The funeral prayers of Maulana Hamidul Haq - who was martyred in a suicide attack at Darul Uloom Haqqania - were offered on Saturday, attended by religious and political figures, including former Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq and the Afghan Consul General.
The funeral, led by Maulana Abdul Haq Sani, son of the deceased, was attended by thousands of scholars, mashaikhs, local dignitaries, and citizens.
Tight security measures were in place, with a heavy police presence and walk-through gates installed at the entrance. Participants were allowed entry only after a thorough security check.
CTD registers case, public assistance sought
Meanwhile, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has registered a case against unidentified assailants at its Mardan police station.
The case, filed on the complaint of Maulana Abdul Haq, includes provisions related to terrorism and murder.
Authorities have sought public assistance in identifying the suicide bomber, announcing a reward of Rs500,000 for any information leading to the identification of the attacker.
NADRA assistance in investigation
Investigative teams have reached out to the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to identify the bomber through fingerprints.
CCTV footage from various locations has been obtained to trace the attacker’s movements.
According to sources, Maulana Hamidul Haq was targeted as he left the mosque after Friday prayers, with the attacker approaching him near the staircase. Officials are now working to determine how the suicide bomber gained access to the premises.
Security high alert in KP
Inspector General (IG) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed stated that investigations are being pursued from multiple angles, with CTD and other agencies working swiftly to apprehend those responsible.
Security has been placed on high alert across the province, particularly in Peshawar and other sensitive areas.
Possible motive behind attack
Security sources suggest that the attack was orchestrated by the group referred to as Fitna-ul-Khawarij and its backers.
Initial findings indicate that Maulana Hamidul Haq had recently taken a strong position on women's education at an Islamic World Alliance conference, declaring that barring women from education was un-Islamic. His stance reportedly led to threats against him.
Officials believe the timing of the attack—during Friday prayers—further underscores the perpetrators' disregard for religious sanctity.
