In harrowing news, at least 17 people have been martyred while 90 people were injured in a suicide blast inside a mosque in the Police Lines, Peshawar. Two policemen have also been martyred.
According to the details, the suicide attacker was present in the front row during the prayers when he exploded himself, injuring dozens of faithful offering Zuhr prayers. A part of the mosque has collapsed, and several people are believed to be under it.
The injured have been shifted to the Lady Reading Hospital (LRC). The administration of the Lady Reading Hospital has also appealed to the masses for blood donations to treat the injured. More than 10 injured were in critical condition, doctors said. The area has been completely cordoned off and only ambulances are being allowed to enter the locality.
Read more: Culprits involved in Peshawar blast identified
The provincial health department has announced a “medical emergency” in the city in the wake of the Police Lines Peshawar bomb blast.
“All the doctors and support staff in the government health facilities including MTIs in district Peshawar are directed to remain on red alert to cope with the emergencies, till further orders,” the notification issued in this regard.
Horrific videos and pictures from the mosque are being shared on social media. An eyewitness told the media there were at least 120 people, mostly policemen, in the mosque when the incident took place. Pertinent to mention that the mosque has the capacity to hold 400-500 people at a time.
پشاور میں پولیس لائنز کی مسجد میں نماز ظہر کے دوران دھماکے کے نتیجے میں ابھی تک کی اطلاعات کے مطابق 50 افراز زخمی ہیں۔#Peshawar pic.twitter.com/XxRn1dFA7u
— Khurram Iqbal (@khurram143) January 30, 2023
The last major incident of such a nature had taken place in Peshawar last year when a suicide blast inside a Shia mosque in the Kocha Risaldar area claimed 63 lives. The incident sparked anger among Pakistanis who took to Twitter to condemn the attack. Many raised concerns that terrorism is once again seeping back into the country.