Peshawar blast: A rescue official said the blast occurred at a Jamia mosque in Qissa Khwani bazaar area in Peshawar when the worshippers were offering Friday prayers. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the blast.
At least 45 people were killed and 65 others injured in an explosion on Friday near the Kissa Khwani Bazar area in Peshawar. The death toll may rise as an explosion took place inside the Jamia Masjid when prayers were going on. According to initial reports, two assailants tried to enter the mosque and opened fire on police officers on duty, Peshawar Ejaz Ahsan, a police officer in the capital city, was quoted as saying by Pakistani media. An explosion took place inside the mosque after the firing incident.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the blast.
At least 30 killed and over 50 injured in blast at a mosque during Friday prayers in Peshawar, #Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/JIcOrswPGR
— Ahmer Khan (@ahmermkhan) March 4, 2022
According to Dawn, Lady Reading's media manager Aseem Khan said that 30 bodies have been brought to the hospital so far. Officials said the condition of 10 injured is stated to be critical.
As footage emerges from the mosque area, a large contingent of security teams can be seen cordoning off the area. Witness Shayan Haider told Dawn, "I opened my eyes and there was dust and corpses everywhere.
Prime Minister Imran Khan strongly condemned the attack on Imambara and directed immediate medical aid to the victims, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement.