At least 20 dead and 96 injured after a suicide bomber detonated a vest inside a mosque in Pakistan, causing the roof to collapse

At least 20 people were killed and 96 injured after a suicide bomber detonated his vest inside a mosque in Pakistan.

The blast collapsed the building’s roof as about 150 worshipers, including many officers from nearby police stations, prayed inside.

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The blast occurred during afternoon prayers today in the northwestern city of Peshawar near the border with Afghanistan.

Muhammad Asim Khan, a spokesman for the main hospital in Peshawar, said: “It is an emergency situation,” adding that several of the wounded are in critical condition amid fears that the death toll will rise.

Rescuers were trying to clear piles of rubble from the mosque’s grounds and get to worshipers who were still trapped under the rubble, police said.

One survivor, police officer Meena Gul, 38, said he was at the mosque when the bomb went off, adding that he heard screams and screams after the bomb went off.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif issued a statement condemning the bombing and instructing the authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the victims.

He also promised strict action” against those behind the attack.

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan also condemned the bombing, calling it a suicide terrorist attack in a Twitter post.

He wrote: “My prayers and condolences go out to the families of the victims.

“It is imperative that we improve our intelligence gathering and adequately equip our police forces to combat the growing threat of terrorism.”