Islamabad: Emir of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami (JUI-S) Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani was among five persons martyred while 12 others sustained injuries in a suicide blast that targeted the historic seminary's mosque in Nowshera, officials confirmed on Friday.

The bomb exploded in the front row soon after the Friday prayer as worshippers were leaving the weekly congregation at the Darul Uloom Haqqania mosque in Akora Khattak, located about 60 kilometres (35 miles) east of Peshawar.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed told media that Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani, the son of late Maulana Samiul Haq Haqqani, was the target of the attack.

Maulana Hamid, the vice administrator of Darul Uloom Haqqania and Emir of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami (JUI-S), succumbed to his injuries as he was being given medical aid, the top cop said.

He added that police teams were present at the site of the explosion and a search was also underway in the surroundings. Forensics and investigation teams had been dispatched to the incident site and the district police officer was also present there, the IGP said.

In response, the administration and medical staff of Peshawar's Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) - which is around 45 minutes away from the blast site - were directed to remain prepared for treating the injured.

The hospital spokesperson said a high alert and emergency had been declared at the medical facility to deal with any situation.

Latest reports suggest that the blast took place near the gate of the mosque from where Maulana Hamid was going back to his home, which is at a distance of 10 to 12 feet from the mosque.

The bodies of four deceased have been kept at the Qazi Hussain Ahmed Medical Complex, while the other injured are receiving treatment. Meanwhile, Hamid's body is at Nowshera CMH.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur strongly condemned the explosion, calling it a tragic and deplorable act.

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

The chief minister also instructed officials to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured.

"Targeting innocent people in a place of worship is an inhumane act," Gandapur said, adding that no words were enough to condemn such an attack. He emphasised that all available resources should be utilised to bring the perpetrators to justice.

In a statement, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Spokesperson Aslam Ghauri, condemning the suicide blast, said that the incident in Akora Khattak was deeply tragic. He urged party workers and volunteers to extend full cooperation in relief efforts. Ghauri also appealed to JUI-F members to donate as much blood as possible for the injured.

"We pray for the martyrs to be granted the highest ranks in the hereafter," Ghauri added.

President Asif Ali Zardari has also strongly condemned the heinous act of targeting worshippers in a suicide attack in Nowshera. He expressed deep sorrow and regret over the loss of innocent lives, and called the attack on worshippers a brutal and unforgivable crime.

The president declared that terrorists are enemies of the country, the nation, and humanity. He has prayed for forgiveness for those killed and offered condolences to their families.

Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the blast and condoled the death of JUI-S chief Maulana Hamidul Haq and other victims. He has directed the authorities to ensure all possible medical assistance for the injured.

He directed that the best medical facilities be administered to the injured and sought a report of the incident. 'Such cowardly and heinous acts of terrorism cannot dampen our resolve against terrorism,' the PM said. '[We are] resolute to completely eradicate all forms of terrorism from the country.'

Meanwhile Chairman Senate, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, has strongly condemned the tragic blast that occurred at Darul Uloom Haqqania in Akora Khattak, which resulted in the loss of innocent lives. The blast targeted prominent JUI (S) leader Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani, along with other worshippers.

Chairman Senate expressed his deep sorrow and extended condolences, stating, "Maulana Hamidul Haq was a man of great integrity and kindness. His loss is deeply felt, and I share in the grief of his family during this difficult time."

He further stated that the attack is utterly condemnable, and the perpetrators of such cowardly acts are enemies of the nation. "These barbarians who play with the lives of innocent citizens have no religion. These elements will be dealt with an iron hand," Chairman Senate remarked.

Chairman Senate also offered prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured in the blast and called upon the authorities to bring the responsible parties to justice swiftly. May Allah Almighty grant patience and strength to the bereaved family and all those affected by this tragic incident.

Interior Minister Senator Syed Mohsin Raza Mohsin Naqvi, while denouncing blast, expressed deep sorrow and regret over the loss of precious human lives, according to the interior ministry's post on X. '[He] extends heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the martyrs, prays for the speedy recovery of the injured, including Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq Haqqani.'

Mohsin Naqvi extended heartfelt condolences to the families of Maulana Hamidul Haq and other martyrs. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He paid tribute to the religious services of Maulana Hamidul Haq and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and his devotees in this hour of grief.

Mohsin Naqvi stated that no words are enough to condemn this tragic incident. He said the enemy is carrying out heinous conspiracies to destabilize the country, but with the support of the nation, every conspiracy of the enemy will be foiled. He assured that the government stands by the families of the martyrs and the injured and will provide all possible assistance.

KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur 'severely' condemned the incident, asking authorities to submit a report immediately.

The chief minister, in a statement, also directed officials to rescue the injured persons in the incident in a timely manner and 'provide them with the best medical facilities'.

'Targeting innocent people in a place of worship is an inhumane act,' he said, adding that 'all available resources should be used to bring the elements involved in the heartbreaking incident to justice'.

KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also sought a report of the incident from higher authorities, calling the explosion a 'conspiracy of hostile forces'.

'I don't know how long the province will bear the consequences of the incompetence and collusion of the provincial government,' he stated, adding it was 'important to get rid of the rulers who harbour terrorists in the province'.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif prayed for the swift recovery of the injured worshippers. She has labelled the attack during Friday prayers an act of open terrorism, affirming that Pakistan will win the war against terrorism, emphasizing that the entire nation stands united.