A bomb blast at a Shia mosque during Friday prayers in Peshawar has killed at least thirty people and injured more than 80, police and rescue officials have reported, as casualties continue to rise.
The explosion took place in Peshawar’s Kocha Risalder area during Friday prayers. The injured were immediately taken to the city’s Leady Reading Hospital, where at least 10 remain in critical condition. Further casualties are expected.
Reports are emerging suggesting the explosion was detonated by two attackers, only one of whom was a suicide bomber. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
KP Chief Minister Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif confirmed the explosion and said that “the terrorists first tried to enter the mosque where they exchanged fire with the police.” At least one policeman was martyred in the exchange.
An initial investigation by the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) found that the explosives used in the attack were homemade, weighing around five to six kilogrammes. Ball bearings and other shrapnel producing material were used in the bomb.
A witness to the explosion speaking told journalists, “I opened my eyes and there was dust and bodies everywhere.”
Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed issued a statement on twitter saying he condemned the attack and would seek a report of the incident, extending his sympathies to the families of the martyred worshippers.
پشاور میں دہشتگردی واقعے کی شدید مذمت کرتا ہوں
چیف سیکرٹری اور آئی جی کے پی سے واقعے کی رپورٹ طلب کر لی ہے
بم دھماکے سے جانوں کے ضیاع پر دکھ کا اظہار کرتا ہوں
شہید ہونے والے نمازیوں کے لواحقین سے ہمدردی کا اظہار کرتا ہوں#Peshawar
— Sheikh Rashid Ahmed (@ShkhRasheed) March 4, 2022
