More than a hundred people were also injured in the attack with no group claiming responsibility
An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded in the Jamia Zuberia madressah in Peshawar’s Dir Colony, martyring at least eight people and injuring over a hundred other. So far, no one has claimed responsibility for the attack. The region has been fairly calm in the recent years and terrorist attacks haven’t taken place for a long time.
The blast took place in a Quran class, according to a senior police official Waqar Azim told the media.
“The blast took place in the madressah during a Quran class. Someone took a bag inside [with explosives],” Azim said.
President, PM, Opposition all condemn the act of terrorism
President Arif Alvi said that blast was “shocking and saddening for all of us”. He called for the “heinous criminal terrorists” to be apprehended and given exemplary punishment.
Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed similar sentiments on the unfortunate event and said that those responsible for the attack will be brought to justice.
My condolences go to the victims’ families and prayers for early recovery of the injured,” he tweeted. “I want to assure my nation we will ensure the terrorists responsible for this cowardly barbaric attack are brought to justice as soon as possible.”
Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also expressed grief over the attack and said that it reminded him of the 2014 APS attack in Peshawar.
The UN ‘appalled’ by the attack
The United Nations Office in Pakistan said it was “appalled” by the attack. “We stand together in shock and grief after the heinous attack today on Jamia Zuberia madressah, Peshawar, where children take classes. We are appalled by this attack on children while they were in a place of prayer and learning,” it said.