PESHAWAR (Web Desk) -At least 16 people, including five police personnel, were killed and more than 50 others injured in an attack on the Police Lines in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Friday, according to police and other officials.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed confirmed the death toll and said more than 50 people had sustained injuries. Independent reports also put the toll at 16, including five police officials.
According to the police chief’s account, an explosives-laden vehicle initially struck the entrance to the Police Lines complex. Attackers subsequently attempted to enter different parts of the compound, prompting an armed response by security personnel.
Police said seven attackers attempted to infiltrate the Police Lines after the explosion. In an update issued during the clearance operation, police said six attackers, including the suspected suicide bomber, had been killed.
Authorities said the clearance operation continued inside the compound following the initial explosion.
Earlier information from police said an explosion had occurred near a mosque at the Police Lines. Rescue teams rushed to the area and began shifting casualties to hospitals.
Television footage from the scene showed extensive damage, including a collapsed wall, while people could be seen helping rescue victims from the rubble.
Initial information released by Rescue 1122 had reported more than 20 injuries and said several of the wounded were in critical condition. Fourteen ambulances and more than 35 rescue personnel were initially deployed for relief operations.
As authorities gathered further information, the reported casualty figures increased.
Police officials said the attack involved an explosives-laden vehicle. Anadolu Agency, citing a senior police official and local media, also reported that the vehicle struck the Old Police Lines gate.
Authorities had not released a complete official account of the sequence of events at the time of reporting, and the investigation into the attack and its planning was continuing.
Leadership condemns attack
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack.
The prime minister sought a report from the authorities and directed officials to expedite relief operations and ensure medical assistance for the injured. President Zardari also expressed grief over the casualties and called for effective action against terrorism.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi sought a detailed report and directed the authorities to ensure immediate medical treatment for the injured.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the violence and expressed condolences to the families of those killed.
Security situation
The attack comes amid continuing security challenges in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Separately, security forces killed 10 militants during operations in North Waziristan and Hangu, while six security personnel were killed after an improvised explosive device struck a security forces convoy on September 17, according to the military’s media wing.
Kohat is among 26 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa districts recently classified by the federal government as “hard areas” affected by security risks.
The Police Lines area has also witnessed deadly violence in the past. In 2010, a bomb attack inside a police colony behind the Kohat Police Lines killed 20 people and injured more than 90.
