Akora Khattak blast: Time to take decisive action against inimical forces
NOWSHERA (APP): The tranquil town of Akora Khattak is in deep mourning following a devastating suicide blast at the Haqqania seminary mosque after Friday prayers that resulted in the tragic deaths of eight individuals, including the seminary’s administrator, Maulana Hamidul Haq.
The explosion, which also left more than 20 others injured, has left the entire community in deep shock, grappling with the aftermath of the brutal attack on the peaceful worshipers.
The deadly attack, which occurred late Friday afternoon, targeted Maulana Hamidul Haq, a prominent figure in the region’s religious circles in Nowshera.
Eyewitnesses and CCTV cameras described chaotic scenes at the seminary mosque as people scrambled to help the injured, while others tried to make sense of the unimaginable horror unfolding before them.
DPO Nowshera, Abdul Rasheed Khan, confirmed the tragic toll of the blast, noting that at least eight people died immediately, including Maulana Hamidul Haq, and more than 20 others were wounded, some critically.
The attack took place as Maulana Haq was leaving the mosque for his home. The DPO said the suicide bomber, disguised as a religious scholar, managed to get close to the Maulana at the mosque’s gate before detonating the six kilogram explosives strapped to his body.
Maulana Hamidul Haq, the son of the late Maulana Samiul Haq, a respected religious leader and former senator, had succeeded his father as head of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami (JUI-S) after his father was tragically stabbed to death in Rawalpindi in November 2018.
The victims of the blast included both seminary students and worshippers who had gathered for prayers.
Mohammad Alam, a long-time resident of Akora Khattak, voiced the deep sorrow felt by the residents. “This is a place where everyone came for worship. To see this kind of suicide attack on peaceful worshipers is unbearable,” he said.
“We are in deep shock. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones.”
While no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, suspicions are high that militant factions active across the western border may be behind the blast.
Syed Akhtar Ali Shah, former IGP KP said that historically, the relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been complex, shaped by shared borders, cultural ties, and geopolitical challenges.
Over the years, he said that militant groups have used Afghan soil to launch attacks on Pakistan, often taking advantage of the porous border between the two countries.
This has led to a strained relationship, with Pakistan accusing Afghanistan of not doing enough to curb these subversive activities.
For Pakistan, he said the issue is particularly sensitive because it has faced internal instability especially in KP and Balochistan due to extremism and terrorism, some of which have been linked to groups operating from Afghan territory.
This includes the presence of groups like the TTP which has been involved in several attacks within Pakistan.
Thus, the call for Afghanistan’s soil not to be used against Pakistan is an appeal for regional stability, peaceful coexistence, and cooperation between the two nations to prevent the escalation of violence and the destabilizing influence of militant groups.
Akhtar underscores the need for both countries to address these issues through diplomatic channels, border control measures, and regional security cooperation to promote peace and security in the region.
He said time has come to take decisive action against inimical forces.
In the wake of the tragedy, there has been an outpouring of solidarity from the local community at Akora Khattak.
Residents have gathered at local mosques and residences of the victims to offer condolences, and blood donations have been organized to help those injured in the blast.
The once peaceful town is now shrouded in grief, with people coming together to mourn their loss and support one another during this difficult time.
“We are all connected here,” said Sanaullah, another local resident. “It doesn’t matter who you are, this attack has affected us all deeply.”
Professor Dr Abdul Ghafoor, former Director of Sheikh Zayd Islamic Centre in Peshawar, condemned the attack, calling it “highly deplorable” and emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation.
He also called for those responsible to be brought to justice.
“Attacking peaceful worshipers is a cowardly act that has no justification,” Dr Ghafoor stated.
The provincial government has pledged full support to the victims’ families, with emergency relief operations already underway to assist the injured.
The community, though deeply shaken, has vowed to remain resilient in the face of such a horrific event, united by their shared grief and determination to seek justice.
As investigations into the blast continue and geo fencing completed, the residents of Akora Khattak are left with a profound sense of loss. Yet, amid the sorrow, there remains hope that justice will prevail.
