PESHAWAR: Five cops were among 16 martyred in an explosion at Kohat Police Lines, according to officials.

Footage aired on television showed citizens gathered next to a building with a collapsed wall, digging through rubble and helping the injured.

The attack was claimed by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur-led Ittehadul Mujahideen.

Speaking to Dawn, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General (IG) Zulfiqar Hameed confirmed the death toll, adding that more than 50 people were injured.

He told Dawn that a vehicle-borne suicide bomber initially struck the building’s gate. He said that some headed towards the Counter Terrorism Department building, where they were neutralised, while around three went to the Special Branch building.

An initial handout from IG Hameed said the explosion occurred at a mosque at Kohat Police Lines. It added that initial reports suggested an explosive-laden vehicle was rammed into the building.

In a later statement, he said that a suicide bomber detonated himself near the Special Branch building, adding that an exchange of fire was underway with Fitna al Khawarij terrorists.

“The operation will continue until the complete elimination of Fitna-ul-Khawarij,” the IG was quoted as saying, adding that the police’s morale remained high.

Fitna al Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan.

At around 3:30pm, police said the clearance operation was “in its final stages”.

The statement detailed that seven terrorists had attempted to infiltrate Police Lines after the explosion.

“So far, six terrorists, including a suicide bomber, have been killed,” the statement said.

Separately, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi sought a detailed report on the incident, saying the targeting of innocent citizens was “deeply regrettable and unacceptable,” as per a statement issued by his office.

He directed authorities to ensure immediate treatment for the injured. “The nation’s morale cannot be dampened by cowardly acts of terrorism,” he was quoted as saying.

In 2010, 20 people, mostly the relatives of policemen, were killed and more than 90 injured in a remote-controlled bomb blast inside a police colony located just behind the Kohat Police Lines.

Condemnations pour in

President Asif Ali Zardari, condemning the incident, vowed that the complete elimination of foreign-sponsored terrorists was “essential for national security”.

President Zardari wished the injured a swift recovery.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sought a report on the blast from the concerned authorities. He also directed authorities to expedite relief operations, Radio Pakistan reported.

KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also condemned the blast, praying for the recovery of the injured.

“The entire nation stands with the security forces to eradicate terrorism,” he said in a statement.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said in his condemnation that terrorists’ “cowardly acts cannot weaken the nation’s resolve”.

A statement posted on his ministry’s X account said Naqvi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the attack and extended condolence to the bereaved.

“The nation is standing with the families of the martyrs in this moment of grief,” he was quoted as saying.

This is a developing story that is being updated as the situation evolves. Initial reports in the media can sometimes be inaccurate. We will strive to ensure timeliness and accuracy by relying on credible sources, such as concerned, qualified authorities and our staff reporters.