A suicide bombing at a mosque in Pakistan killed at least 95 people and injured more than 150 others on Monday. The explosion, which took place in the northeastern city of Peshawar, occurred during evening prayers and an estimated 300 to 350 people were inside the building.
AP reported that the attack provoked reactions throughout the region from both opposition parties. Government officials criticized the attack, in which mostly policemen were killed, as the temple was located within a large complex that served as the local police headquarters.
Shahbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, ordered in a tweet that PML-N workers donate blood to help the injured. He also condemned the attack in a statement and assured that those responsible would face "firm action."
I order PML-N workers to donate blood to save the lives of those injured in the suicide attack. We appeal to people of negative blood groups, students, victims'the and party workers to immediately reach Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, and help save precious human lives.
مسلم لیگ (ن) کے کارکنوں کو ہدایت کرتا ہوں کہ خودکش حملے میں زخمیوں کی جان بچانے کے لئے خون کے عطیات دیں، خاص طور پر 'او۔نیگیٹو' خون کے حامل عوام، طالب علم اور پارٹی کارکنان سے اپیل ہے کہ فی الفور لیڈی ریڈنگ ہسپتال، پشاور پہنچیں اور قیمتی انسانی جانیں بچانے میں اپنا حصہ ڈالیں۔
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) January 30, 2023
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan also spoke out about the attack. In a tweet he posted in both Arabic and English, he claimed that it is "imperative" for the country to upgrade 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
The deputy commissioner of the city, Shafiullah Khan, said in a statement reported by Infobae, that the number of deaths and people injured could continue to rise:
I am here at the scene and rescue efforts are underway. More bodies are being removed. Right now our priority is to save the people buried under the rubble.
Sarbakaf Mohmand, a Pakistani Taliban commander, claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack on Twitter. However, it has not yet been confirmed that this group is responsible for the attack, as no spokesperson for the organization has confirmed these claims.
