Nowshera: An explosion by Darul Uloom Haqqania mosque in Akora Khattak killed at least four and wounded 12, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed told Pakinomist News on Friday.

The blasting allegedly occurred under Friday prayers in the front row, and several injuries are feared as the weekly congregation attracts a large number of worshipers.

In response, the administration and medical staff in Peshawar’s Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) – which is about 45 minutes away from the explosion site – have been instructed to remain prepared for the treatment of the wounded.

The hospital’s spokesman said a high alarm and emergency has been declared on the medical facility to deal with any situation.

Jamiat Urvila-e-Islam Samiul Haq (Jui-S) leader Maulana Hamid Ul Haq, the vice principle of the seminar, was present at the mosque at the time of explosion. His son Sani Haqqani said he is in critical condition.

KP -Inspector General for Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed said the incident seemed to be targeted and the reports suggest it was a suicide bombing. He added that reports of three to four deaths had been received so far, while 10 to 12 people were injured.

The official said the police team was present at the explosion site and that there was also a search in the surroundings. Forensik and investigative team had been sent to the incident, and the district police were also present there, informed IG.

This was the last Friday prayer before Ramadan, which pulled a large crowd of worshipers. The mosque is located inside the composition of Madrassa, whose students were to go on leave when it marked the last day of their study year.

Security schemes in the mosque include the presence of several policemen and a political mobile van while seminar workers monitor visitors.

The mosque is located in the center of Dar-Ul-Uloom Haqqania, with Dar-Ul-Hadees next to it. It is a large building where senior students are pursuing their studies. Nearby there are hostels and residential quarters where Maulana Samiul Haq and his sons are resident.

In particular, Maulana Anwarul Haq, rector of the seminar, is the brother of Maulana Fazlul Haq.

Darul Uloom Haqqania, located in the city of Akora Khattak, is one of the country’s largest seminars, with thousands of students enrolled. The annual or semester break occurs under Ramadan, which will begin tomorrow.

Condemnations lean in

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur strongly condemned the explosion and called it a tragic and regrettable act.

He ordered the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation of all aspects of the incident and submit a comprehensive report.

The Minister of Main also instructed officials to ensure the best possible medical treatment of the wounded.

“Targeting innocent people in a place of worship is an inhuman act,” Gandapur said, adding that no words were enough to condemn such an attack.

He emphasized that all available resources should be used to bring the perpetrators to justice.

In a statement, Jamat Disadvanta-e-Islam-Fazl (Jui-F) spokesman Aslam Ghauri, who condemned the suicide blast that the incident in Akora Khattak was deeply tragic.

He urged party workers and volunteers to expand full cooperation in relief efforts. Ghauri also appealed to Jui-F members to donate as much blood as possible to the wounded.

“We pray for the martyrs to get the highest rows in the heside,” Ghauri added.

This is an evolving story and is updated with more details.