Imran Khan denounces terror attack in Peshawar mosque

Islamabad: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan Monday strongly condemned the terrorist attack in police lines mosque Peshawar during prayers.

Turning to Twitter, Imran Khan said: “My prayers and condolences go to victims’ families”.

He stated that it is imperative we improve our intelligence gathering, adding that “properly equip our police forces to combat the growing threat of terrorism”.

Strongly condemn the terrorist suicide attack in police lines mosque Peshawar during prayers. 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.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 30, 2023

Today in the afternoon, a suicide bomber struck inside a mosque in Peshawar's Police Lines area, killing at least 28 people and wounding as many as 140 worshippers, GNN reported.

The blast happened at about 13:40 local time inside a mosque where a large number of people had gathered for Zuhr prayer.

"A portion of the building had collapsed and several people are believed to be under it," said police official Sikandar Khan.

Reportedly, the bomber detonated his suicide vest in the first row of the congregational prayer inside the mosque as some 150 worshipers — including many policemen from nearby police offices — were praying inside.

After getting information, a heavy contingent of police rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area.

The injured are being shifted to the Lady Reading Hospital of Peshawar.

Among the injured, several are in critical condition, said hospital sources.

As per eyewitnesses, there was black smoke and the noise was so strong, almost deafening.  The explosion was powerful enough to shatter window panes of nearby buildings.

Notably, the explosion occurred in a high-security area where only authorized citizens can enter after going through several police check posts.