Introduction
A devastating suicide bombing struck the Dar ul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Akora Khattak, Nowshera, during Friday prayers on March 1, 2025, just days before the start of Ramadan. Daesh (ISIS) likely did this targeted attack, killing Maulana Hamid ul Haq, the son of Maulana Sami ul Haq, a former influential religious leader whom they assassinated a few years ago. The blast has shocked the nation, drawing condemnation from Pakistan’s President, Prime Minister, and religious scholars.
Details of the Nowshera Bomb Blast
The Nowshera blast happened inside Dar ul Uloom Haqqania, one of the most prestigious Islamic seminaries in Pakistan.
- Timing: The attack took place during Friday prayers, a moment when mosques and seminaries were filled with worshippers.
- Casualties: The blast resulted in the death of Maulana Hamid ul Haq along with five others, while around 20 people sustained injuries.
- Nature of Attack: According to security reports, a suicide bomber detonated explosives inside the seminary, targeting the main prayer area.
- Investigation: Authorities suspect Daesh’s involvement, considering their past attacks on prominent religious figures in Pakistan.
- Confirmation: IG Police KPK has officially confirmed this incident
Why Was Maulana Hamid ul Haq Targeted?
Maulana Hamid ul Haq was a prominent religious and political figure, holding multiple key positions:
- Head of Dar ul Uloom Haqqania, Akora Khattak, Nowshera
- Former Senator (2002-2007)
- Head of Pakistan’s Negotiation Committee with Afghanistan
Political and Religious Stance
Recently, Maulana Hamid ul Haq attended the Islamic Conference in Islamabad, where he strongly opposed the ban on female education, advocating for women’s right to education. Following his speech, he reportedly began receiving life threats.
Additionally, he was leading Pakistan’s negotiation committee with the Afghan government, a sensitive role that could have made him a target.
Possible Involvement of TTP or ISKP in the Attack
Recent investigations suggest that Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) could be behind this deadly attack. Maulana Sami ul Haq, the father of Maulana Hamid ul Haq, played a key role in improving ties between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban government. His efforts aimed at creating peace between the two nations, which may have made him a target for groups that oppose stability in the region. The latest attack on his son, Maulana Hamid ul Haq, seems to follow the same pattern, raising concerns that these extremist groups are working to prevent any diplomatic progress between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Background of Maulana Hamid ul Haq & His Father Maulana Sami ul Haq
Maulana Hamid ul Haq (1960-2025)
- Born in 1960, Maulana Hamid ul Haq was a key figure in religious and political circles.
- Led Dar ul Uloom Haqqania, an influential Islamic seminary producing scholars and leaders.
- Served as a Senator of Pakistan (2002-2007).
- Advocated for women’s education and was vocal about political and religious issues.
- Appointed as the head of the KPK government’s negotiation team with Afghanistan.
Maulana Sami ul Haq (1937-2018)
- Born in 1937, Maulana Sami ul Haq was a renowned religious scholar and politician.
- He was often referred to as the “Father of the Taliban”, as many Afghan Taliban leaders studied at his seminary.
- Assassinated in 2018 in a targeted attack, which remains unsolved but was linked to Daesh elements.
Government & National Reaction
- President and Prime Minister of Pakistan strongly condemned the attack, calling it a terrorist act against Islam and Pakistan.
- IG Police KPK confirmed that investigations are underway to track down those responsible.
- Religious leaders and scholars expressed outrage, calling for increased security for religious figures.
Connection to the Muslim Nations Summit (January 2025)
The attack comes shortly after the Muslim Nations Summit in January 2025, where global Muslim leaders gathered to discuss critical issues. Maulana Hamid ul Haq’s stance on female education and Afghan negotiations may have made him a target.
Conclusion
The Nowshera bomb blast has once again highlighted the security risks faced by religious and political leaders in Pakistan. The assassination of Maulana Hamid ul Haq, much like his father’s murder, raises questions about the resurgence of terrorist networks in the region.
As investigations continue, the government faces mounting pressure to increase security measures, particularly ahead of Ramadan, to protect scholars and religious institutions. Officials urge citizens to follow updates, stay vigilant, and avoid spreading misinformation.