Pakistan mosque blast leaves at least 56 killed, 194 injured

The blast rocked the mosque in the Kocha Risaldar area of the city when several people had gathered there to offer the Friday prayers.

Visuals of the blast showed shattering of the mosque's interior and which then showered the streets with broken glass.

Multiple rescue teams and security personnel reached the scene and shifted the injured people to a local hospital.

Peshawar police chief Muhammad Ijaz Khan told AFP two attackers were involved in the explosion.

One policeman died on the spot while the other was critically injured.

Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, advisor to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, in a statement to the media, confirmed that the explosion took place inside a mosque during the Friday prayers.

“Reportedly the terrorists first tried to enter the mosque where they exchanged fire with the police,” said Muhammad Ali Saif, adding that "a terrorist managed to enter the mosque and carried out the suicide attack."

Geo News reported quoting Peshawar SSP Operations Haroon Al-Rasheed that apparently it was a suicide attack.

"There were two security personnel deputed at the entrance of the mosque. One of them died during the exchange of fire while the other was seriously injured," Peshawar SSP told Geo News.

Confirming the details, CCPO Peshawar Mohammad Ejaz said that two terrorists had opened fire at the policemen and tried to enter the mosque.

"The explosion took place after an attack on policemen on duty at the entrance of the mosque," Peshawar  CCPO said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan condemned the deadly suicide attack, while the Pak PM has ordered efforts to provide immediate medical and other assistance to the wounded.

Local police have initiated an investigation into the explosion, though no millitant or terror group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.