At least 30 worshippers have been killed in a “horrific” blast at a Shiite mosque in northwest Pakistan, with a further 56 wounded.
At least 30 worshippers have been killed in a blast at a Shiite mosque in northwest Pakistan, with a further 56 wounded.
On Friday evening AEDT, local reports emerged of the blast that occurred moments before Friday prayers in the Kocha Risaldar area of Peshawar, around 190 kilometres west of Pakistan capital Islamabad.
Peshawar is a two-and-a-half hour drive from Rawalpindi, where Australia’s cricket team was playing the first day of a historic Test match against Pakistan.
According to reports, children and the elderly are among the injured.
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“We are in a state of emergency and the injured are being shifted to the hospital,” police officer Mohammad Sajjad Khan told Reuters.
“We are investigating the nature of the blast, but it seemed to a suicide attack.”
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has condemned the attack, which is reportedly an incident between rival Muslim factions.
The explosion blew out the windows of nearby buildings, and frantic rescuers were seen ferrying the dead and wounded from the scene.
“I saw a man firing at two policemen before he entered the mosque,” a witness told AFP. “Seconds later I heard a big bang.”
Another witness told AP: “I opened my eyes and there was dust and bodies everywhere.”
Graphic videos of the blast’s aftermath circulated social media channels.
Muhammad Asim Khan, a spokesman for Peshawar’s Lady Reading Hospital, confirmed the death toll of 30 and said hospitals have declared an emergency.
The Australian men’s cricket team has not toured the Asian nation since 1998 due to security concerns.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Australian Test captain Pat Cummins said he was reassured by the touring party’s high-level security, the sort normally reserved for visiting heads of state.
Over 4000 security personnel are providing support for the first Test in Rawalpindi.
“It’s comforting. We are really lucky to be surrounded by so many professionals,” Cummins said.
“Absolutely feel incredibly safe. Lots of security, straight off the plane and straight to the hotel.”
Last week, Cricket Australia investigated a death threat that was sent to the partner of spin bowler Ashton Agar.
— with AFP