An explosion near the Police Lines mosque during Friday prayers in Kohat has martyred at least 16 people and injured more than 57 others, according to Rescue 1122, as security forces continued an operation at the site.
A police official said a terrorist was killed by a police sniper within the Police Lines premises following the blast. Routes leading to the area were closed, while a heavy police contingent took control of the scene.
An exchange of fire also took place between terrorists and the security forces following the blast. According to officials, terrorists first rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the Police Lines’ wall and then entered the premises.
They said seven terrorists launched an attack on the Police Lines facility following the explosion. Six of the terrorists have been eliminated, while a clearance operation against the remaining attackers is underway.
According to the officials, the remaining attacker is holed up inside the Special Branch building and is firing intermittently from within the premises. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) operations team has confined the attacker to the building as efforts to deal with the situation continue, they added.
On the other hand, the injured were instantly shifted to Kohat CMH for medical treatment, while rescue teams and authorities continue relief operations at the site.
A hospital emergency was also declared following the explosion. Authorities are securing the surrounding area as further details about the nature of the blast and the circumstances leading to it continue to emerge.
The inspector general of police said the clearance operation has entered its final stages. He added that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police has the full capability to completely eliminate the terrorists.
Police personnel have been deployed around the Old Police Lines, with routes to the area remaining closed as authorities respond to the incident and maintain security.
Victims identified
The police personnel martyred in the Kohat blast have been identified as Fahim (FRP), Farid (operator, SP FRP), Ismatullah (CTD), Samiullah (driver), Abdul Wahab, Inspector Ishtiaq (FRP), Akbar Shinwari (SP Traffic).
Three of the civilians martyred have been identified as Dr Israfeel, and minors Abdullah and Asad, while the remaining have yet to be identified.
CM Sohail Afridi condemns Kohat blast
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of the explosion and strongly condemned the incident, describing the act of terrorism as extremely tragic and unacceptable.
The chief minister sought a report from police officials and said targeting innocent citizens was extremely tragic and condemnable. He directed authorities to use all available resources to provide immediate medical assistance to those injured.
Afridi ordered that immediate treatment for the injured be ensured and that adequate medical facilities remain available at hospitals. He also directed authorities to make arrangements for critically injured people to be transferred to other hospitals if required.
The chief minister further ordered that all aspects of the incident be reviewed and that a detailed report be submitted. He said the nation’s morale could not be dampened by cowardly acts of terrorism.
PM Shehbaz seeks report on blast
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also strongly condemned the blast at the Kohat Police Lines and expressed regret over the injuries sustained by several people.
The prime minister prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured and directed authorities to ensure that immediate and the best possible medical treatment is provided to all victims.
PM Shehbaz also sought a report from the relevant officials on the nature and causes of the blast. He directed authorities to accelerate relief operations and provide all possible assistance to those affected by the incident.
Zardari, Aleem Khan express confidence in security forces
President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed deep regret over the injuries sustained by citizens in the Kohat blast and conveyed his best wishes for the speedy recovery of those injured. He directed the authorities to ensure that immediate and the best possible medical treatment is provided to all the injured.
The president said the complete elimination of terrorists is essential for ensuring national security.
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan also strongly condemned the blast near the Old Police Lines in Kohat and expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He extended his sympathies to the injured and prayed that Allah Almighty grant forgiveness to those martyred in the blast and patience to their bereaved families.
Abdul Aleem Khan also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured. He said terrorists can never succeed in achieving their cowardly objectives and expressed confidence that the security forces will completely eradicate terrorism from the country.
The federal minister said the entire nation stands with the security forces in their fight against terrorists. He added that cowardly acts of terrorism cannot dampen the morale of the fearless police and security forces.
Naqvi condemns blast
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has also strongly condemned the blast near the Old Police Lines in Kohat and expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious human lives.
Naqvi extended his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident. He said he stands with the bereaved families in this hour of grief.
The interior minister also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the blast.
“The cowardly acts of the terrorists cannot weaken the nation’s firm resolve,” Mohsin Naqvi said, reaffirming the country’s determination to confront terrorism.
