An unfortunate incident occurred during the Friday sermon at a mosque in Hangu, resulting in the loss of three lives and leaving several individuals injured. The blast occurred within the vicinity of the Doaba Police Station, according to local authorities.
Police officials reported that the explosion caused the roof of the mosque to collapse, leaving nearly 30 to 40 people trapped under the rubble. Preliminary investigations suggest that two suicide bombers were responsible for the attack. One bomber targeted the gate of the police station, while the other detonated himself inside the mosque.
The exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed as the ongoing rescue and relief operation continues. In response to the incident, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has declared a state of emergency in hospitals across Hangu and Kohat, as stated by DPO Ahmed.
Meanwhile, KP caretaker Chief Minister, Azam Khan, has demanded a report on the incident from the police and has instructed authorities to expedite the rescue operation.
This unfortunate incident is the second blast to occur in Pakistan today. Earlier, a blast in Balochistan’s Mastung district resulted in the death of at least 40 people, with over 80 individuals sustaining injuries. Among the deceased was Mastung’s Deputy Superintendent of Police, Nawaz Gashkori. Police officials have confirmed that the explosion was a suicide blast, occurring next to DSP Gishkori’s car.
These distressing incidents highlight the need for heightened security measures across the country and call for united efforts to counteract the menace of terrorism.