Political Leader Maulana Hamidul Haq Among Six Killed in Nowshera Madrasa Suicide Blast

At least six people, including Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani, leader of the political party Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Sami (JUI-S), were killed in a suicide bombing at the Darul Uloom Haqqania madrasa in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Nowshera district on Friday. According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Police Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed, the blast occurred in the madrasa’s main prayer hall during Friday prayers. He confirmed that the attack was a suicide bombing and reported that three policemen were injured in the explosion.

The blast took place around 2 PM, prompting an immediate response from police and rescue teams. However, by 5 PM, Rescue 1122 reported that the number of injured had risen to 20. Authorities suspect that Maulana Haqqani, who was also the head of the madrasa, was the primary target of the attack.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the bombing, calling it a “heinous act of targeting worshippers.” A statement from the President House reiterated the condemnation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also denounced the attack and prayed for the speedy recovery of Maulana Haqqani and the other injured victims. He directed authorities to ensure the best medical treatment for the wounded and sought a detailed report on the incident.

Following the blast, rescue teams transported the injured to nearby hospitals. The KP government declared a state of emergency in all hospitals and healthcare facilities in Peshawar, located approximately 70 km from Nowshera. A statement from the KP Commissioner’s Office emphasized the need to ensure the presence of medical staff and the availability of essential medicines.

Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani was the son of the slain cleric Maulana Samiul Haq and served as the vice chancellor of Darul Uloom Haqqania. He also led JUI-S and had previously been a member of Pakistan’s National Assembly from 2002 to 2007.

Separate Blast in Quetta Injures 10

In another attack on Friday, a motorcycle laden with explosives detonated near Jan Muhammad Road in Quetta, Balochistan, injuring at least 10 people, including a security personnel. Police and rescue teams quickly arrived at the scene, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. Authorities have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the nature and cause of the explosion. Initial police reports indicate that the explosive device was strapped to a motorcycle, but further investigations are ongoing.

These attacks highlight the rising wave of terrorism in Pakistan. Earlier in the day, six people were killed in the suicide bombing at Darul Uloom Haqqania in Nowshera. KP Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed reiterated that Maulana Haqqani was the primary target of that attack.

Rise in Terror Attacks in Pakistan

Pakistan has witnessed a significant increase in terrorist activities, with a sharp 42% rise in attacks recorded in January this year compared to the previous month. According to data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), 74 terror attacks were reported across the country in January alone, resulting in 91 deaths. Among the casualties were 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 terrorists. Additionally, 117 people were injured, including 53 security personnel, 54 civilians, and 10 terrorists.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains the worst-affected province, followed by Balochistan. Terrorists carried out 27 attacks in various KP districts, killing 19 people, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and two terrorists. In the formerly FATA-administered tribal districts of KP, 19 attacks resulted in 46 deaths, including 13 security personnel, eight civilians, and 25 terrorists. Meanwhile, Balochistan has also seen an increase in terrorist activities, with 24 attacks claiming 26 lives, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and nine terrorists.

The recent blasts in Nowshera and Quetta underscore the ongoing security challenges in Pakistan, prompting renewed calls for heightened vigilance and counterterrorism efforts.