At least 16 people were killed after an explosion struck an area near the old Police Lines in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Friday.
According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hamid, an explosives-laden vehicle was rammed into an area near the old Police Lines.
He said another suicide attacker later detonated explosives near the Special Branch building. The attack killed five police personnel and 11 civilians, according to the IGP.
Police Engage Militants After Blast
Zulfiqar Hamid said police and Counter Terrorism Department personnel were engaged in an operation against militants inside the Police Lines compound.
The IGP said one militant had been killed so far. The security operation was continuing as authorities worked to secure the area.
The casualty figures and details of the attack remain subject to change as rescue teams continue their work.
Injured Shifted to DHQ Hospital
Police said injured people were being transferred to the District Headquarters Hospital in Kohat.
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The hospital declared an emergency to deal with the casualties. The Kohat-Hangu Road was also closed to traffic following the explosion.
Rescue 1122 deployed 14 ambulances, rescue and recovery vehicles and more than 40 personnel to the scene.
District Emergency Officer Noor-ul-Amin was supervising the rescue operation, which officials said would continue until the operation was completed.
IGP Vows to Continue Fight Against Terrorism
IGP Zulfiqar Hamid said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police would continue to stand against terrorism.
He described the force as an “iron wall” against militant attacks and said such incidents would not weaken its resolve.
President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack and called for the elimination of what he described as Fitna al-Khawarij and militants operating with external support.
PM Shehbaz, President Zardari Condemn Attack
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of life and injuries caused by the blast.
The president and prime minister directed authorities to provide immediate medical treatment to the injured and wished them a speedy recovery.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also sought a report on the nature and causes of the explosion.
He directed authorities to speed up relief operations and provide all possible assistance to those affected.
KP Chief Minister Orders Immediate Medical Support
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi also condemned the explosion and sought a report from police authorities.
He directed officials to use all available resources to treat the injured.
The chief minister ordered hospitals to ensure prompt medical care and maintain the necessary facilities. He also directed authorities to arrange transfers for critically injured patients if additional treatment was required elsewhere.
Afridi called the targeting of civilians deeply regrettable and directed officials to examine all aspects of the incident and submit a detailed report.
The investigation and security operation remain underway.
