AKORA KHATTAK, Pakistan — Thousands gathered on Saturday to mourn at the funeral of a cleric with links to the Taliban who was killed in Pakistan’s northwest.
Hamidul Haq, leader of the Jamia Haqqania seminary, was among seven victims in a suicide attack at a mosque situated within the seminary.
Authorities confirmed that Haq was specifically targeted by the attack.
He was the son of Maulana Samiul Haq, recognized as a key figure in the establishment of the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban movements. Over the years, many members of the Afghan Taliban have studied at the Jamia Haqqania seminary.
As of now, no group has taken responsibility for Friday’s bombing.
Police released an image of the alleged bomber, seeking public assistance to identify him and offering a reward of 500,000 rupees, approximately $1,787, for information regarding his identity and whereabouts.
A large crowd, including mourners and well-wishers, filled the seminary’s main hall for Haq’s funeral, while others took to the streets. The event was heavily guarded by both police forces and seminary students, ensuring a peaceful proceeding.
The attack at Jamia Haqqania was one of four that struck Pakistan on Friday, two involving mosques. The number and timing of these incidents were notably unusual, occurring just ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
