The state must take terrorism seriously

September 20, 2026

Security forces and police have completed a night-long operation at the old Police Lines in Kohat following a terrorist attack on a mosque, with eight suspected militants killed during the clearance operation, according to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed. The attack began after an explosion at the mosque in the old Police Lines, following which armed militants reportedly entered the compound. Police and security personnel immediately launched a counter-operation to secure the premises and prevent the attackers from advancing further. According to the latest official update, eight militants were killed during the operation. Elite Force commandos, Counter-Terrorism Department teams and security forces subsequently cleared key portions of the Police Lines complex, bringing the operation to an end. IGP Zulfiqar Hameed remained at the scene during the operation and monitored the security response. He praised the personnel involved for their response to the attack and said the suicide bomber had attempted to target law-enforcement personnel but failed. The operation was coordinated by the Additional Inspector General of CTD, the Regional Police Officer Kohat and the District Police Officer Kohat, while the General Officer Commanding Kohat was also present at the site.
Following the clearance of the premises, security measures have been strengthened around the old Police Lines and adjoining areas as authorities continue to assess the site and investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack. The attack, however, must not be viewed only as another security incident. A mosque was targeted, and the violence once again placed ordinary citizens and worshippers in danger. For people living in Kohat and across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, every such attack brings fear, disruption and the painful possibility of losing loved ones. The state must take the continuing threat of terrorism seriously. Security operations are necessary, but preventing attacks requires sustained intelligence work, effective policing, strong coordination between institutions and timely action against militant networks. The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have paid a heavy price for years of violence. They deserve more than temporary security measures after every attack. They deserve lasting peace and the confidence that the state is doing everything within its power to protect them. The attack on a place of worship and an official security facility is strongly condemnable. The authorities must ensure a thorough investigation and take lawful action against those responsible. Above all, the protection of civilians must remain at the heart of the state’s counterterrorism efforts.