12 killed in Shama Cinema blast in Peshawar

Volunteers and rsecurity officials investigate the cinema after the attack. PHOTO: AFP

 PESHAWAR: Three explosions occurred inside Shama Cinema in Peshawar on Tuesday, Express News reported.
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) condemned the blast and claimed that they had nothing to do with it.
Twelve people were killed and 23 injured in three hand grenade explosions inside the Shama Cinema in Peshawar.
Security forces and the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) reached the scene shortly after the incident. Rescue teams reached the location and the injured were taken to Lady Reading Hospital for treatment.
At least 50 people were inside the cinema hall at the time of the explosion.
Shama Cinema
According to sources in the city, the cinema was once owned by senior minister Bashir Ahmed Bilour. The cinema, it is believed, is now managed by close relatives of the Bilour brothers.
When contacted by The Express Tribune in 2011, Aziz Ahmed Bilour said he had been busy doing public service in Islamabad since he left Peshawar two decades ago. He said he has not gone to the cinema since then. Aziz also insisted he does not own any cinema and does not know who owns the Shama Cinema.
The cinema was known for showing pornographic films in one of its auditoriums.