NOWSHERA: An explosion at the Darul Uloom Haqqania mosque in Akora Khattak killed at least four and injured 12, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed told Geo News on Friday.
The blast reportedly occurred during Friday prayers in the front row and numerous casualties are being feared, as the weekly congregation attracts a large number of worshippers.
In response, the administration and medical staff of Peshawar’s Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) — which is around 45 minutes away from the blast site — have been directed to remain prepared for treating the injured.
The hospital spokesperson said a high alert and emergency have been declared at the medical facility to deal with any situation.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Samiul Haq (JUI-S) leader Maulana Hamid ul Haq, the vice-principal of the seminary, was present at the mosque at the time of explosion. His son Sani Haqqani said he is in critical condition.Â
KP Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed said that the incident appeared to be targeted and the reports suggest that it was a suicide bombing. He added that reports of three to four deaths had been received so far, while 10 to 12 people were injured.Â
The official said that police teams were present at the site of explosion and a search was also underway in the surroundings. Forensics and investigation teams had been dispatched to the incident site and the district police officer was also present there, the IG informed.
This was the last Friday prayer before Ramadan, drawing a large crowd of the worshippers. The mosque is located inside the compound of the madrassa, whose students were set to go on leave, as it marked the final day of their academic year.
Security arrangements at the mosque include the presence of several policemen and a police mobile van, while seminary workers monitor visitors.
The mosque is situated at the centre of Dar-ul-Uloom Haqqania, with Dar-ul-Hadees adjacent to it. It is a large building where senior students pursue their studies. Nearby, there are hostels and residential quarters, where Maulana Samiul Haq and his sons reside.
Notably, Maulana Anwarul Haq, the principal of the seminary, is the brother of Maulana Fazlul Haq.
Darul Uloom Haqqania, located in the town of Akora Khattak is one of the country’s largest seminaries, with thousands of students enrolled. The annual or semester break occurs during Ramadan, which is to begin tomorrow.
Condemnations pour inÂ
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur strongly condemned the explosion, calling it a tragic and deplorable act.
He directed authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the incident and submit a comprehensive report.
The chief minister also instructed officials to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured.
“Targeting innocent people in a place of worship is an inhumane act,” Gandapur said, adding that no words were enough to condemn such an attack.
He emphasised that all available resources should be utilised to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In a statement, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) spokesperson Aslam Ghauri, condemning the suicide blast, said that the incident in Akora Khattak was deeply tragic.
He urged party workers and volunteers to extend full cooperation in relief efforts. Ghauri also appealed to JUI-F members to donate as much blood as possible for the injured.
“We pray for the martyrs to be granted the highest ranks in the hereafter,” Ghauri added.
This is a developing story and is being updated with more details.