Pakistan: Suicide Blast In Peshawar Mosque Kills 29 Policemen, Over 150 Injured

Peshawar: There has been an explosion inside the mosque built in Police Lines in Peshawar city of Pakistan. Reports said blast was carried out by a suicide bomber who was present among the Namazis. According to local media, 29 policemen have died so far. There are reports of 158 people injured. Out of this, the condition of 90 is said to be critical.

There were mostly policemen among the injured, said the eyewitness. Hospital sources said 13 of those injured were in critical condition.

The blast occurred near the Police Lines area around 1.40 pm when a suicide attacker blew himself up during the Zuhr (afternoon) prayers.

550 people were present in mosque

An eyewitness said – Around 500 to 550 people were present in the mosque at the time of Namaz.

The suicide attacker was present in the middle row. It was not clear how he reached the Police Lines, as one has to show a gate pass to enter here. Police said the mosque had collapsed and several people were believed to be buried under its debris.

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claims responsibility

According to Pakistani media, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for the attack. After the attack, the Pakistan Army has surrounded the area. There is also an army unit's office close to it. People present in the police lines say that the blast was very powerful and its sound was heard up to 2 kilometers away. 

Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) Pakistan has a lot of influence in this area and in the past, this organization had also threatened to attack here. Some videos are available on social media after the incident. In these, the injured can be seen being taken to the hospital.

A portion of the building collapsed and several people were believed to be under it.

An emergency has been declared in the hospitals of Peshawar. The hospital has appealed citizens to donate blood for the victims.

Imran condemns attack

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan took to Twitter to express grief over the incident.

He said, "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. "