At least five people have been killed and over 20 injured in a blast that occurred during Friday prayers at Darul Uloom Haqqania, a well-known seminary in Akora Khattak, Nowshera. Maulana Hamidul Haq, the chief of Jamiat Ulema-Islam-Sami (JUI-S), is among the victims.

Police claimed several people sustained serious injuries in the blast. Rescue 1122 teams reached the scene, and efforts to transfer the injured to nearby hospitals are underway, they added. 

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah confirmed the death of JUI-S chief Maulana Hamidul Haq, the son of the founder of the madrassa - Maulana Samiul Haq, in the explosion. An emergency has been declared in all hospitals in Peshawar. 

The inspector general of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police told Samaa TV that the explosion appears to be a suicide attack. Initial reports suggest that four to five individuals have been injured, while one or two fatalities have also been reported. He believed Maulana Hamidul Haq may have been the target, who is reported to be in critical condition. 

The area has been cordoned off, and investigations are ongoing. Security personnel had been deployed in significant numbers, around 25, due to existing threats in different areas. Officials are working to resolve security challenges in collaboration with relevant agencies. 

Rescue teams claim that initially they evacuated 20 people from the blast site. The injured were transported to the hospital via ambulances for medical treatment, while 11 ambulances participated in the relief operations, they added. The officials further said the seriously injured victims will be shifted to Peshawar for advanced medical care.

The seminary, often referred to as the "University of Jihad", was founded by Maulana Samiul Haq. 

Preliminary report

A preliminary report on the blast at Darul Uloom Haqqania has been prepared, police officials confirmed. According to authorities, body parts of the attacker have been recovered and sent to a forensic lab for examination. The initial findings suggest that the suicide bomber entered through a gate specifically reserved for Maulana Hamidul Haq.

Police officials stated that Darul Uloom Haqqania has four entry gates, and investigators are analysing how the assailant gained access. Efforts are underway to identify those responsible for the attack.

Condemnations

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the blast and condoled the death of JUI-S chief Maulana Hamidul Haq and other victims. He has directed the authorities to ensure all possible medical assistance for the injured.

President Asif Ali Zardari has also strongly condemned the heinous act of targeting worshippers in a suicide attack in Nowshera. He expressed deep sorrow and regret over the loss of innocent lives, and called the attack on worshippers a brutal and unforgivable crime.

The president declared that terrorists are enemies of the country, the nation, and humanity. He has prayed for forgiveness for those killed and offered condolences to their families. 

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has urgently contacted higher authorities regarding the Jamia Haqqania blast. He has also sought a detailed report on the incident from relevant authorities. 

He called the blast in Jamia Haqqania a conspiracy of forces hostile to Islam and Pakistan. "The province will suffer for an unknown time due to the incompetence and communalism of the provincial government," Kundi remarked. 

The JUI spokesperson condemned the blast, calling it deeply regrettable. "Even mosques and madrassas are no longer safe," says Aslam Ghauri, blaming the government for failing to maintain peace and order.

He accused the authorities of prioritizing cricket over national security. He prayed for the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.