Mosque bombing in Pakistan: 30 dead and 130 injured in suicide attack
In a tragic incident that has shocked Pakistani and international communities, a horrific suicide bombing targeting a Shia mosque in Pakistan killed at least 30 people and injured more than 130 others. The deadly attack occurred while the mosque was packed with worshippers for Friday prayers, explaining the high number of casualties in such a short time, according to a senior security source.
A senior Pakistani police official explained that the explosion occurred at a treacherous moment shortly after prayers had begun, noting that rescue teams rushed to the scene to transport the victims to nearby hospitals, which declared a state of high alert. The official, who preferred to remain anonymous, anticipated that the death toll would rise given the critical condition of some of the injured currently receiving treatment.
Horrific scenes from the bombing site
Video footage circulated by activists on social media showed the immense devastation caused by the bombing, with bodies and body parts scattered near the mosque's front gate and inside the prayer hall. The blood of worshippers mingled with the rubble of collapsed walls, a scene reflecting the brutality of terrorism that shows no respect for the sanctity of houses of worship or the lives of innocent people.
Security context and terrorism challenges in Pakistan
This attack comes at a time when Pakistan faces escalating security challenges. In recent years, the country has witnessed a surge in attacks targeting religious minorities and security installations. Mosques, particularly those belonging to the Shia minority, are frequent targets of militant groups seeking to incite sectarian strife and destabilize the country. This bombing recalls a series of deadly attacks that struck major Pakistani cities such as Peshawar and Quetta, presenting the government and security forces with a difficult test in protecting citizens and places of worship.
Reactions and repercussions of the incident
On the official level, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif swiftly condemned the attack in the strongest terms, describing it as a cowardly act targeting Pakistan's unity. In an official statement, Sharif pledged to utilize all state resources to find the planners and perpetrators and bring them to justice. Observers believe that the recurrence of such attacks necessitates a comprehensive review of current security strategies, particularly given concerns about the impact of these events on civil peace and regional stability in South Asia.
