Peshawar: In an act of sectarian violence, suicide bombers killed 56 worshippers by exploding a Shia mosque where Friday prayers were being held today. The injured were rushed to the city’s Lady Reading Hospital.
According to hospital sources, 194 persons were brought to the hospital with injuries, and many were in critical condition. Mohammad Asim, a spokesperson for Lady Reading Hospital confirmed the casualties, adding that some of the injured were in critical condition.
The police said the suicide bomber struck shortly after noon in front of the Risaldar Shia Jama Masjid in Qissa Khawani Bazaar area of Peshawar. The police on duty were fired upon and one policeman was killed while another was admitted to a hospital in a critical condition. Funeral prayers of police personnel martyred in suicide bombing was later offered at Malik Saad Shaheed Police Line with full state honors. On this occasion, a well-armed contingent of police saluted the martyrs.
Offering details, the police said two assailants tried to break into the mosque. However, it claimed that it was “too early to say what caused the explosion”. No group had yet said it carried out the attack.
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Minister for Transport Shah Muhammad and Minister for Education Kamran Bangash visited the hospital and said all facilities were provided to the injured.
The Health department announced emergency in hospitals across Peshawar district hospitals in the wake of Kocha Rasladar tragedy.
Later in the evening, Senior Superintendent of Police (Operations) Haroon Rasheed visited residences of martyrs in Peshawar suicide bombing to express sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families. On this occasion, he also offered Fateha for the souls of the martyrs.
– global bihari bureau
