A suicide bombing at a seminary in northwestern Pakistan has tragically claimed the lives of six individuals, including a prominent cleric, just days before the start of Ramadan. The attack unfolded in the Akora Khattak district, within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Local police revealed that the blast occurred within the confines of a mosque at a seminary known for its pro-Taliban stance. Abdul Rashid, the district police chief, confirmed that Hamidul Haq, a key figure in the Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam party, was among those killed. He was the son of Maulana Samiul Haq, often referred to as the ‘father of the Taliban’. Samiul Haq himself was a victim of an attack in 2018.
The explosion injured numerous individuals who were present at the mosque during Friday prayers. This attack adds to the surge of violence seen in Pakistan in recent years. Significant police presence was noted, with more than a dozen officers on duty, yet the attacker managed to infiltrate the site. Security at the seminary was reportedly in place, underscoring the audacity of the attack.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, strongly condemned the assault, emphasizing that it coincided with the onset of Ramadan, a time of spiritual reflection for Muslims. Prime Minister Sharif’s statement reflects the government’s intent to maintain peace and security across the nation during this sacred month.
Witness accounts from the scene reveal the chaos following the explosion. Police officer Yawar Zia, who sustained injuries, described the immediate aftermath from his hospital bed, recounting how he lost consciousness due to the force of the blast. The unexpected nature of the explosion and its devastating impact on civilians highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Pakistani authorities in combating extremist violence.
Moreover, this attack mirrors a broader pattern of violence attributed to militant groups such as the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Although TTP disclaims responsibility for mosque attacks, citing respect for religious sanctuaries, their aggressive tactics remain a point of concern for national security. The rise of attacks by such groups has been notably marked since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.
In a separate incident on the same day in Quetta, a roadside bomb exploded near a vehicle carrying security personnel, injuring ten, including two soldiers. While no group has laid claim to this event, it bares the hallmark of separatist insurgencies common in the Balochistan region.
This tragic event underscores the persistent threat of extremist violence in Pakistan, a concern that grows more acute with the proximity of the Ramadan observances. As authorities continue their efforts to manage and mitigate these threats, the incident serves as a sorrowful reminder of the challenges in ensuring security in the region.
