Nowshera attack

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It seems to be a target-precision attack by anarchist elements who wanted to eliminate the JUI-S leadership. The suicide bombing at a mosque situated inside Darul Uloom Haqqania, Akora Khattak in Nowshera district of K-P has resulted in the martyrdom of Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani and, at least, five others prior to Friday congregation.

A glance at the modus operandi clearly reveals that the aim of the unscrupulous elements was the reputed religious scholar who, despite his learned contribution to the seminary, preferred to keep a low profile and was, of late, seen instrumental in brokering a thaw between Afghanistan and Pakistan. His father, Maulana Samiul Haq, known as 'Spiritual Father of Taliban' was stabbed to death in 2018 in mysterious circumstances. The attack seems part of a plot to spew hatred in an already volatile province.

While K-P and Balochistan are in the eye of the storm with the intrusion of unchecked men and material from across the western frontiers, the Nowshera killing must be closely read in detail. It could lead to attacks on other sects just to convey the impression of retaliatory sectarianism, and further push the country towards the brink. That has been a nomenclature on the part of sleeping cells and their foreign handlers, and the revulsion that is being witnessed in settled areas and newly-merged districts, especially Parachinar, is a case in point.

The Nowshera attack also indicates undercurrents of realpolitik. There has been persistent pressure on authorities to distance from the Haqqani network on both sides of the divide. It is common knowledge that several stalwarts in the Kabul dispensation are students of Samiul Haq tutoring, and they beg to differ in their policy prescription for the war-ravaged state. Thus, a plot to pitch Kabul and Islamabad cannot be ruled out either.

While we lack retribution and stringent follow-ups after terror attacks, this bombing necessitates some forensic detailing to unearth the monster in our midst.