Deadly Attack Strikes Religious Compound in Peshawar

Peshawar Pakistan – June 1 2025
A devastating explosion rocked a mosque seminary complex in the city of Peshawar on Sunday morning killing a senior Islamic cleric and injuring at least three others. The targeted attack has once again raised concerns about the resurgence of extremist violence in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region.

The blast occurred during morning religious lessons at a seminary attached to a mosque in the city’s Dir Colony area. Initial investigations suggest the use of an improvised explosive device IED planted inside the premises detonated remotely while clerics and students were present inside.

Victim Identified as Prominent Local Cleric

The most prominent victim of the attack was Maulana Hamidullah a respected senior cleric who had taught at the seminary for over two decades. Known for his moderate views and his involvement in interfaith dialogue efforts in the region his death has shocked the local religious community.

Maulana Hamidullah was reportedly leading a class on Islamic jurisprudence when the explosion tore through the small hall. Rescue teams responded swiftly transporting the injured to the Lady Reading Hospital where three other individuals remain under treatment for injuries. One of them is said to be in critical condition.

Nature of the Blast and Forensic Evidence

Officials from the Bomb Disposal Unit BDU who arrived shortly after the incident stated that approximately 2 to 3 kilograms of explosive material were used. The device was homemade and packed with ball bearings to maximize casualties said one BDU officer speaking on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing investigation.

CCTV footage from nearby shops and eyewitness accounts are being analyzed to determine how the perpetrators accessed the building and whether accomplices were involved in planting the device.

Security Lapses Questioned

Despite repeated attacks on religious institutions in the past this particular seminary had no significant security arrangements. Locals confirmed that while there were occasional patrols in the area no police or private security personnel were present at the time of the explosion.

It’s a tragedy that a place of worship and learning can be targeted so easily said Muhammad Imran a resident of the neighborhood. We’ve been raising concerns about security for months especially given the recent threats made against religious leaders.

Reaction from Religious and Political Leaders

Condemnations poured in from across the political and religious spectrum. The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced a judicial inquiry.

An attack on a religious institution is an attack on our core values. We will not rest until the perpetrators are brought to justice he said at a press briefing.

Jamiat Ulema e Islam F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman also condemned the act calling it an attack on peace and religious harmony. He urged the government to take concrete steps to ensure the safety of clerics seminaries and worshippers across the country.

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Investigation Underway – No Group Claims Responsibility Yet

As of this writing no militant group has claimed responsibility for the bombing. Security agencies are reportedly considering the involvement of both Tehrik i Taliban Pakistan TTP factions and sleeper cells from Islamic State Khorasan Province ISKP both of which have a history of attacking soft religious targets in Pakistan.

A high level joint investigation team JIT has been formed to probe the incident combining the efforts of local police Counter Terrorism Department CTD and intelligence agencies.

A History of Violence in Peshawar

Peshawar located near the Afghan border has frequently been the target of terrorist attacks particularly against schools religious sites and law enforcement. The 2014 Army Public School APS massacre remains the most horrific example claiming the lives of 149 people most of them children.

In recent months however the frequency of attacks had decreased leading to a false sense of security among locals. The latest incident has shattered that calm once again highlighting the vulnerability of religious institutions.

Funeral and Community Mourning

Maulana Hamidullah’s funeral was held under tight security in his hometown on the outskirts of Peshawar. Hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their final respects many openly weeping over the loss of a man they described as a teacher to all.

Religious scholars from various schools of thought attended the funeral calling for unity and collective prayer in the face of what they termed fitna chaos spread by enemies of Islam.

Calls for Protection of Religious Institutions

Following the incident human rights organizations and clerical councils have called on the federal and provincial governments to bolster protection for mosques seminaries and places of worship—especially those headed by outspoken or influential religious leaders.

The Council of Islamic Ideology also issued a statement urging calm while calling on law enforcement to treat attacks on religious institutions as acts of national terrorism.

Conclusion

The tragic death of Maulana Hamidullah in the Peshawar mosque seminary blast underscores the continuing threat of extremism in Pakistan particularly in regions where state security remains fragile. As investigations unfold the nation waits anxiously for justice—and action—to ensure that such attacks no longer find fertile ground.