Suicide Bombing at Pakistani Seminary Kills Six, Including Taliban-Linked Cleric

A deadly suicide bombing struck an Islamic seminary in northwestern Pakistan during Friday prayers, claiming the lives of six worshippers, including a prominent cleric with ties to the Afghan Taliban. Authorities confirmed the attack occurred at Darul Uloom Haqqania, a historic religious school known for its connections to the militant group.

Cleric Among the Victims

Among those killed was Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq, head of the seminary and son of Maulana Sami-ul-Haq, a widely recognized figure often referred to as the “father of the Taliban.” Provincial government spokesman Muhammad Ali Saif confirmed his death along with several others who were attending prayers at the time of the explosion.

According to Maulana Abdul Haq, the victim’s brother, the attacker approached Hamid-ul-Haq as he was leaving the mosque on the seminary grounds. The assailant, wearing a vest packed with explosives, detonated the device in close range, instantly killing the cleric and injuring nearly two dozen others.

Regional police officer Najeebur Rahman reported that multiple victims sustained serious injuries, and emergency responders were working to provide medical assistance.

Reaction from Authorities

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack and expressed sorrow over Hamid-ul-Haq’s death in an official statement. The blast adds to growing security concerns in the region, where the country faces ongoing threats from various militant groups.

Darul Uloom Haqqania, located in a small town near the main highway leading to the Afghan border, has long been associated with the rise of the Taliban movement in the 1990s. The seminary remains a hub for Islamic scholarship but is frequently criticized for its alleged role in fostering radical ideologies.

Rising Insurgent Violence

Pakistan continues to grapple with multiple insurgencies, including those led by Islamist factions and ethnic separatist movements. The latter groups, often based in resource-rich provinces, have accused the central government of economic exploitation and demand greater control over local resources.

The latest bombing underscores the persistent security challenges facing Pakistan, as extremist groups continue to target religious and political figures. Officials are investigating the attack and have heightened security in key locations to prevent further incidents.