PESHAWAR: (HRNW) At least 30 people died and more than 100 others got injured in a blast that took place near Police Lines in Peshawar on Monday.
The explosion reportedly happened inside a mosque during Zuhr prayer, resultantly building of the worshipping place was also damaged. Police said they were determining the nature of the blast.
Security forces have cordoned off the area. Whereas, the wounded were being shifted to hospital. Meanwhile, an emergency has been declared in Peshawar hospitals.
Peshawar Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) Spokesperson Muhammad Asim said more than 70 people were injured, while condition of few of them was critical. He said more injured people were being brought to the health facility. “Police officials are also included in the wounded,” he said. The LRH has requested people to donate blood to cope with the emergency situation.
Rescue Service spokesperson Muhammad Bilal Faizi said said about 25-30 police officials were wounded and condition of six of them was serious.
Sources from police department said it was a suicide blast.
Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan condemned the terrorist attack and asked the authorities concerned to improve the intelligence gathering and equip police forces to combat terrorism.
He also prayed for families of the victims.
Imran Khan tweeted, “(I) 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.”