In Akora Khattak, Pakistan, thousands of mourners gathered on Saturday for the funeral of Hamidul Haq, a cleric linked to the Taliban who was killed in a recent suicide bombing. The attack occurred the previous day at a mosque located within the compound of the Jamia Haqqania seminary, where Haq served as the head. He was reported to be the intended target of the bombing, which resulted in the deaths of seven people in total.
Haq was the son of the late Maulana Samiul Haq, a prominent figure recognized as a founding member of the Taliban in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Over the decades, many individuals associated with the Afghan Taliban have received education at the Jamia Haqqania seminary, which is known for its strong ties to Islamist ideologies.
As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack that occurred on February 28, 2025. In response, local authorities have released a photograph of the alleged suicide bomber, asking the public for help in identifying him. A reward of 500,000 rupees (approximately $1,787) has been offered for information regarding the bomber's name, parentage, and residence.
The funeral service for Hamidul Haq drew a large crowd, filling the main hall of the seminary while many others prayed outside on the streets. The event proceeded without incident, attributed largely to a heavy police presence and the vigilance of seminary students who were tasked with guarding the venue.
The suicide bombing at Jamia Haqqania was part of a broader wave of violence, with authorities reporting four separate attacks across Pakistan on the same day. Notably, two of these attacks occurred at mosques, marking an unusual spike in violence right before the holy month of Ramadan.