PESHAWAR: The death toll in the Peshawar Police Lines Mosque increased to 44 on Monday evening. The number of injured worshipers was also reported around 150.
According to security officials, the suicide attacker was present in the front row during the prayers when he exploded himself, injuring dozens of faithful offering Zohr prayers.
Peshawar Deputy Commissioner Shafi Ullah Khan has confirmed 44 casualties of worshipers.
According to media reports, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for the most tragic suicide blast in Peshawar.
The suicide attacker was present in the front row of the mosque during the Zohr prayers. He exploded himself, killing two cops and injuring dozens of faithful offering Zohr prayers.
The injured were shifted to the Lady Reading Hospital of Peshawar.
More than 10 injured people are in critical condition, doctors said. The hospital has appealed to the citizens to donate blood for the victims.
An Eyewitness Account of blast
An eyewitness told the media that he was on his way to the mosque when the suicide blast took place.
He said, “It was a powerful explosion, and smoke engulfed the blast site.” After the blast, the roof of the mosque also collapsed, he added
“There were at least 120 people in the mosque when the incident took place. It was a suicide blast because the bomber was inside the mosque’s inner courtyard. The Zohr prayers had just started when it happened. There were mostly policemen among the injured,” said the eyewitness.
Medical emergency declared
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) caretaker chief minister Muhammad Azam Khan declared a medical emergency in all hospitals of Peshawar. He also ordered to pace up rescue and relief activities.
