Two suicide bombers Sunday morning blew themselves up near a church in Pakistan's Peshawar city when worshippers gathered for Sunday prayers, killing at least 56 people and injuring more than 70, media reports said.
Geo News said Peshawar Police Commissioner Sahibzada Anees confirmed the toll.
It was the worst terror attack on a minorities' gathering in the country.
Anees put the figure of those injured at 45, reported Xinhua.
The Dawn News put the toll at 43, and the number of injured at 70.
A policeman, four women and four children were among those killed.
Also Read
The attack took place around 11.45 a.m. Two suicide bombers blew themselves up at a church in the Qissa Khawani market area when people were leaving the church after prayers, Xinhua reported citing officials.
The victims were shifted to the Lady Reading Hospital.
About 300 people were at the site when the attack took place.
Earlier reports said that it was a single suicide blast, but bomb disposal squad officials later confirmed it was twin suicide bombings and the body parts of the two attackers were found at the site.
An estimated eight kg of explosives were used in the attack, said bomb disposal squad officials.
So far no group has claimed the responsibility for the attack yet.
Both Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have condemned the attack.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
