Peshawar: At least 30 people were killed and more than 50 others injured when a bomb ripped through a crowded Shia mosque during the Friday congregation in this northwestern Pakistani city, officials said. The toll may rise as some of the injured are in critical condition. Rescue operations are still on as many people are feared still trapped inside.
A rescue official said the blast occurred at a Jamia mosque in Qissa Khwani bazaar area here when the worshippers were offering Friday prayers.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the blast.
Asim Khan, media manager of ‘Lady Reading’, said 30 bodies had been brought to the hospital so far, according to ‘Dawn’. Officials said the condition of 10 injured is stated to be critical.
Capital City Police Officer Peshawar Ijaz Ahsan said two attackers tried to enter the mosque and fired at the policemen standing guard. One policeman was killed while the other was critically injured, he said. The blast occurred following the firing incident, he added.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has strongly condemned the attack. He directed provision of immediate medical treatment to the injured, his office said in a statement. “This attack on innocent people is hideous,” the statement from the PM’s office said.
Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid also condemned the attack. He said he had directed the provincial chief secretary and inspector general of police to submit a report as soon as possible.