Peshawar, Feb 28: A devastating blast at Madrassa-e-Haqqania in Akora Khattak, Nowshera district, claimed the lives of at least five people and left 20 others injured during Friday prayers, officials confirmed.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah stated that the madrassa's caretaker and Jamiat Ulema Islam (Sami Group) chief, Hamidul Haq Haqqani, was among the deceased.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed suggested that the explosion was likely a suicide bombing, with Hamidul Haq appearing to be the primary target. "We had assigned six security guards for his protection," he noted.
According to District Police Officer (DPO) Abdur Rasheed, the explosion occurred during Jumma prayers, leading to immediate chaos at the religious seminary. Rescue teams swiftly arrived at the scene, transporting the injured and deceased to nearby hospitals, prompting authorities to declare an emergency in both Nowshera and Peshawar hospitals.
A doctor at Qazi Hussain Medical Complex confirmed receiving 20 injured victims and five bodies.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi strongly condemned the attack. Meanwhile, JUIF leaders urged the public to donate blood for the wounded victims.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the attack, as security remains on high alert in the region.
