Kohat blast leaves 16 dead, over 50 injured

A powerful blast near the Police Lines in Kohat left at least 16 people dead and more than 50 others injured on Friday, with police personnel among the casualties. The explosion occurred during Friday prayers, causing extensive damage to a nearby mosque and surrounding buildings.

According to police officials, the blast created a large crater outside the mosque and severely damaged its outer portion. A wall of the mosque also collapsed due to the intensity of the explosion. Several nearby buildings were damaged in the incident.

The Central Police Office said five police personnel and 11 civilians were among those killed in the attack. Officials said seven armed terrorists had attempted to enter the Police Lines, following which police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel engaged the attackers and launched a retaliatory operation.

Police officials said the militants included a suicide bomber and a sniper. A clearance operation was also carried out in the area after the attack to eliminate the remaining threat.

Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed said that a vehicle loaded with explosives was rammed into the gate of the old Police Lines, triggering a powerful explosion. Gunfire was also reported following the blast.

A large number of security personnel were deployed around the Police Lines following the incident as authorities continued efforts to secure the area and complete the clearance operation.

More than 50 injured people were shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Kohat for medical treatment. An emergency was declared at the hospital following the blast. Police said 15 bodies and more than 50 injured people had been brought to the facility, while medical teams were mobilised to treat the wounded.

The Kohat-Hangu Road was also closed to all traffic following the explosion as security measures were tightened in the area. Additional police personnel reached the site to assist with security and rescue operations.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Kohat attack and conveyed his condolences to the families of those killed. He directed authorities to ensure that the injured receive immediate and the best possible medical treatment.

The president said the complete elimination of Fitna al-Khawarij and terrorists was essential for national security.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also took notice of the incident and sought a report from senior police officials. He described the attack as a deeply regrettable and unacceptable act of terrorism.

The chief minister directed the authorities to use all available resources to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured. He also instructed officials to ensure proper treatment for the wounded and the availability of all necessary medical facilities at hospitals.

Security agencies continued their operation around the Police Lines as authorities assessed the damage and investigated the circumstances surrounding the attack.