Pakistan mosque bombing

A suicide bomber set off a blast in a mosque in Peshawar, north-western Pakistan which has killed at least 100 people.

On Monday, the bomber killed at least 61 people and left around 157 injured, which has since risen to at least 100 dead.

Law enforcement began conducting rescue operations once the threat was cleared.

After the attack, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and its motives.

“The brutal killing of Muslims prostrating before Allah is against the teachings of the Quran.” Sharif said.

“Targeting the House of Allah is proof that the attackers have nothing to do with Islam.

“Terrorists want to create fear by targeting those who perform the duty of defending Pakistan.

“Those who fight against Pakistan will be erased from the page.” He said.

A spokesperson for the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP), the Pakistani Taliban, Muhammad Khorasani denied the TTPs involved in the attack.

“Regarding the Peshawar incident, we consider it necessary to clarify that Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has nothing to do with this incident.” Khorasani said.

“According to our laws and general constitution, any action in mosques, madrasas, funerals grounds, and other sacred places is an offence.” He said.

Peshawar is the capital of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan, and is frequently attacked by the TTP, which made it easier for many to place blame on the TTP.

However, on Monday, TTP officials claimed the attack was “revenge” for the death of Khalid Khorasani in 2022, which was later officially denied by Muhammad Khorasani.

Pakistan law enforcement are still continuing their investigation, and have not identified a source or motive for the attack.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan issued a statement Monday which said the attack was avoidable.

“Ill-equipped law enforcement personnel continue to be targeted in incidents that dearly cost civilian and police lives.” The statement said.

“We demand the state take action now.” It said.