The suicide bombing that targeted the Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Akora Khattak on February 28, 2025, has once again shaken the region. Six lives were tragically lost in the attack, including Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani, the son of the late Maulana Samiul Haq, one of the most influential clerics in Pakistan. Eighteen others were injured as a bomb exploded after the Friday congregation, leaving an indelible scar on an institution with deep historical ties to the Afghan Taliban.
No group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack, but this is attributed to ISKP. This incident is more than just a violent act; it is a strategic attack that serves to destabilize both Pakistan and Afghanistan, deepening existing rifts within the Afghan Interim government and igniting further tensions between two neighboring countries already on edge.
Fitna in Islamic Tradition
In the Islamic tradition, fitna refers to a trial, tribulation, or disorder that causes division and unrest within the Muslim community. The Akora Khattak suicide bombing can be seen as an embodiment of fitna, intentionally sowing chaos within the religious and political fabric of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The seminary, known for its ideological affinity with the Afghan Taliban, has always been a symbol of unity for those who espouse the cause of the Taliban’s vision of governance. Attacking such an institution signifies a deliberate attempt to stoke internal divisions within the broader jihadist movement and between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The Seminary’s Strategic Importance
Darul Uloom Haqqania is a hub of religious education and a stronghold of the Taliban’s ideological backbone. Historically, it has been closely associated with the Afghan Taliban, having shaped the worldview of many of its leaders, including the late Maulana Samiul Haq. This makes the seminary a high-value target for any group looking to disrupt the Taliban’s unity and legitimacy.
The attack on this institution also highlights the growing fissures within the Taliban movement itself, as factions like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and ISKP are increasingly challenging the Taliban’s grip on power, both internally and externally. These militant groups are not only competing for dominance within the jihadist ecosystem but also pushing a narrative that seeks to undermine the Taliban’s credibility as a governing force.
The Growing Threat of TTP and ISKP
The TTP and ISKP have emerged as twin threats to both Pakistan and Afghanistan. The TTP, with its roots in Pakistan’s tribal regions, continues to launch attacks aimed at destabilizing the government in Islamabad. Meanwhile, ISKP, the affiliate of ISIS in the region, seeks to undermine the Taliban’s authority in Afghanistan by presenting itself as a more ruthless and radical alternative.
The Akora Khattak bombing is a grim reminder of how these factions are not only competing for supremacy but also working to undermine the already fragile ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The attack has the potential to deepen mistrust between the two countries, particularly as both the TTP and ISKP exploit the political and security vacuum that exists along the porous Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Furthermore, these groups are exacerbating internal fractures within the Taliban. As the Taliban struggle to maintain control over their own ranks, the increasing influence of these radical factions threatens to splinter the movement, leaving a wider vacuum for other militant groups to exploit.
Also See: Faith, Fire, and Fitna: The Cost of Pakistan and Afghanistan Discord
The Way Forward: A Unified Strategy Against Terrorism
In the wake of such attacks, both Pakistan and Afghanistan must rethink their strategies in the fight against terrorism. A unified approach that transcends political differences and focuses on the common goal of eradicating extremism is critical. The international community must also play an active role in providing both nations with the necessary support to combat these threats, which transcend national borders.
The ideological battle for the soul of the Taliban is far from over. The Akora Khattak suicide attack underscores the urgent need for both countries to put aside their differences and collaborate on counterterrorism strategies. A divided front will only serve to empower groups like TTP and ISKP, who thrive on the chaos and discord within and between nations. A strong, united strategy is the only way to ensure lasting peace and stability in this volatile region.
The Akora Khattak tragedy is a poignant reminder that the fight against terrorism requires more than military action — it demands a coordinated effort across political, ideological, and diplomatic fronts. The path forward lies in unity, not division.
