Authorities claimed that a suicide bomber detonated the blast during Zohar prayers. The man was standing in the front row in the mosque during the prayer.
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| Photo: Collected |
Peshawar: 32 people have been killed so far in a terrible explosion in a mosque in Pakistan. Besides, at least 147 people were injured. On Monday, January 30, 2023, the explosion took place in the mosque located in the local Police Lines area during the Zohar prayer. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack, according to media reports.
Security forces said a suicide bomber detonated the blast at the mosque in Peshawar during Zohar prayers. He was standing in the first line during the prayer. Religious leader of the mosque was also killed in the attack. The injured are being treated at the local Lady Reading Hospital.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif strongly condemned the incident. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto also condemned.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Home Minister Rana Sanaullah visited Peshawar after the attack.
According to sources at Lady Reading Hospital, hundreds of people injured in the blast have been taken there. Many of them are in critical condition. Hospital authorities have asked citizens of the country to help in blood collection to save the injured.
The Peshawar state government has issued a medical red alert in the concerned area and said that all doctors, nurses and other staff have been ordered to remain at work until further notice.
An eyewitness said there were about 120 worshipers in the mosque; Most of them are policemen. The explosion occurred just after Zohar prayers began. Eyewitnesses said the explosion occurred when he was entering the mosque. It was a terrible explosion.
The country's security forces said at least 50 worshipers were injured in the blast. However, it was not immediately known whether the suicide bomber was alive.
According to media reports, the attacker detonated the blast around 2:30 am. Security forces have cordoned off the spot and an emergency situation is underway.