At least 30 worshipers embraced martyrdom while 50 others sustained injuries in a suicide bomb blast inside a mosque in Peshawar’s Kocha Risaldar area during the Friday prayers, Geo News reported, citing health and police officials.
Police and rescue personnel reached the blast site soon after the explosion and shifted the victims to Lady Reading Hospital (LRH).
An LRH spokesperson confirmed the death toll, adding that most of the injured suffered injuries in the upper parts of their bodies.
According to eyewitnesses, the powerful explosion took place during the prayers near the pulpit.
In a statement to the media, Advisor to KP Chief Minister Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif said that the explosion took place during Friday prayers.
“Reportedly the terrorists first tried to enter the mosque where they exchanged fire with the police,” said Barrister Saif.
He said that a terrorist managed to enter the mosque and carried out the attack.
Peshawar SSP Operations Haroon Al-Rasheed told Geo News that apparently it was a suicide attack.
“There were two security personnel deputed at the entrance of the mosque who martyred in gunfire with the lone terrorist. The bomber exploded himself inside the mosque.”
