Suicide blast on mosque kills 17, injures 83 in N. Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Jan 30 (KUNA) - At least 17 people lost their lives while 83 others received injuries in a suicide blast at a mosque in Peshawar city of Pakistan's northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province on Monday, said officials.
According to initial police investigation, a suicide bomber blew himself up during the prayers time at a mosque in Peshawar's Police Lines area of KP bordering Afghanistan. The spokesperson for the government run Lady Reading Hospital, Mohammad Asim confirmed that 17 people were killed while 83 injured were shifted to the hospital. He said that some of them are in critical condition and expressed fear that the death toll may rise. Asim said that the area has been completely cordoned off and only ambulances are being allowed to enter the locality. A senior police official, Sikandar Khan said that a portion of the building had collapsed and several people were believed to be under it. Security forces have cordoned off the area completely and started an initial investigation. Following the bombing, the provincial health department declared an emergency in district Peshawar and asked all medical personnel to remain on duty. (end) sbk.aa