KOHAT: A suicide blast near the Kohat Police Lines during Friday prayer martyred 16 people, including five police personnel, officials said.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hamid told media that an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the gate of the old police lines.
“The vehicle hit the gate and then exploded, and firing also took place,” IGP Hameed said.
The KP IGP said that another suicide blast occurred at the Special Branch building during the exchange of fire with terrorists.
“So far, three militants have been killed in the exchange of fire with police,” the IGP said.
The IGP said that the KP police stood “like an iron wall” against terrorism and that such attacks could not undermine the morale of police personnel.
“The blood of the martyrs will not go to waste,” he said, adding that terrorists and their facilitators would face consequences.
Meanwhile, in a statement, the Central Police Office (CPO) said that seven armed militants entered the Police Lines following the suicide attack. Police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) engaged the attackers and killed six of them.
The CPO said those killed included a suicide bomber and a sniper.
The CPO said that IGP Hameed has sought a report from the Regional Police Officer, Kohat.
District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital’s MS Tahir Ali Shah told Geo News that 15 bodies were brought to the hospital along with over 50 injured following the blast.
Meanwhile, rescue officials said that the blast severely damaged the mosque’s outer section, while a wall also collapsed.
Rescue operations were being carried out at the site of the explosion, the officials added.
Authorities have closed the Kohat-Hangu Road to all traffic following the incident.
The administration of the DHQ in Kohat has imposed an emergency as injured people were brought in for treatment.
Hospital administration later said that at least 25 injured were brought to the hospital for treatment.
The authorities were determining the further nature of the Kohat explosion, while an exchange of fire with the attackers was continuing after the blast, according to the CPO.
Condemnations pour in
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other leaders condemned the Kohat blast, resulting in the death of 16 people, including policemen.
President Zardari expressed grief over the injuries and directed authorities to ensure immediate and the best possible medical treatment for those affected.
The president said the complete elimination of Fitna al-Khawarij and terrorists was essential for national security.
