ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has strongly condemned the blast in Peshawar.
In his message, the prime minister expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives. They also extended condolences to the families of the deceased.
He also ordered an inquiry into the incident and directed the concerned to provide immediate medical aid to injured people.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain has also condemned the blast in Peshawar.
The minister said investigations are underway and details of the tragic incident will be shared soon.
At least 30 people were killed and 50 others were injured when a blast occurred in a mosque on Friday in Qissa Khawani Bazaar area of Peshawar.
According to reports, the blast occurred during Friday prayers at Jamia mosque located near Kocha Risaldar Chowk. Police earlier said at least 20 people are injured in the explosion.
Read more: At least 30 killed, 50 injured as blast strikes Peshawar mosque
Rescue officials have reached the site of the incident and are shifting the injured to Lady Reading Hospital. An emergency has been declared in the hospital and the condition of ten people is critical. A hospital spokesperson told media that 50 injured people were brought to the hospital.
Police and security teams have cordoned off the area and started to collect evidence. Area residents are also helping in transporting the injured while rescue workers are facing immense hardship in carrying out rescue operations due to narrow, congested streets in the market.
Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Peshawar Ijaz Ahsan confirmed one police official was martyred. He said inti two suspected attackers tried to enter a mosque and fired at the policemen standing guard. As a result, one policeman was martyred while the other was critically injured.