Pakistan mosque blast: At least 32 killed after attack in Peshawaron January 30, 2023 at 12:51 pm

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

More than 150 were injured in the attack at a crowded mosque in the city of Peshawar.

This video can not be played

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.

At least 32 people have been killed and 150 injured in a bombing at a mosque in the Pakistani city of Peshawar.

A section of the building was destroyed and officials say people are buried under the rubble.

Most of those who died were part of the police force, and it is believed they were the target of the attack.

Early reports said a bomber sitting in the front row had blown himself up, but this has not been confirmed and no group has admitted the bombing.

Peshawar police chief Muhammad Ijaz Khan told local media that between 300 and 400 police officials were present in the area at the time of the blast.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned it. In a statement, Mr Sharif said those behind the incident “have nothing to do with Islam”.

He added: “The entire nation is standing united against the menace of terrorism.”

The blast took place around 13:30 (08:30 GMT) during afternoon prayers in the north-western city, near the country’s border with Afghanistan.

A video circulating social media and verified by the BBC shows that half of a wall has caved in. The mosque is covered in bricks and debris as people clamber over the rubble to escape.

A rescue operation is continuing inside the mosque and “more bodies are being taken out,” Peshawar city Deputy Commissioner Shafiullah Khan said.

“Currently our priority is to save people buried under the debris,” Mr Khan added.

Security officials inspect the site of a mosque blast inside the police headquarters in Peshawar on January 30, 2023.

Image source, Getty Images

Mohammad Asim, a spokesman for the city’s Lady Reading Hospital, said that some of those injured were in a critical condition.

“It’s an emergency situation,” Mr Asim added.

Lady Reading Hospital has declared an emergency and told the BBC they were still receiving those injured during the explosion – and are calling for blood donations.

The prime minister travelled to Peshawar on an emergency visit, where he will be briefed by local officials and visit those wounded by the blast.

Map to show location of blast

The Pakistan Taliban are among groups that have carried out attacks in the past. They ended a ceasefire in November, and violence has been on the rise since.

Last March, Peshawar was the target of another bombing, which killed dozens in a Shia mosque.

In the capital, Islamabad Police issued a security high-alert and said security at all entry and exit points to the city had been increased.

- Advertisement -

Discover

Sponsor

Latest

How to Promote Your Site to Everyone Using the Exciting Offer of Netflix

How to Promote Your Site to Everyone Using the Exciting Offer of NetflixNot long ago I was doing research for a new article,...

Philippine students return to school for first time since Covidon August 22, 2022 at 6:20 am

Experts say the protracted school closures have worsened the country's education crisis.Image source, Getty ImagesMillions of students across the Philippines have returned to the...

DeRozan buzzer-beater seals Bulls win as James scores 43 points in Lakers victoryon January 1, 2022 at 9:35 am

DeMar DeRozan scores a buzzer-beating three-pointer to give the Chicago Bulls a 108-106 win at the Indiana Pacers in the NBA.

India blocks foreign funding for Mother Teresa charityon December 27, 2021 at 10:05 pm

Hindu hardliners have long accused the Catholic charity of trying to convert people to Christianity.Hindu hardliners have long accused the Catholic charity of trying...

FA Cup: Chelsea 2-0 Crystal Palace – semi-final highlightson April 17, 2022 at 6:01 pm

Watch highlights as Chelsea beat Crystal Palace 2-0 to book their place in the 2022 FA Cup final against Liverpool with goals from Ruben...