Tahir Maqsood Chheena
On Friday, a devastating bombing at the Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Nowshera district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), marked a significant shift in the type of targets militants in the region are focusing on. Historically, militants in Pakistan have concentrated their attacks on security personnel and government officials, but this latest attack represents a new level of audacity, targeting a prominent religious institution and its leadership.
The bombing claimed several lives, including that of Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani, the head of the seminary. Maulana Haqqani, who was regarded as the religious heir to his murdered father, Maulana Samiul Haq—often referred to as the ‘Father of the Taliban’—was reportedly the apparent target of the attack. Maulana Samiul Haq, known for his political involvement and influence in the rise of the Afghan Taliban, had long been an important figure in the region. The bombing, according to initial reports from police, was likely a suicide blast, further indicating the targeted nature of the attack.
While no group has officially claimed responsibility for the bombing, the Afghan Taliban have hinted that the self-styled Islamic State (ISIS) could be involved. An official from the Afghan interior ministry condemned the attack and attributed blame to “enemies of religion,” which many interpret as a reference to ISIS. Those familiar with the regional dynamics of militancy also believe that the bombing may be the work of ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K), a group that has openly criticized the Haqqania seminary for its affiliation with the Afghan Taliban.
If ISIS-K is indeed behind this attack, it signals a growing security threat in KP. The province, along with parts of Balochistan, has been a hotbed for terrorist activity in recent years, with many of the attacks attributed to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliated groups. However, ISIS-K represents a potentially even more dangerous force. Known for its brutal tactics, radical ideology, and global ambitions, ISIS-K is a far more militant and sectarian group than its regional rivals. The possibility that this group could be active in Pakistan is a worrying development, as it could further destabilize an already volatile security landscape.
ISIS-K has long expressed disdain for clerics and religious institutions that support democratic ideals or engage in politics. Both Maulana Samiul Haq and his son, Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani, were involved in Pakistani politics, with their seminary serving as a key training ground for numerous high-ranking Afghan Taliban leaders. This alignment with the Afghan Taliban could have made them prime targets for groups like ISIS-K, who see such political involvement as a betrayal of their extreme interpretation of Islam. The Haqqani family’s strong ties to the Taliban may have been seen as a threat by ISIS-K, which views the Taliban’s more pragmatic approach to governance and diplomacy as contrary to their own radical agenda.
While the Haqqani family’s links to the Taliban are well-documented, it is important to consider all possible motives behind the attack. The situation in the region is highly complex, with various militant groups vying for control and influence, both in Afghanistan and across the border in Pakistan. A thorough investigation into the attack will be essential to uncovering the true motives and culprits behind this tragedy. However, one thing is clear: the growing influence of ISIS-K in the region poses a new and formidable challenge to Pakistan’s already strained security forces.
The emergence of ISIS-K in Pakistan and Afghanistan represents a dangerous shift in the dynamics of regional militancy. While the Taliban, despite their brutal methods, have historically been more focused on consolidating power within Afghanistan and have had a somewhat ambivalent relationship with external militant groups, ISIS-K has a much broader, more global agenda. The group’s open hostility toward the Taliban, along with its sectarian and ideological extremism, makes it a far more unpredictable and violent threat.
For Pakistan, the rise of ISIS-K is a chilling reminder of the broader, transnational nature of modern terrorism. While groups like the TTP have remained focused on regional goals, ISIS-K is driven by a desire to establish a global caliphate, which includes destabilizing Pakistan and Afghanistan. The group has shown no hesitation in targeting religious institutions, government officials, and security personnel alike. This makes ISIS-K a far more dangerous adversary, as it is willing to engage in violent attacks not only for local control but for global recognition.
What makes the situation even more concerning is that ISIS-K has increasingly targeted areas like KP, which has long been a flashpoint for militant activity. In recent years, the province has seen a resurgence of terrorist violence, with various militant groups taking advantage of its rugged terrain and porous border with Afghanistan. The Pakistani government has struggled to contain these forces, which often operate with impunity in parts of the region. The bombing of Darul Uloom Haqqania serves as a stark reminder that the security situation in KP remains fragile and that new threats continue to emerge.
The situation calls for a more concerted effort from both the Pakistani and Afghan governments to address the rising threat from ISIS-K. While the two countries have historically had strained relations, particularly over issues like the Afghan Taliban and cross-border militancy, the bombing of a prominent religious institution provides a clear opportunity for collaboration. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan have a vested interest in defeating ISIS-K, as the group threatens the stability of both nations. If the attack is indeed the work of ISIS-K, it underscores the need for improved intelligence sharing, border security, and joint counterterrorism efforts between the two governments.
Furthermore, the bombing highlights the broader threat posed by the rise of radical ideologies in the region. While the Haqqani family may have been targeted for their ties to the Taliban, the underlying issue is the growing influence of extremist groups like ISIS-K, who are determined to impose their violent, sectarian worldview on the region. This ideological battle is playing out on multiple fronts, from religious institutions to political structures, and poses a significant challenge to any efforts at regional stability or peace.
In conclusion, the bombing of Darul Uloom Haqqania represents a dangerous shift in the nature of militant attacks in Pakistan. If ISIS-K is indeed behind the attack, it signals a new phase in the region’s security crisis, one that poses a greater threat to Pakistan’s stability than ever before. The government must work closely with Afghan authorities to counter the growing influence of ISIS-K, while also addressing the ideological and security challenges posed by these militant groups. Only through a coordinated and multifaceted approach can Pakistan hope to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of its citizens.
