Kohat: Explosion near Old Police Lines; 16 killed, 50 injured
Sixteen people—including five police personnel—were killed and nearly 50 injured in an explosion at the Old Police Lines in Kohat on Friday. Clashes between security forces and terrorists are ongoing following the blast, and an emergency has been declared at the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital.
The security situation around the Police Lines is extremely tense, and the sounds of at least ten explosions have been heard in the area so far.
According to police sources, the area has been cordoned off, and a full-scale operation against the terrorists is underway. One terrorist was killed and another was captured alive during an exchange of fire with the police.
According to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police’s Central Police Office (CPO), a suicide bomber blew himself up near the Special Branch building.
Dr. Tahir, the Medical Superintendent of DHQ Hospital Kohat, stated that the bodies of 16 victims and 50 injured individuals have been brought to the hospital following the blast, and medical aid is being provided to the wounded.
The Central Police Office reported that the 16 fatalities included five police personnel and 11 civilians. Police confirmed that the operation against the terrorists is continuing, noting that one terrorist was killed in the exchange of fire.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General (IG) Zulfiqar Hameed took immediate notice of the incident and sought a report from the Regional Police Officer (RPO) of Kohat. The Inspector General (IG) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stated that initial reports suggest the blast was caused by a vehicle laden with explosives ramming into the target; however, the exact nature of the explosion is being determined, and an operation against the terrorists is underway.
IG Zulfiqar Hameed affirmed that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police stands as an iron wall against terrorism, and their morale remains high. He asserted that the blood of the martyrs would not go in vain and that the terrorists and their facilitators would face severe consequences.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi condemned the terrorist attack in Kohat as deeply tragic and has sought a report from the police regarding the incident.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the Kohat blast, directed relevant authorities to provide the best possible medical care to the injured, and prayed for their speedy recovery.
The Prime Minister has also sought a report from the concerned authorities regarding the nature and causes of the explosion.
President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed grief over the Kohat blast, stating that the elimination of terrorists is essential for national security. He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and directed that they be provided with the best medical treatment.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the martyrs, stating that the entire nation stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the martyrs’ families during this hour of grief. He remarked that the cowardly acts of the Khwarij (terrorists) could never weaken the nation’s firm resolve.
