Peshawar, Pakistan - A horrific suicide bombing at a mosque in the city of Peshawar has claimed the lives of 100 people, with scores more injured. The mosque was located within a high-security zone and is now the subject of an ongoing investigation into how the bomber was able to enter.
The attack, which has been described as one of the bloodiest
in recent years in Pakistan, was initially claimed by the Pakistani Taliban.
However, the militant group later denied the claim and blamed the bombing on a
splinter faction. Despite this denial, many remain skeptical of the group's
refusal to claim responsibility for attacks on mosques, schools, or markets.
As rescue efforts continue, nine people have been rescued
alive from the rubble, with no one remaining trapped. The deaths toll’s is
expecting to rise as mores bodies is retrieved. Most of the victims were
members of the security forces, with the majority of the casualties being
police officers. The funerals of over 20 officers have already taken place,
with hundreds of people gathering to pay their respects and mourn the loss of
their fallen heroes.
Inspector Irfan Ullah, who was killed in the explosion, was
one of the police officers mourned by his family and colleagues. Irfan had only
recently survived another attack, an ambush that claimed the lives of some of
his colleagues. He left behind a wife and five children. At his funeral, his
brother Muhammed Zahid described the family's pain and how they found out about
Irfan's death.
"He was kind-hearted, friendly, ready to help others.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared a national day of
mourning and has spoken out against the attack, stating that "Terrorists
want to create fear by targeting those who perform the duty of defending
Pakistan." He also emphasized that those behind the attack have "nothing
to do with Islam."
The mosque was located in one of the most heavily controlled
areas of the city, which included police headquarters and intelligence and
counter-terrorism bureaus. Despite this level of security, the bombing was
still able to take place, highlighting the ongoing struggle of the Pakistani
government and security forces in their fight against terrorism.
The Pakistan Taliban ended a ceasefire in November, and
since then, violence has been on the rise in the country. The group, which is
separate from the Afghan Taliban but shares the same hard-line Islamist
ideology, has continued to launch attacks against the people of Pakistan.
The death toll from the mosque bombing in Peshawar continues
to rise, and the city remains in mourning for the lives lost and the families
affected. The fight against terrorism in Pakistan is far from over, but the
bravery and sacrifices of the security forces will not be forgotten.
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