ISLAMABAD : At least 12 people were killed and several others were injured in a suicide blast at a mosque in suburb areas of Rawalpindi on Friday.

The incident took place in Tarlai area where the bomber exploded himself at the entry gate of an Imambargah during Friday prayers when an attempt was made to stop him.

Police and security officials have cordoned off the area to collect evidence while injured are being shifted to hospitals.

Sources said an emergency has been declared at PIMS and other hospitals.

State Minister for Interior Tallal Chaudhry has reached PIMS hospital to meet the injured persons.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the suicide blast and expressed sorrow over deaths.