2014 Peshawar cinema bombings
Terrorist incident in Peshawar, Pakistan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 2014 Peshawar cinema bombings refers to a series of back-to-back bombings that took place in Shama Cinema and Picturehouse Cinemas between 2 and 11 February where 20 people were killed and 54 others were injured.
| 2014 Peshawar cinema bombings | |
|---|---|
| Part of War in North-West Pakistan | |
Location of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan | |
| Location | Peshawar District, Peshawar, Pakistan |
| Date | 2–11 February 2014 |
| Target | Movie theatre |
| Weapons | Grenade |
| Deaths | 13 |
| Injured | 19 |
2 February bombings
During the February second bombings there was from 90 to 100 people inside the Picture House movie theatre who were watching Ziddi Pakhtun at Qissa Khawani Bazaar.[1] The attackers threw two grenades after the movie was paused while still sitting in the back of the cinema. The grenades killed five which was followed by a stampede during which 31 were injured. The wounded were transported to Lady Reading Hospital where two of them died.[2]
11 February bombings
The 11 February explosion happened during the Pashto language film called Yarana[3] at Shama Cinema.[4] According to Ejaz Ahmed, the Capital City Police Officer, the cinema contained 80 people[5] (50 under other sources)[6] and that three grenades were used by the attackers. After the blasts there was blood on caps and shoes as well as human remains scattered around.[5] It was followed by a stampede soon after, which caused majority of injuries.[7] The injured were taken to the Lady Reading Hospital.[8]
Claimants and reasoning
No group have claimed responsibility but the cinema received warnings prior to the attacks.[9][10] It was believed that the attack happened because the theatre used to show pornographic films.[11][12]
Reactions
The blasts were later condemned by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan and mentioned that it will hinder peace talks as well.[13][14] Some hours later, the attack was also condemned by the Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain, as well as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader Altaf Hussain.[15]
