Worshippers not killed during prayers even in India or Israel, says Pakistani defence minister

• Pakistan is rocked by the deadly terror attack in Peshawar's mosque where at least a hundred people died
• Defence Minister Khwaja Asif said worshippers were not killed during prayers even in India
• The explosion took place in the central hall of the mosque on Monday around 1 pm

Speaking on the deadly suicide bombing inside a mosque in Peshawar on Tuesday, Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif said worshippers were not killed during prayers even in India. The suicide attack left 100 people dead and scores more injured. Expressing his views on the attack at the National Assembly, Asif said, "Worshippers weren't killed during prayers even in India or Israel but it happened in Pakistan."

The explosion took place in the central hall of the mosque on Monday around 1 pm. Calling for unity in the fight against terrorism, the minister said it was time for Pakistan to set its "house in order."

Recalling terrorism incidents from 2010- 2017, the minister said, "This war started from Swat during the PPP's tenure and it was concluded during the PML-N's previous tenure, and peace was established in the country from Karachi to Swat."

"But if you remember, a year-and-a-half or two years ago [...] we were given a briefing two, three times in this same hall in which it was clearly stated that talks could be carried out against these people and they can be brought toward peace," he added. Asif said varying opinions had risen on the matter but despite that, no "conclusive decision" was taken.