Closing in on terror network: Peshawar mosque bomber was in police uniform, says IGP Ansari
- Last updated: February 2, 2023 | 22:19
Tariq Butt, Correspondent / Agencies
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police (IGP) Moazzam Jah Ansari has said that suicide bomber involved in Peshawar mosque blast had been identified and the police were closing in on the terror network behind the deadly attack. The suicide bomber entered wearing a police uniform and helmet, he said.
Hundreds of police were attending afternoon prayers inside what should have been a tightly controlled police headquarters in the northwest city of Peshawar on Monday when the blast erupted, causing a wall to collapse and crush officers.
"Those on duty didn't check him because he was in a police uniform... It was a security lapse," Ansari said.
Authorities are investigating how a major breach could happen in one of the most sensitive areas in the city, which houses the intelligence and counter-terrorism bureaus.
Ansari provided no further details about who was responsible, but Pakistan’s defence and interior ministers in speeches to Parliament this week blamed the Pakistani Taliban for orchestrating the bombing. They said the insurgents had sanctuaries in Afghanistan. "We will avenge the martyrdom of each and every policeman," Ansari told a news conference.
Ansari said those who are responsible for the attack, including the mastermind and facilitators, will be arrested and punished under the law.
The blast collapsed the roof of the 50-year-old mosque, killing 101 people, mostly policemen. Two hundred twenty-five people were injured. He said six or seven policemen were "martyred" by the bombing but most casualties were caused when the sprawling roof, which was supported by outside walls but no pillars, caved in.
CCTV footage of suicide bomber
Footage released by police shows the suspected bomber disguised as a policeman walking toward the compound with a motorcycle, giving the impression that the vehicle wasn't working.
More than 300 worshippers were praying in the Sunni mosque, with more approaching, when the bomber set off his explosives vest. Ansari said the attacker was not searched because guards assumed that he was one of their colleagues.
"Yes, I admit that it was a security lapse and I take responsibility for it,” Ansari said. He dismissed reports that the mosque had been hit by a drone, or planted explosives. "There is no truth in such speculations and claims," Ansari said. "It was a suicide bombing."
Rare move
Ansari spoke a day after dozens of police officers in a rare move joined a peace march organised by the members of civil society groups in Peshawar, demanding protection for themselves.
Police in different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have held protest march to condemn the Monday bombing of a mosque inside a compound that left more than 100 dead and scores wounded.
In an unprecedented move and what is believed to be the first of its kind, over 24 uniformed police personnel gathered outside Peshawar Press Club in Peshawar and chanted slogans for peace.
They demanded an independent investigation into the blast in the mosque at the police lines in Peshawar. They were holding placards inscribed with different slogans. They said that they wanted to raise their voice against the injustice with KP police.
The protesting policemen said that their demonstration was against the “system” and they were compelled to take to the streets owing to the deteriorating law and order situation in the province and seek justice for the victims of terrorist attacks.
In Mardan, policemen gathered outside the local press club and held a protest to demand effective measures for protection of law enforcers. They stated that police were fighting as a frontline force in the war against terrorism and rendered countless sacrifices. They questioned the explosion in a highly guarded and sensitive area. They also demanded judicial inquiry into the incident.
In Swabi, police personnel gathered outside the district headquarters and marched till Karnal Sher Khan Chowk where they staged a protest against the Peshawar blast.
The protesters were holding placards inscribed with different slogans against the dreadful suicide attack. They stated that they were being killed by unidentified people. They demanded an independent investigation into the Peshawar blast.
In Swat, police held special prayers and Quran Khwani at Javed Iqbal Shaheed Police Lines. Malakand Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan, Swat District Police Officer Shafiullah Khan Gandapur, Additional superintendent of police (SP) Rahim Hussain Khan, SPs Izhar Shah and Pir Zar Badshah and other officers were present on the occasion.
Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sajjad Khan stated the history of police was full of sacrifices. He condoled with the families of those policemen, who embraced martyrdom in the suicide attack in Peshawar on Monday.
In Charsadda, a police durbar was organised where Quran Khwani was held for the departed souls and recovery of injured cops. SP Sajjad Khan, station house officers and police constable were present on the occasion.
District police officer (DPO) Sohail Khalid stated that they were facing a “coward” enemy, who could not fight face to face. He said that the morale of every official of the police department was high.
"Terrorists cannot demoralise us with such actions,” he said and added that they were protecting their nation.
In Shangla, police organised the Quran Khwani for the victims of Peshawar blast. The police officers and personnel also offered prayers for departed souls of police martyrs. They demanded peace across the province and end of the bloodshed.
Civil society members in Alpuri also staged a protest rally against the Peshawar blast and demanded justice for the martyred police personnel and protection for residents of the province.
People from different walks of life participated in the rally. They were carrying banners and placards inscribed with the slogans against the current wave of terrorism.