Authorities reported that 147 people were injured and 32 people were killed in a massive suicide bombing that took place inside a mosque in Peshawar’s Police Lines neighbourhood on Monday.
Security officials claim that the suicide bomber was in the front row during the prayers when he detonated himself, hurting numerous devout people who were praying Zuhr.
The incident was claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a banned organisation.
According to authorities, Sahibzada Noor Ul Amin, the mosque’s imam, also died in the explosion.
According to official sources, Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister, and Rana Sanaullah, the interior minister, will soon depart for Peshawar.
According to Peshawar Commissioner Riaz Khan Mehsud, the explosion caused at least 28 fatalities and 150 injuries.
The injured were taken to Peshawar’s Lady Reading Hospital. Blood donations for the victims have been requested by the hospital from the public.
Ejaz Khan, the CCPO of Peshawar’s Capital City Police, told the media that it was still too early to make any declarations because so many police officers were still buried beneath the debris.
“We are currently focused on the rescue operation. We cannot say with surety but there is a smell of explosives inside the mosque,” said the CCPO. He added that the location has the headquarters of the Peshawar Police, CTD, FRP, Elite Force and telecommunications department.
“Close to 300-400 policemen usually offer prayers at the Zuhr time. If a blast has taken place inside police lines then it is a security lapse but an investigation into the matter can reveal further,” said the CCPO.
Muhammad Azam Khan, the interim chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), declared a medical emergency at all Peshawar hospitals. Additionally, the temporary CM gave rescue organisations instructions to expedite their aid efforts.
“All the doctors and support staff in the government health facilities including MTIs in district Peshawar are directed to remain on red alert to cope with the emergencies, till further orders,” the notification issued in this regard.
The CM has directed the relevant authorities to deliver prompt medical aid to the injured who are being transported to hospitals, ensuring immediate measures to transfer the injured to hospitals.
After the bombing at the Police Lines in Peshawar, the provincial health department declared a “medical emergency” in the city.
پولیس لائنز پشاور میں دھماکہ۔
نگران وزیراعلی خیبر پختونخوا محمد اعظم خان کی پشاور کے بڑے ہسپتالوں میں ایمرجنسی نافذ کرنے کی ہدایت۔
Advertisementوزیراعلی محمد اعظم خان کی ریسکیو اداروں کو امدادی سرگرمیاں تیز کرنے کی ہدایت
— Chief Minister KP (@KPChiefMinister) January 30, 2023
The Police Lines are situated in the most sensitive location of Peshawar Cantt, where there are several law enforcement and FC troops on duty constantly, according to journalist Qaiser.
“Here are the offices for KP’s police investigation department and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD). At the police headquarters, there are often 1,000 police officers on duty “Added he.
The correspondent claimed that two police checkpoints must be stopped at before entering the neighbourhood.
“The bomber was able to sneak inside after passing through checking three times,” said the journalist.
Condemnations pour in
PM Shehbaz strongly condemned the blast, adding that the blast inside a mosque proves that those involved in the attack have “nothing to do with Islam.”
“These terrorists are trying to instil fear by targeting those who perform the duty of defending Pakistan,” he said, assuring the people that the coalition government will take strict action against those involved.
I strongly condemn the heinous & cowardly blast that has taken place in Peshawar mosque. The perpetrators will be found and punished.
إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون
Condolences to families who have lost an innocent member & prayers for injured. Terrorism must be buried forever.— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) January 30, 2023
پشاور پولیس لائینز کی مسجد میں خود کش دھماکہ بدترین دہشت گردی ہے۔ ایسے سفاکانہ اور بزدلانہ حملوں کا مقصد قوم کے دہشتگردی کیخلاف عزم کو کمزور کرنا ہے مگر یہ عزم ہر خون کے بہتے قطرے اور شہادت سے مذید مظبوط ہو گا۔
— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) January 30, 2023
Advertisementپشاور پولیس لائینز کی مسجد میں خود کش دھماکہ بدترین دہشت گردی ہے۔ ایسے سفاکانہ اور بزدلانہ حملوں کا مقصد قوم کے دہشتگردی کیخلاف عزم کو کمزور کرنا ہے مگر یہ عزم ہر خون کے بہتے قطرے اور شہادت سے مذید مظبوط ہو گا۔
— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) January 30, 2023
“The aim of such brutal and cowardly attacks is to weaken the nation’s resolve against terrorism, but this resolve will be strengthened by every drop of blood and martyrdom,” said the minister.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, condemning the incident, said that strict action will be taken against the terrorists, their backers and facilitators.
چیئرمین پیپلزپارٹی اور وزیر خارجہ بلاول بھٹو زرداری کی پشاور میں خودکش حملے کی مذمت
ضمنی اور عام انتخابات سے قبل دہشتگردی کے واقعات معنی خیز ہیں، بلاول بھٹو زرداری
دہشتگردوں ،ان کے سرپرستوں اور
سہولت کاروں کے خلاف سخت کاروائی ہوگی ، بلاول بھٹو زرداری @BBhuttoZardari— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) January 30, 2023
Strongly condemn the terrorist suicide attack in police lines mosque Peshawar during prayers. 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 (@ImranKhanPTI) January 30, 2023
