Suicide attack at Kohat Police Lines mosque leaves 16 dead, more than 25 injured

PESHAWAR: At least 16 people, including five police personnel and 11 civilians, were killed and 25 inured in the suicide blast at the Police Lines in Kohat on Friday.

According to initial information, a suicide attacker blew himself up near the Special Branch building following the blast, the police said.

Police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel were engaged in an exchange of fire with militants inside the Police Lines compound, according to the statement.

One militant sniper had been killed during the operation, while the security operation was still under way, police said.

Fourteen ambulances, rescue vehicles and a recovery vehicle, along with more than 45 rescue personnel, were taking part in the search and rescue operation, he said.

Rescue teams remained engaged in searching the site and the operation would continue until it was completed, Faizi added.

Earlier, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police said around 25 people had been injured in the blast near the old Police Lines and that an exchange of fire with armed attackers was under way.

According to initial information provided by the KP police, an explosives-laden vehicle was rammed near the old Police Lines, although authorities were still determining the exact nature of the blasts.

Inspector General of Police KP Zulfiqar Hamid had taken notice of the explosion at the Police Lines mosque and sought a report from the Regional Police Officer Kohat.

The IGP also directed officials to ensure timely and proper medical treatment for those injured in the blast.

A HUM News reporter at the scene said the road around the Police Lines mosque had been sealed off as security personnel engaged the attackers. Two blasts were heard near the mosque, followed shortly afterwards by a third explosion, the reporter said.

An exchange of fire between Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel and unidentified attackers was also reported in the area.

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Inspector General Zulfiqar Hamid has taken notice of the blast at the Police Lines mosque in Kohat and sought a report from the Regional Police Officer Kohat, the KP police public relations directorate said on Friday.

According to initial information, an explosives-laden vehicle was rammed near the old Police Lines, although authorities were still determining the nature of the blast, the statement said.

Around 30 people have so far been reported injured, according to initial information.

An exchange of fire with armed attackers was also under way following the blast, the police said.

The IGP directed officials to ensure timely and proper medical treatment for those injured in the explosion.

Zulfiqar said the KP police stood as a “wall of steel” against terrorism and that such attacks could not undermine the morale of the force.

“The blood of the martyrs will not go to waste,” the IGP said, adding that the militants and their facilitators would face severe consequences.

KP CM condemns Kohat Police Lines blast, seeks report

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Friday took notice of the blasts at the old Police Lines in Kohat and sought a report from police authorities, condemning the incident.

Afridi described the incident as a “highly regrettable and unacceptable” act of terrorism and directed authorities to use all available resources to provide immediate medical treatment to the injured.

He ordered hospitals to ensure prompt treatment and the availability of all necessary medical facilities for those wounded in the blast.

The chief minister also directed authorities to make arrangements to shift critically injured patients to other hospitals, if required.

“Targeting innocent citizens is highly regrettable and condemnable,” Afridi said.

He ordered officials to examine all aspects of the incident and submit a detailed report.

Afridi said “cowardly acts of terrorism” could not undermine the nation’s resolve.

KP governor condemns Kohat Police Lines blast

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Friday strongly condemned the blast at the old Police Lines in Kohat, describing the incident as deeply regrettable.

Kundi said such “cowardly acts” could not shake the nation’s resolve and courage.

He directed authorities to ensure the provision of the best possible medical facilities to those injured in the blast and prayed for their speedy recovery.

The governor said the nation stood with the security forces in the fight against terrorism.

He added that the sacrifices made in the war against terrorism would not go in vain.

Condemnations pour in

Condemnations poured in after an explosion, with the country’s top leadership expressing concern and calling for immediate medical assistance for the victims.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed sorrow over the injuries and conveyed his best wishes for the speedy recovery of those affected. He directed the authorities to ensure that the injured receive immediate and the best possible medical treatment, saying the complete elimination of Fitna al-Khawarij and terrorists operating with external support was essential for national security.

PM condemns blast

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the explosion and expressed deep sorrow over the injuries. He directed the relevant authorities to provide immediate and the best possible medical care to the victims and prayed for their speedy recovery. He also sought a report on the nature and causes of the explosion and ordered authorities to expedite rescue operations and provide all possible assistance to those affected.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also condemned the Kohat blast and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

This is a developing story and that is being updated as the situation evolves.