PESHAWAR: A powerful bomb exploded inside a mosque in Pakistan’s northwestern city of Peshawar on Friday, killing more than 30 worshippers and wounding dozens more, many of them critically, police said.
Local police official Waheed Khan said the explosion occurred as worshippers had collected in the Kucha Risaldar mosque in Peshawar’s old city for Friday prayers. Ambulances rushed through congested narrow streets carrying the wounded to Lady Reading Hospital, where doctors worked feverishly.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the blast, but both the Daesh group and a violent Pakistani Taliban organization have carried out similar attacks in the region, located near the border with neighboring Afghanistan.
Shayan Haider, a witness, had been preparing to enter the mosque when a powerful explosion threw him to the street.
“I opened my eyes and there was dust and bodies everywhere,” he said.
At the Lady Reading Hospital Emergency department, there was chaos as doctors struggled to move the many wounded into operating theaters.
Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned the bombing.
At least 30 killed, dozens wounded in bomb blast targeting mosque in northwest Pakistan
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At least 30 killed, dozens wounded in bomb blast targeting mosque in northwest Pakistan
- Bomb blast took place as worshippers gathered for weekly Jumma prayers, says local police officer
- No one has claimed responsibility for the attack so far
Tariq confident Pakistan can bounce back after India drubbing
- Pakistan suffered 61-run defat at India’s hands, must beat Namibia on Wednesday to advance further
- Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq says team has worked on mistakes, has resolved not to repeat them
COLOMBO: Spinner Usman Tariq said Tuesday he was confident that Pakistan can bounce back from their T20 World Cup drubbing against India and seal qualification for the next round.
India’s 61-run romp means Pakistan must beat Namibia in their final match in Colombo on Wednesday to qualify for the Super Eights.
A defeat would eliminate Pakistan, who are third behind the USA on net run rate in Group A.
It would also leave an outside chance for the Netherlands to qualify, but they would need a big win over co-hosts India in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
“Lifting the team is only difficult when you don’t work on your mistakes committed in the last game,” Tariq told reporters.
“We have worked on our mistakes so I think it will not be a tough task.
“We have a resolve not to commit the same mistakes again.”
Pakistan were criticized for asking India to bat then folding meekly for 114 in 18 overs chasing a stiff 176 target.
“We can feel their (fans’) disappointment because the match is watched by the whole nation,” Tariq said.
“So we feel their pain but I am sure when we play them (India) next we will put up a better show.”
Tariq dismissed rumors that batting star Babar Azam and pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi could be dropped against Namibia after poor performances against India.
“Both Azam and Shaheen have won many matches for Pakistan so if they did not perform well in one game we should not write them off,” said Tariq.
Pakistan have faced Namibia only once before in a T20 international.
“Whoever we play we have the confidence to beat them and our goal is to play the final and win the cup which we will try our best to achieve.”
Namibia have lost all three of their group matches.
