Blast at Kohat Police Lines kills 16, including five policemen

KOHAT -- At least 16 people, including five policemen, were killed and 50 others injured in a blast at the Old Police Lines in Kohat on Friday, as a security operation against militants continued and emergency was declared at local hospitals.

According to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Central Police Office (CPO), a suicide bomber blew himself up near the Special Branch building. Police said one militant was killed in an exchange of fire during the ongoing operation.

DHQ Kohat Medical Superintendent Dr Tahir said 16 bodies and 50 injured people had so far been brought to the hospital, where the wounded were receiving medical treatment.

The CPO said the dead included five police personnel and 11 civilians.

KP Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hamid took immediate notice of the incident and sought a report from the Kohat regional police officer.

The IGP said initial reports suggested that an explosives-laden vehicle had rammed into the site, but the exact nature of the blast was still being determined. He said the operation against the attackers was continuing.

Mr Hamid said the KP police stood firm against terrorism and that their morale remained high. He added that the blood of the martyrs would not go in vain and those involved in terrorism and their facilitators would face severe consequences.

KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi expressed deep sorrow over the attack and sought a report from the police.