31 January 2023
By Hamza Saeed
LAHORE
A suicide bombing in a mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan on January 30, 2023, killed 100 people and injured 170, mostly police officers. The attack took place in the heavily fortified Police Lines district and is the deadliest to hit the city in a decade. Authorities are baffled as to how the bomber was able to breach the military and police checkpoints.
The attack comes amid a surge in violence against police in the city and amidst a political and economic crisis. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which is the deadliest in Peshawar since twin suicide bombings at All Saints Church in September 2013. The Pakistani Taliban, also called Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), denied responsibility, though it has increased attacks since withdrawing from a peace deal with the government last year.
The attack was condemned both nationally as well as internationally. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif expressed grief over the incident and stated the foremost national security challenge.
In his tweet, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan while condemning the attack, reaffirmed the importance of properly equipping the forces to counter the threat of terrorism.
In the international arena, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the attack and extended his nation’s support.
Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai, who herself had suffered an attack at the hands of terrorists, also tweeted in support of the victim’s families.
This incident signaled a dark day for Pakistanis, all across the globe. Peshawar, which had previously been known as the city of flowers, was drenched in blood and terror once again.
Leaders from Waziristan, the most affected area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by terrorism and militancy expressed their concerns on the State’s policy
What is your opinion on this tragic incident?