NOWSHERA: An explosion in the Darul Ulom Haqqania mosque in Akora Khattak killed at least four and wounded 12, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa General Inspector of the General Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed told PakGazette News on Friday.
According to the reports, the explosion occurred during Friday’s prayers in the first row when people met for Friday weekly sentences at the Dar-ul-Ulom Haqqania school in Akora Khattak, about 60 kilometers (35 miles) east of Peshawar.
The expanding campus is home to approximately 4,000 students fed, dressed and educated for free.
In response, the administration and medical staff of the Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) of Peshawar, which is about 45 minutes from the explosion site, has been aimed at remaining prepared to treat the injured.
The hospital spokesman said he declared an alert and emergency at the medical center to treat any situation.
The KP Police General Inspector (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed confirmed that the explosion claimed the life of Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani, the emir of Jamiat Ulema-E-Islam-Sami (JUI-S) and the vice president of Jamia Darul Ulom Haqqania.
He said it was a directed attack, a suicide bombing according to the initial reports. According to the PGI, reports had been received from three to four deaths so far, while 10 to 12 people were injured.
The official also said that the police teams were present at the explosion site and that a search was also underway. The Forensic Equipment and investigation had been sent to the incident site and the district police officer was also present there, the IG said.
This was last Friday’s prayer against Ramadan, attracting a large multitude of faithful. The mosque is located within the Madrassa complex, whose students were ready to leave, since it marked the last day of their academic year.
Mosque security arrangements include the presence of several police officers and a police mobile truck, while seminar workers monitor visitors.
The mosque is located in the center of Dar-Ulom Haqqania, with Dar-Ul-Hadees adjacent to it. It is a large building where high -level students pursue their studies. Nearby, there are shelters and residential rooms, where Maulana Samiul Haq and their children reside.
In particular, Maulana Anwarul Haq, the director of the seminar, is the brother of Maulana Fazlul Haq.
Darul Uuloom Haqqania, located in the city of Akora Khattak, is one of the largest seminars in the country, with thousands of enrolled students. The annual or semester rest occurs during Ramadan, which will begin tomorrow.
Condemnations
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s prime minister Ali Amin Gandapur, strongly condemned the explosion, calling it a tragic and deplorable act.
He addressed the authorities to carry out an exhaustive investigation on all aspects of the incident and submit an integral report.
The main minister also instructed officials to guarantee the best possible medical care for injured.
“Going to innocent people in a place of worship is an inhuman act,” said Gandapur, adding that there are no enough words to condemn such an attack.
He stressed that all available resources should be used to take perpetrators before justice.
In a statement, Jamiat Ulema-E-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Aslam Ghauri spokesman, condemning the suicide explosion, said the incident in Akora Khattak was deeply tragic.
He urged party workers and volunteers to extend full cooperation in help efforts. Ghauri also appealed to Jui-F members to donate as much blood for the injured.
“We pray that the martyrs are granted the highest ranges in the hereafter,” Ghauri added.
This is a developing story and is being updated with more details.
