In the aftermath of one of Pakistan’s deadliest attacks in recent months, rescuers from across the country continued to search for possible survivors. The explosion which occurred on Monday January 30 in a mosque located within the Peshawar police headquarters, blew off part of the roof and caused the collapse of a section of wall, causing the death of at least 95 people and leaving at least 221 injured, according to a still provisional report. Dozens of police officers have already been buried in honor guard ceremonies, their coffins lined up and girded with the Pakistani flag. The capital and the rest of the country, particularly on the border with Afghanistan, were at the same time placed on heightened alert after the attack.
“On the front line”
This attack, which confirms the rapid deterioration of the security situation in Pakistan, has not been claimed. Without waiting, however, the authorities pointed to the responsibility of the Taliban movement in Pakistan, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). An accusation denied by this movement close to the Afghan Taliban. But the police also evoke a possible involvement of the Islamic State, a branch of which is active in Pakistan, or even a coordinated action between several armed groups. It was this branch that claimed responsibility for a deadly attack in March 2022 (62 dead) in a Shiite mosque in Peshawar. In the past, several attacks against mosques have not been claimed, probably because of the sacred character of the places targeted.
“We are on the front line in this fight against armed Islamist movements, which is why we have been targeted », said the Peshawar police chief. Attacks targeting security forces have increased in the region, especially since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in the summer of 2021.
The Taliban of Pakistan, which brings together tribal militants of Islamist obedience, has strengthened its territorial anchorage in the northwest since failed negotiations last November between Islamabad and Kabul, the Afghan regime being suspected of supporting the movement underhand Pakistani. Since its creation in 2007, the TTP has killed tens of thousands of Pakistani civilians and members of the security forces, before being driven out of tribal areas by a military operation launched by the army in 2014.
10 to 12 kg of explosives
The mosque where the attack took place is located within the compound of the Pakistani police headquarters, a highly secure complex which also includes an anti-terrorism unit and the security and intelligence services. Between 300 and 400 policemen had gathered at the start of the week for the afternoon prayer. The police confirmed that it was indeed a suicide attack, stating that the bomber, who was carrying between 10 and 12 kg of explosives, had probably received help from people inside the perimeter, to cross several security checkpoints and enter what the police call the “red zone”.
This attack took place in a particularly heavy political and economic context. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, sacked last April, is calling for the progress of the legislative elections to be held in October 2023. Climate disasters followed one another in 2022, increasing the country’s debt. This Tuesday, January 31, a delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was in Islamabad to examine the release of financial aid that has become vital for Pakistan.