KOHAT: The death toll from a bomb blast at a mosque inside the Old Police Lines in Kohat has climbed to 21, including 15 police personnel, while 34 injured people are undergoing treatment at hospitals, police sources said.
According to police officials, four of the injured are in critical condition and have been shifted to Peshawar for specialised medical care.
Following the explosion, police and security forces cordoned off the affected area and tightened security. Routes leading to the Old Police Lines were also closed as a precautionary measure.
A police spokesperson confirmed that an explosion had occurred at the Old Police Lines on Friday. The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) office is also located within the premises.
Rescue 1122 teams reached the scene soon after the incident and launched rescue and relief operations. The service said 35 personnel were taking part in the operation, while police officials earlier reported that at least 20 injured people had been transported to hospitals.
The blast comes amid previous attacks targeting law enforcement personnel in the district.
In February this year, a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) and four other people were killed when unidentified gunmen attacked a police vehicle on Shakardara Road in Kohat. Three others were also injured in the incident.
Police officials said the team was transporting two suspects in a police vehicle when armed assailants opened fire, triggering an intense exchange of gunfire.
Those killed included DSP Lachi Asad Mehmood, Investigation Inspector Anar Gul Khan and a police constable. The two suspects in custody, identified as Yousuf Khan and Samiullah, were also killed in the attack.
Three Frontier Corps (FC) personnel sustained injuries and were taken to the District Headquarters Hospital for treatment.
After the February attack, security forces sealed off the area and launched a search operation. Additional police contingents were deployed, and security was placed on high alert amid heightened concern in the district.
