PESHAWAR – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s police chief has revealed that a single terrorist group, allegedly supported by the intelligence agencies of two foreign countries, planned both the killing of Maulana Hamidul Haq and the failed assassination attempt on Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed shared the findings during an official briefing and confirmed that the investigation report had been submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The report includes intelligence inputs, forensic evidence, and statements from arrested suspects.
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Police investigators found that a foreign national carried out the suicide bombing that killed Maulana Hamidul Haq at Haqqania Madrassa. The attacker entered the compound and detonated explosives. Officials believe the bomber was linked to an international terrorist group that receives support from external intelligence networks.
The same group also plotted the attack on Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Peshawar on 11 May. Acting on prior intelligence, police arrested three out of four suicide bombers a day before the planned attack. The fourth suspect blew himself up on Ring Road when confronted by police. Only the attacker died in the blast.
IGP Zulfiqar Hameed said the investigation successfully traced the group behind both plots. He added that efforts were underway to locate the remaining members and facilitators. He assured that the police were examining every possible angle.
Senior security officials described the attacks as part of a coordinated plan to destabilise Pakistan’s religious leadership. While they avoided naming any foreign governments, officials confirmed that the network received backing from external actors.
In response to these threats, the provincial government increased security for religious scholars across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Authorities deployed additional personnel and introduced surveillance measures to reduce the risk of future attacks.
Maulana Hamidul Haq was a respected Islamic scholar and the son of Maulana Samiul Haq. Maulana Fazlur Rehman is a key political and religious figure who heads the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F), one of Pakistan’s major religious-political parties.
Officials have refrained from speculation and are relying on verified intelligence. The investigation remains active as agencies examine digital data, suspect testimony, and other evidence gathered from the scenes.
Security officials say the case highlights the evolving threat from transnational terrorist networks. Police have stressed the need for stronger institutional coordination and internal resilience to prevent further attacks on national leaders.
