Terrorist group behind Maulana Hamid's assassination identified: sources

PESHAWAR: Authorities have identified the group responsible for orchestrating the targeted attack on Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami (JUI-S) Emir and Darul Uloom Haqqania's vice administrator Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq Haqqani, according to high-level official sources.

Sources told Geo News that a global terrorist organisation, with the backing of intelligence agencies from two hostile neighbouring countries, was involved in the planning and execution of the assassination.

A detailed investigation report into the attack has been submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, they added.  

Investigators have also identified the nationality of the suicide bomber involved in the attack, who reportedly entered the seminary from outside.

Speaking to Geo News, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed confirmed that the investigation into the case is ongoing and authorities have successfully traced the network responsible for planning the attack on the late Maulana.

At least seven other people died other than Maulana Hamid and 18 others were wounded in a suicide attack shortly after Friday prayers had culminated at the Darul Uloom Haqqania mosque in Akora Khattak.

The cleric, according to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed, was the target of the deadly terrorist attack and succumbed to his injuries while undergoing emergency medical treatment.

The seminary in question is home to roughly 4,000 students who are fed, clothed and educated for free.

The mosque is situated at the centre of Darul Uloom Haqqania, with Dar-ul-Hadees adjacent. It is a large building where senior students pursue their studies. Nearby, there are hostels and residential quarters.

With the attack warranting widespread criticism from the country's leadership including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and others, IG Hameed, as reported by The News, has revealed the head and face of the suicide bomber are intact, which will aid in the investigation.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the suicide attack, however, the involvement of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) cannot be ruled out along with the suspected involvement of Daesh.