Kohat police lines attack leaves 16 dead, dozens injured

Police said five police personnel and 11 civilians were among those killed in the attack. The explosion occurred near a mosque in the old police lines area during Friday prayers.

According to police, an explosives-laden vehicle was rammed into the gate of the old police lines before exploding. The blast was followed by firing in the area.

Second explosion reported near Special Branch

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hamid said another suicide attacker blew himself up near the Special Branch building following the initial explosion. Police said the two blasts caused heavy casualties among police personnel and civilians.

The Central Police Office in Peshawar said a militant was killed during an encounter following the attack. A security operation was continuing inside the police lines compound as authorities worked to clear the area.

Police and Counter Terrorism Department personnel were involved in the operation. The exact circumstances of the attack and the identities of those responsible were being investigated.

Dozens injured in Kohat blast

Several injured people were shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Kohat for treatment.

The hospital administration declared an emergency following the incident. According to hospital officials cited in later reports, 15 bodies and more than 50 injured people had been brought to the facility.

Medical teams were treating the injured, while arrangements were being made to provide further care to those in critical condition. The number of casualties could change as rescue teams continued their work and authorities verified information from the scene.

Kohat-Hangu Road closed

Police closed the Kohat-Hangu Road to all traffic following the blast. Additional police personnel were deployed around the police lines to secure the area.

The road closure was also intended to allow rescue teams and security personnel to carry out their work without disruption.

Residents were kept away from the affected area as authorities continued the clearance operation. Rescue teams were also working around damaged buildings and the mosque.

Rescue teams continue relief operation

Rescue 1122 teams reached the site soon after the explosion. Emergency workers began shifting the injured to hospitals and searching the affected area.

The blast damaged the outer portion of the mosque and caused a wall to collapse, making the rescue operation more difficult. Heavy rescue and recovery equipment was also being used at the site.

Officials were coordinating the rescue effort while security personnel continued their operation inside the police lines. The focus remained on recovering victims, treating the injured and making the area safe.

Police vow to continue fight against terrorism

IGP Zulfiqar Hamid condemned the attack and praised police personnel for responding to the incident.

He said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police stood as an “iron wall” against terrorism. The police chief said such attacks would not weaken the force’s resolve.

He also said the sacrifices of police personnel and civilians would not go to waste. Authorities were investigating the attack and working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

President Zardari condemns attack

President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the Kohat blast and expressed grief over the loss of life. He stressed the need to eliminate militant groups and their networks responsible for attacks in the country.

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The president also expressed sympathy for the families of those killed and injured. He said the fight against terrorism required continued efforts to protect citizens and security personnel.

Prime Minister Shehbaz orders immediate treatment

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also strongly condemned the blast at the old police lines in Kohat. He expressed sorrow over the loss of life and injuries caused by the explosion.

The prime minister directed authorities to provide the injured with immediate and the best possible medical treatment. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those wounded in the attack.

Shehbaz Sharif sought a report from the relevant authorities regarding the nature and causes of the blast. He further directed officials to speed up rescue and relief operations and provide all possible assistance to the affected people.

KP chief minister seeks detailed report

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi took notice of the explosion and strongly condemned the attack. He sought a report from police authorities about the incident.

The chief minister directed officials to use all available resources to provide immediate medical treatment to the injured. He also ordered hospitals to ensure that necessary medical facilities were available.

Hospitals were told to make arrangements to shift critically injured patients to other facilities if required. Afridi said targeting innocent citizens was highly regrettable and directed authorities to examine all aspects of the incident. He also called for a detailed report on the attack.

Security operation continues

The security operation remained underway inside and around the old police lines. Police and CTD personnel were checking the area following the explosions and exchange of fire. Authorities were also working to determine whether any other attackers remained inside the compound.

The incident has led to heightened security around sensitive installations in Kohat. Further details about the attack, casualties, and the investigation are expected as authorities complete their initial assessment.