IG Punjab Rao Sardar Ali Khan has ordered the province's security forces to be on high alert following the Peshawar blast incident that killed 58 worshippers and injured around 200 on Friday, Geo News reported.
According to reports, RPOs and DPOs are directed to tighten the security of sensitive and critical locations and installations.
Furthermore, the IG Punjab has instructed that the security plans for significant religious and public places be reviewed and that search and sweep operations be ramped up in all districts of the province.
In addition, he directed that the surveillance of inter-provincial and inter-district checkpoints be tightened and patrolling during the night be increased.
'Suicide attack'
At least 58 worshipers lost their lives, while close to 200 were injured in a suicide bomb attack during Friday prayers at a mosque in Qissa Khwani bazaar in the Kocha Risaldar area of Peshawar on Friday, police and rescue workers told.
In a statement to the media, Advisor to KP Chief Minister Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif had confirmed that the explosion took place during Friday prayers.
“Reportedly the terrorists first tried to enter the mosque where they exchanged fire with the police,” said Barrister Saif.
He said that a terrorist managed to enter the mosque and carried out the attack.
Foreign forces want to destroy Pakistan's peace: Sheikh Rasheed
Reacting to the blast, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad said that there was no threat alert issued for the attack.
Rasheed termed the attack "a bid to destabilise Pakistan under a planned conspiracy."
He said that some foreign forces are trying to ruin the peace in Pakistan.
Taking to Twitter, he condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the families of the deceased and injured.
He said that he has sought a report from the IGP KP.
Moreover, Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo also issued a statement. "We stand with the aggrieved families. The sacrifices of the nation and security agencies are unforgettable," he said.
PM Imran Khan, politicians condemn Peshawar blast
Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned the deadly attack on the mosque and ordered efforts to provide immediate medical aid for the wounded.
The premier also sought a report on the blast from the authorities concerned.
Former president of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz, JUI-F President Maulana Fazlur Rehman we’re among the others who condemned the unfortunate incident.
"Terrorists are the enemy of the country and nation, which have to be crushed," Zardari said while praying for the quick recovery of the injured.
