At least 59 worshipers were killed when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest in a mosque in Pakistan.
About 150 people were wounded when the blast erupted while 350 were at the place of worship – inside a compound that houses the police headquarters in Peshawar.
The dead included 27 officers. Rescuers were yesterday scrambling to reach victims trapped under the rubble. Many in hospital were in a critical condition.
Sarbakaf Mohmand, a commander for the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for the atrocity.
The group, allies of the Afghan Taliban, have waged an insurgency in Pakistan for 15 years. Attacks have surged since a ceasefire with state forces ended in November.
Prime minister Shehbaz Sharif promised 'stern action', adding: 'Terrorists want to create fear by targeting those who perform the duty of defending Pakistan.'
And former PM Imran Khan tweeted: 'My prayers and condolences go to victims' families.' He added it was 'imperative' to 'equip our police forces to combat the growing threat of terrorism'.
The bomber's entry into the compound, which is in a high-security area with several government buildings, was unknown.
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