Deadly Suicide Blast Hits Pakistan's Notorious Seminary

The recent bombing at the Islamic seminary, known as the "University of Jihad," has claimed the life of its influential leader, Maulana Hamid ul-Haq, heightening concerns over security in the region.

At least six individuals were killed in a suicide attack that rocked the Darul Uloom Haqqania, a prominent Islamic seminary in northern Pakistan often labeled the "University of Jihad." The tragic explosion occurred in a mosque on the seminary's grounds in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, roughly 55 km from the city of Peshawar. Among the deceased is Maulana Hamid ul-Haq, a key cleric and leader of the institution. Local authorities reported that over ten others sustained injuries in the blast.

Historically, the seminary has been tied to the Taliban, having trained several of its leaders, including Mullah Omar, the group's founder. As of now, no organization has claimed responsibility for the attack, which took place just before the holy month of Ramadan, following the Friday prayer service.

Khuzaima Sami, Haq's son, shared that hundreds were in attendance during the explosion and expressed concerns over the potential for higher casualty numbers. Abdul Rasheed, the district police chief, noted that initial reports indicated the blast occurred while individuals were gathering to welcome Hamid ul-Haq after his sermon.

Darul Uloom Haqqania is renowned as a significant religious educational institution, particularly within the Deoband school of thought, and it has produced notable figures such as Jalaluddin Haqqani, the founder of the militant Haqqani Network. Haq, aged 57, had taken over leadership of the seminary following his father, Maulana Sami ul-Haq's assassination in 2018. The elder Haq was known as the "Father of the Taliban" and played a crucial role in fostering communication between the Taliban and the Pakistani government.

Both the Prime Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, and President Asif Ali Zardari voiced their condemnation of the attack, with the Pakistani Taliban describing Haq as a "preacher of truth" dedicated to the stability of madrassas. The bombing underscores ongoing security concerns amid Pakistan's complex relationship with militant groups and highlights the risks faced by religious educators in the region.