Death toll from Kohat Police Lines blast rises to 21, over 100 injured
· Geo News- Seven terrorists attacked old Kohat Police Lines: CPO.
- Over 50 injured brought to Kohat DHQ Hospital: Officials.
- DHQ Hospital in Kohat imposes emergency after blast.
KOHAT: At least 21 people, including 15 police officials, were martyred and 103 others injured after explosions targeted a mosque inside Kohat Police Lines during Friday prayer, officials said, prompting condemnation from the country’s top leadership.
The deceased include 15 police personnel and six civilians, Kohat Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Tahir Shah said. Among those killed was Dr Israel Khan Orakzai, Chief District Specialist at Liaquat Memorial Hospital, he added.
Of the 103 injured, 73 are police personnel, and 30 are civilians, according to the MS. 90 of the injured were brought to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, while 13 were taken to Liaquat Memorial Hospital.
Dr Shah said 34 injured people remain under treatment at the hospitals, while four critically injured patients have been referred to hospitals in Peshawar for further medical care.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hamid told Geo News that an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the gate of the old police lines before the blasts.
"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.
Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in terrorism since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. Despite Islamabad’s repeated requests for the Afghan regime to ensure its soil is not used for terrorism, it has yet to fulfil its commitments.
In a statement, the Central Police Office (CPO) said that seven armed terrorists entered the Police Lines following the suicide attack. Police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) engaged the attackers and killed six of them — including a suicide bomber and a sniper.
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.
The blast severely damaged the mosque's outer section, while a wall also collapsed, rescue officials said, noting that a rescue operation was being carried out at the site of the explosion.
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.
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.
PM Shehbaz also condemned the incident, while directing authorities to provide every possible facility to the affected people.
He also sought a report from the relevant authorities regarding the nature and causes of the blast.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi extended condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the early recovery of the injured.
"We stand with the families of the martyrs in this hour of grief," Naqvi said, adding that the actions of the terrorists could not weaken the nation's resolve.
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of the blast and sought a report from police officials.
CM Afridi condemned the incident, describing the act of terrorism as "extremely regrettable and unacceptable".
He directed officials to use available resources to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured and ensure necessary treatment and facilities at hospitals.
He also directed authorities to examine all aspects of the incident and submit a detailed report.
Similarly, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the blast at the Police Lines and expressed deep grief over the loss of life.
Bugti said the entire nation was united against terrorism and stressed the need to strengthen the resolve for peace and stability.
International condemnation
Countries including Saudi Arabia, Russia, the United Kingdom, Poland and Australia, and Jordan have condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the families of those killed while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
In a post on X, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said it expresses condemnation and strong denunciation of the terrorist attack targeting a mosque in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of several people.
UK High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott said she was “appalled by the horrific attack” on a mosque in Kohat, stressing that “nobody should face violence in a place of worship”. She expressed sympathy for those injured and people who lost loved ones.
The Embassy of Poland also strongly condemned the suicide attack on the mosque at Kohat Police Lines, extending condolences to the victims’ families and wishing those injured a speedy recovery. It said Poland stood in solidarity with Pakistan in the fight against terrorism.
Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Timothy Kane said he was “deeply saddened and appalled” by reports of the explosion in Kohat. He offered condolences to those who lost loved ones and expressed solidarity with the injured and others affected by the attack.
The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates also condemned the explosion, expressing solidarity and full support for the government and people of Pakistan.
The ministry spokesperson, Ambassador Fuad Al-Majali, rejected all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability.
Meanwhile, the Russian Embassy in Pakistan strongly condemned the terrorist attack, saying the tragedy underscored the need for concerted efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
The embassy expressed hope that those responsible would be identified and brought to justice. It also conveyed condolences to the families and friends of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
Moreover, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the attack, reaffirming Doha’s firm rejection of violence, terrorism and criminal acts, regardless of their motives. It also stressed its opposition to targeting places of worship and terrorising innocent people.
The ministry extended condolences to the victims’ families, as well as the government and people of Pakistan, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan said it was “deeply saddened” by the attack and strongly condemned all forms of terrorism. It offered condolences to the deceased victims and sympathies to the bereaved families, wishing those injured a speedy recovery.
“The Chinese side stands in solidarity with Pakistan at this difficult time,” the embassy said.
Meanwhile, Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the explosion, which it said killed and injured police personnel and civilians.
Kuwait reaffirmed its full solidarity with Pakistan and rejected all forms of violence and terrorism. It also conveyed condolences and sympathy to the Pakistani government, people and victims’ families, while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
The State of Palestine strongly condemned the terrorist attack.
In a statement, Palestine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates expressed full solidarity with Pakistan’s leadership, government and people.
The ministry conveyed its sincere condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims, praying for a speedy recovery for those injured.
It also prayed for Pakistan’s safety and protection from all harm.
The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) also condemned the terrorist bombing in Kohat.