Peshawar (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday strongly condemned the attack that took place in a mosque at Peshwar Police Lines, reiterating the national resolve and unity to eliminate terrorism from the country.
In a statement, the premier said that the killing of Muslims while they worshipped, was in violation of Islamic teaching and that the attack on a mosque evidenced that the perpetrators had nothing to do with Islam.
He said the terrorists wanted to create panic by targeting those safeguarding the country and reiterated his resolve to eliminate such elements waging war against Pakistan.
“The killers of innocent people will be made an example. The whole nation including the institutions was united against terrorism,” PM Shehbaz said.
He said the nation saluted the martyrs and that the government would formulate a strategy regarding the deteriorating law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
PM Shehbaz said that the federal government would extend support to the provinces for their capacity-building against terrorism.
He instructed the federal interior minister to support the counter-terrorism departments of the provinces, particularly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to enhance their capability.
The prime minister prayed for peace for the departed souls and strength for their bereaved families to bear the loss with fortitude.
Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Imran Khan has strongly condemned the “terrorist suicide attack” in Peshawar and expressed sympathies with the families of the victims.
“Strongly condemn the terrorist suicide attack in police lines mosque Peshawar during prayers,” Imran Khan said in a tweet and added, “My prayers & condolences go to victims families.” “It is imperative we improve our intelligence gathering & properly equip our police forces to combat the growing threat of terrorism,” the former premier maintained.
At least At least 17 people were martyred and more than 70 others were injured when a suicide attacker blew himself up during Zohar prayers in a mosque located in Peshawar’s Police Lines area on Monday.
According to security officials, the suicide attacker was present in the front row during the prayers.
The injured have been shifted to the Lady Reading Hospital of Peshawar.
A spokesperson of the hospital said that 17 people have been martyred in the blast and over 90 injured have been brought to the facility. More than 10 injured were in critical condition, doctors said.
