Pakistan: At least 17 Dead, 90 Injured During Massive Explosion At Mosque In Peshawar

A massive explosion took place at a mosque in the northwestern city of Peshawar today, and at least 90 people were injured, said a police official. Moreover, 17 died during the incident, the official added.

An explosion at Peshawar’s mosque

Speaking to the media, a police official, Sikandar Khan said that the explosion took place at the mosque where a large number of people had gathered for prayer at nearly 1.40 pm.

The mosque was located close to a police housing block, and there were some 260 people inside when the blast occurred, he said. “A portion of the building had collapsed and several people are believed to be under it,” police official, Sikandar Khan added.

One side of the mosque collapsed due to the impact of the blast. Moreover, A photograph published in local media showed people gathered around the collapsed wall of the mosque.

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Pak PM Shahbaz Sharif on the blast

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has condemned the bombing and ordered authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the victims. He also vowed “stern action” against those who were behind the attack.

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan also condemned the bombing, calling it a “terrorist suicide attack” in a Twitter post.

“My prayers & condolences go to victims families. It is imperative we improve our intelligence gathering & properly equip our police forces to combat the growing threat of terrorism,” Imran Khan tweeted.

Injured people were rushed to the hospital

Taking notes from the incident, the spokesperson of the Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar, Mohammad Asim said that they had received 90 injured, some of them in critical condition.

“We have received dead bodies. It’s an emergency situation,” he added.

Suicide Attacker At Mosque

According to the media report, a ‘suicide attacker’ blew himself up inside the mosque during prayers. The suicide attacker was present in the front row during the prayers when he exploded himself, said the officials.

An emergency has been imposed in the locality and the area has been cordoned off.