The funeral prayers for Maulana Hamidul Haq, martyred in a suicide attack at Darul Uloom Haqqania, were offered on Saturday, drawing a large attendance of religious and political leaders, including former Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq and the Afghan Consul General.
Led by Maulana Abdul Haq Sani, the son of the deceased, the funeral was attended by thousands of scholars, mashaikhs, local dignitaries, and citizens. Tight security measures were enforced, with a heavy police presence and walk-through gates at the entrance. Participants were thoroughly checked before being allowed to enter.
CTD Registers Case and Seeks Public Assistance
In response to the attack, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has registered a case against unidentified assailants at its Mardan police station. The case, filed by Maulana Abdul Haq, includes terrorism and murder charges.
Authorities have appealed to the public for assistance in identifying the suicide bomber, offering a reward of Rs500,000 for any information leading to the attacker’s identification.
NADRA Involved in Investigation
Investigative teams have sought help from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to identify the bomber through fingerprints. CCTV footage from various locations has also been collected to trace the attacker’s movements.
Sources indicate that Maulana Hamidul Haq was targeted as he left the mosque following Friday prayers, with the assailant approaching him near the staircase. Investigators are looking into how the suicide bomber managed to enter the premises.
Security Measures Heightened Across KP
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General (IG) Zulfiqar Hameed has confirmed that investigations are ongoing from multiple angles, with the CTD and other agencies working quickly to capture those responsible for the attack. Security across the province, particularly in Peshawar and other sensitive areas, has been heightened.
Possible Motive Behind the Attack
Security sources suggest that the attack may have been carried out by the group Fitna-ul-Khawarij and its supporters. Initial findings indicate that Maulana Hamidul Haq had recently made strong statements about women’s education at an Islamic World Alliance conference, asserting that preventing women from accessing education was un-Islamic. His position reportedly led to threats against him.
Officials believe the timing of the attack, occurring during Friday prayers, highlights the attackers’ blatant disregard for religious sanctity.
