pledged full support to the victims’ families, with emergency relief operations already underway to assist the injured.
The community, though deeply shaken, has vowed to remain resilient in the face of such a horrific event, united by their shared grief and determination to seek justice.
As investigations into the blast continue and geo fencing completed, the residents of Akora Khattak are left with a profound sense of loss. Yet, amid the sorrow, there remains hope that justice will prevail.