At least 56 people were killed and scores injured in a suicide blast that took place during Friday prayers in Peshawar’s Qissa Khuwani Bazar.
According to initial reports, the suicide bombing took place after an exchange of fire between the suicide bombers and security forces.
CCPO Peshawar Ijaz Ahsan told media that two attackers tried to enter the mosque when the police officers guarding the mosque opened fire on them.
The exchange of fire resulted in the martyrdom of one police official while the other was seriously injured.
The injured were shifted to the Lady Reading Hospital where a huge number of people had gathered.
A cordon was thrown around the site of the blast.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
Speaking to a private news channel, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid claimed that foreign elements were involved in the attack.
“These elements do not want stability in Pakistan,” he said stressing that this was to sabotage Pakistan’s efforts of bringing peace to Pakistan.
