Summary Preliminary investigations say that explosives were planted in a ghee container made of tin.
PESHAWAR/NOWSHERA: (Dunya News) – An explosion at the Tablighi center in Peshawar has killed at least eight people including 2 children while injuring 60 others. Hours later, a bag filled will explosives was found outside the center. In another incident, a similar explosive device was discovered in Nowshera also at the Tablighi center and was timely defused by the bomb disposal squad.
The Peshawar blast occurred in the prayer areas upstairs near one of the pillars of the building during Maghrib prayers. Preliminary observations by the police reveal that the explosion was a result of an explosive device planted in a ghee container made of tin. The device found in Nowshera was also planted in a similar manner.
According to Dunya News reports, Taliban have denied responsibility of the attack, forcing authorities to look out of the box including sectarian angle for the investigation. Federal Interior Minister has also sought the report of the incident.
Around 800 people had gathered for the evening prayers at the center in Peshawar. The explosion killed at least eight worshippers and seriously injured over sixty.
The rescue operatives rushed to the site of explosion; taking the injured to the Lady Reading hospital and declaring emergency on other major hospitals as well.
Provincial Information Minister Shah Farman said strict action will be taken if there was a security lapse, maintaining that investigation was underway. Answering the question about possibility of negotiating with Taliban, the minister said the whole nation was onboard.
Condemnations and condolence messages started pouring in soon after the blast. PM Nawaz, interior minister and political leaders condemned the Peshawar blast.
Tablighi Jamaat is widely considered as non-violent movement that maintains its distance with political affairs. Terrorist attacks have previously targeted the civilians on both political and sectarian basis. The nature of this attack is considered unusual as per the reports.
Meanwhile, banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has reportedly denied its involvement in the blast. Police says the conclusive remarks can only be given once the investigation is complete. Since a replica of the explosives was found in Nowshera also at the Tablighi center, investigating bodies will also consider other angles including sectarian one.
