Kohat Police Lines mosque attack leaves 16 martyred, dozens injured

At least 16 people were martyred and dozens injured when an attack targeted the mosque inside the Old Police Lines in Kohat

KOHAT/PESHAWAR, September 18, 2026: At least 16 people were martyred and dozens injured when an attack targeted the mosque inside the Old Police Lines in Kohat during Friday prayers, officials said.

The attack began with an explosion involving a vehicle near the Police Lines, followed by an exchange of fire between security personnel and armed attackers. The mosque was severely damaged, with portions of the structure collapsing after the blast.

According to Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed, the attackers first rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into an outer wall of the Police Lines. A powerful explosion followed, after which armed militants attempted to enter the compound.

The IGP said a second suicide bomber detonated himself near the Special Branch building while other attackers opened fire. Police and Counter-Terrorism Department personnel engaged the attackers during the ensuing operation.

Security officials later reported that several attackers, including a suicide bomber and a sniper, had been killed, while clearance operations continued in the area.

Casualties and rescue operation

The death toll was initially reported at 16, while more than 50 people were injured. Officials at District Headquarters Hospital Kohat said several bodies and injured worshippers were brought to the hospital following the explosion.

Some critically injured victims were referred to hospitals in Peshawar for further treatment.

Rescue 1122 teams reached the site soon after receiving information about the blast and shifted the injured to medical facilities. Security personnel and rescue teams also took part in efforts to search the damaged structure and recover victims from the debris.

Among those killed were police personnel and civilians who had gathered for Friday prayers. Officials said the casualties included a child.

Funeral prayers held with official honours

Funeral prayers for the victims were held in Kohat amid tight security and the presence of senior officials, police personnel, relatives and members of the public.

IGP Zulfiqar Hameed, provincial ministers, the GOC Kohat, the commissioner and other officials attended the funeral. A police contingent presented a guard of honour, while floral wreaths were laid in tribute to the victims.

The IGP condemned the attack and said the deaths of the victims would not go unanswered. He also said authorities were working to trace the network behind the attack and identify those who facilitated it.

Investigation underway

The Counter-Terrorism Department is investigating several aspects of the incident, including the origin of the explosive-laden vehicle, the movement of the attackers, possible facilitators and whether the attackers received assistance from individuals inside or outside the Police Lines.

Investigators are also examining forensic evidence from the blast site to determine the type of explosives used and reconstruct the sequence of events.

No responsibility had been conclusively established at the time of reporting. Conflicting claims regarding responsibility were circulating, while authorities continued to investigate.

The attack has renewed concerns over security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly around police installations and places of worship. Kohat’s strategic location, connecting several areas of southern KP, makes security around the district particularly significant.

The incident has also drawn condemnation from Pakistani officials and foreign missions, including the Embassy of Russia in Pakistan, which expressed condolences to the victims’ families and called for those responsible to be brought to justice.

The investigation into the attack is continuing, with authorities expected to release further details regarding the perpetrators, facilitators and security arrangements once verified.