JUI-S chief among four martyred in blast at Nowshera mosque

At least four people, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Sami (JUI-S) chief Maulana Hamidul Haq, were martyred in a suicide blast at Darul Uloom Haqqania in the Akora Khattak area of Nowshera district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

At least 20 people were injured, with many in critical condition.

As per reports, the explosion occurred in the mosque's main hall shortly after Friday prayers. A large crowd of worshippers was present at the mosque during the explosion.

JUI-S chief Maulana Hamidul Haq, son of late cleric Maulana Sami ul-Haq, who was also present at the mosque, succumbed to his injuries.

Incoming reports confirmed that there were five deaths after the blast.

Authorities have declared an emergency at Peshawar's Lady Reading Hospital.

Upon receiving the information, rescue teams, including six ambulances, medical staff, and a fire brigade, swiftly arrived at the scene.

Following the explosion, police cordoned off the area. DPO Nowshera Abdul Rashid confirmed that the blast was a suicide attack.

In response to the potential loss of life, an emergency has been declared in three major hospitals in Peshawar, along with medical facilities in Nowshera.