Video: 28 die in Shia mosque blast in Peshawar, 150 wounded

Twenty-eight people have died in the suicide blast that took place in a Shia mosque in the Police Lines area of Peshawar in Pakistan on Monday.

The casualties were confirmed by Peshawar Commissioner Riaz Mehsood, who added that a rescue attempt was ongoing. “An emergency has been imposed at hospitals across the city and injured persons are being provided the best medical facilities,” Pakistani newspaper Dawn quoted the official.

Many of the injured are in critical condition. The blast took place in the mosque, located in the Police Lines area of Peshawar, during afternoon prayers.

The police said the suicide attacker was present in the front row during the prayers when he exploded himself. The injured were taken to the Lady Reading Hospital of Peshawar for treatment.

According to eyewitnesses, there were over 100 people in the mosque when the explosion took place. Many of the injured include police personnel.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has condemned the terrorist suicide attack in the Shia mosque. He called for improving intelligence and equipping police forces.

“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,” Khan wrote in a tweet.

The area has been completely sealed and only ambulances are being allowed to enter the locality, according to Dawn.

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