Who killed Maulana Hamidul Haq? The shocking attack that shook Pakistan

A devastating suicide bombing struck Darul Uloom Haqqania, a well-known Islamic seminary in Akora Khattak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, during Friday prayers on February 29, 2025. The blast claimed the lives of at least six people, including the seminary’s leader, Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani, and left more than 20 others injured. The attack has sent shockwaves through the religious and political landscape, with authorities vowing to bring those responsible to justice.

Suicide Bomber Targets Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani During Friday Prayers

The bombing occurred inside the mosque within the seminary compound as worshippers gathered for Friday prayers. Initial reports suggest that the assailant, suspected to be a suicide bomber, approached Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani as he was exiting the mosque before detonating an explosive-laden vest. The force of the blast caused significant casualties, with many among the injured suffering severe burns and trauma. The explosion shattered the mosque’s walls, sending debris flying across the prayer hall, leaving a scene of devastation.

Emergency response teams arrived at the scene within minutes, evacuating the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment. Many of the victims remained in critical condition, prompting urgent calls for blood donations. Security forces quickly cordoned off the area, launching an initial investigation into the attack. Authorities suspect that the bombing was a targeted assassination, given Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani’s influential position in religious and political circles.

Who Was Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani?

Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani, the head of Darul Uloom Haqqania, was a prominent Islamic scholar and politician. Born in 1968, he was the son of Maulana Samiul Haq, a key religious leader who was assassinated in 2018. After his father’s death, he took over leadership of both the seminary and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami (JUI-S), a political and religious party.

Throughout his career, Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani played a significant role in Pakistan’s religious and political landscape. He was known for his deep knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence and was a respected figure among conservative religious groups. His political influence extended beyond the seminary, as he once served as a member of Pakistan’s National Assembly from 2002 to 2007 under the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) alliance. Over the years, he advocated for Islamic education reforms while maintaining ties with various political and religious groups. His leadership of JUI-S, a faction historically linked to the Taliban, made him a highly influential figure in both Pakistani and Afghan religious politics.

Darul Uloom Haqqania: A Seminary with a Controversial Past

Founded in 1947 by Maulana Abdul Haq, Darul Uloom Haqqania is one of the most influential Islamic seminaries in Pakistan. It has produced thousands of religious scholars, including some of the most senior members of the Afghan Taliban. Due to its alumni network, it has been referred to as the “University of Jihad,” a label the institution’s leadership has long rejected. The seminary has frequently faced scrutiny for its alleged connections to militant groups, though its administration has consistently denied direct involvement in extremism.

Despite these controversies, Darul Uloom Haqqania has received government funding for its religious education programs. Over the years, Pakistani authorities have defended their financial support for the seminary, arguing that it plays a crucial role in mainstreaming religious education. However, international observers and security experts have often expressed concerns that institutions like Darul Uloom Haqqania could be breeding grounds for radical ideologies.

Pakistan’s Leadership Condemns Attack, Pledges Action

The suicide bombing has drawn strong condemnation from Pakistan’s leadership. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the attack as a “cowardly act of terrorism”, stressing that the perpetrators would face justice. He directed law enforcement agencies to launch an immediate investigation and provide the injured with the best medical care available. He further emphasized that such acts of violence would not weaken Pakistan’s fight against terrorism.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of Maulana Hamidul Haq and acknowledged his contributions to religious scholarship. In a statement, he assured that the government would take every necessary measure to prevent future attacks on religious institutions. Religious scholars and political figures from across the country also condemned the bombing, urging authorities to improve security for seminaries and religious leaders.

Afghan Taliban and Religious Leaders React to the Tragedy

Given Darul Uloom Haqqania’s historical ties with the Taliban, the Afghan Taliban leadership issued a statement condemning the attack, describing the assassination of Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani as a severe loss to the religious and scholarly community. The Taliban’s spokesperson expressed condolences to his family, associates, and students, calling for justice against those responsible.

Religious groups across Pakistan and Afghanistan have expressed grief over his death, with many calling for enhanced security at mosques and seminaries. Prominent clerics have urged followers to remain calm and united, warning against further violence.

Security Concerns Rise Amid Escalating Militant Violence

The attack comes amid a resurgence of militant violence in Pakistan, particularly in regions bordering Afghanistan. Security analysts note that since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist activities, with both civilian and religious institutions being targeted. Experts argue that the porous border between Pakistan and Afghanistan has allowed militant groups to reorganize and launch attacks with greater frequency.

Investigation Underway, No Immediate Claims of Responsibility

As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, security officials are exploring possible links to militant factions operating in the region. The bombing’s targeted nature, particularly against a high-profile religious leader, has raised concerns about sectarian motives or broader extremist agendas. Authorities have begun examining CCTV footage and collecting forensic evidence from the blast site to identify those behind the attack. Counterterrorism officials are also investigating whether the bombing was orchestrated by regional militant groups or involved foreign elements seeking to destabilize Pakistan.

Nation Mourns, Calls for Justice Grow Louder

The killing of Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s religious and political circles. Thousands of his followers, students, and political allies have gathered to mourn his death. Funeral prayers were held under tight security, with prominent clerics and political figures in attendance. As Pakistan mourns this senseless act of violence, pressure is mounting on the government to strengthen counterterrorism measures, particularly in vulnerable religious institutions. Many are calling for a comprehensive review of security protocols to prevent similar attacks in the future.