Peshawar (Staff Report/ Agencies): At least 44 people were martyred and more than 157 others were injured when a suicide attacker blew himself up during Zohar prayers in a mosque located in Peshawar’s Police Lines area on Monday.
According to security officials, the suicide attacker was present in the front row during the prayers.
The injured have been shifted to the Lady Reading Hospital of Peshawar.
A spokesperson of the hospital confirmed that 32 people have been martyred in the blast and over 157 injured have been brought to the facility. More than 10 injured were in critical condition, doctors said.
The provincial health department declared an emergency in district Peshawar and asked all medical personnel to remain on duty.
Law enforcement agencies have cordoned off the attack site and have started an initial investigation.
PTI Chairman Imran Khan has strongly condemned the “terrorist suicide attack” in Peshawar and expressed sympathies with the families of the victims.
“Strongly condemn the terrorist suicide attack in police lines mosque Peshawar during prayers,” Imran Khan said in a tweet and added, “My prayers & condolences go to victims families.” “It is imperative we improve our intelligence gathering & properly equip our police forces to combat the growing threat of terrorism,” the former premier maintained.