2014 Peshawar cinema bombings
The 2014 Peshawar cinema bombings refers to a series of back-to-back bombings that took place in Shama Cinema and Picture House between 2 and 11 February where 20 people were killed and 54 others were injured. 2 February bombingsDuring 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 bombingsThe 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] 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] 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] SuspectsIt was suspected that Taliban was behind the second attack.[16] References
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