In Pakistan’s northwestern city of Peshawar, a suicide bombing on Monday left 34 dead and 150 injured. Police officers made up the majority of the casualties. The bomber detonated his explosives during crowded prayers, and the mosque’s roof caved in, causing many to be injured. The Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, claimed responsibility for the attack through a Twitter post by their commander Sarbakaf Mohmand. The leading spokesman for the group was not immediately available for comment.
The attack was one of the deadliest on security forces in recent years and is part of a surge in militant attacks in Pakistan since November, when the Pakistani Taliban broke their ceasefire with government forces. The group is separate from but closely aligned with the Afghan Taliban, who took over the neighboring country in August 2021. The TTP seeks stricter enforcement of Islamic laws, the release of their members in government custody, and a decrease in the Pakistani military position in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
The bombing occurred while more than 300 worshippers were praying inside the mosque and with more approaching. Rescuers scrambled to remove debris and reach worshippers trapped under the rubble. Meena Gul, a police officer who was inside the mosque at the time of the bombing, survived unharmed but could hear cries and screams after the blast. The prayer leader, Noor-ul-Amin, was among the dead. Many of the wounded were in critical condition, leading to concerns the death toll could still rise.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif condemned the bombing, ordered authorities to provide the best possible medical treatment for the victims, and vowed to take stern action against those behind the attack. Sharif visited the wounded at the hospital and will receive a briefing about the security situation in the northwest. In a statement, former Prime Minister Imran Khan referred to the bombing as a terrorist suicide attack and expressed his condolences for the victims and their families. He also emphasized the need to improve intelligence gathering and properly equip police forces to combat the growing threat of terrorism.
An estimated $1.1 billion is needed from the International Monetary Fund to help Pakistan deal with its severe economic crisis. Talks on reviving the bailout have stalled in the past months with the IMF. Since the Pakistani Taliban ended their ceasefire with government forces in November, militant attacks have surged in the country. Monday’s attack was among the deadliest attacks on security forces in recent years.
