Explosion in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Kills at Least 16

An explosion near the former police lines building in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, has resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people. More than 30 individuals have been injured in the incident. According to Zulfiqar Hamid, Inspector General of Police for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, preliminary reports indicate that a vehicle loaded with explosives collided with the old police lines, triggering the blast. He further reported that armed militants engaged in a gunfight following the explosion.

The police chief of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa added that initial details suggest the explosion was followed by a suicide attacker detonating himself near the Special Branch area. Sources indicate that during the ensuing gunfire, one militant was killed. Local police confirmed the explosion occurred on Friday at approximately 1:15 PM local time. At the scene, 14 ambulances and over 40 personnel have been deployed to conduct rescue operations.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif strongly condemned the Kohat explosion and expressed sorrow over the large number of casualties. A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office noted that Shahbaz Sharif has instructed immediate medical treatment for the injured. He has also requested a report from relevant authorities on the cause of the blast and directed acceleration of relief and rescue efforts, as well as provision of all necessary assistance to those affected. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the explosion and expressed regret over the loss of lives and damage to property. The Peshawar police have reported that among the 16 fatalities were 11 civilians and five police officials.