Kohat: A powerful explosion at a mosque in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during Friday prayers has left at least 16 people dead and more than 50 others injured, triggering panic in the region.
The blast took place at a mosque near the Police Lines area in Kohat, when worshipers had gathered for prayers. Rescue teams immediately reached the site and launched operations to pull survivors from the damaged structure.
Blast Causes Damage, Rescue Operations Underway
The impact of the explosion caused damage to the mosque structure, with rescue workers searching through debris to locate survivors. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, while authorities monitored the situation.
Officials launched an investigation to determine the nature of the explosion and identify those responsible. Security forces collected evidence from the site as part of the probe.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faces Fresh Security Challenge
The incident has once again highlighted security concerns in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a region that has witnessed several militant attacks in recent years.
The province, which shares a border with Afghanistan, has frequently remained a focus of security operations due to the presence of armed groups. Authorities are examining whether the latest blast was linked to any militant organisation.
Security Agencies Probe Attack
No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the explosion. Investigators are looking into multiple aspects of the incident, including the method used in the attack and possible links behind it.
The blast comes amid continued concerns over violence targeting civilians and security personnel in parts of Pakistan. The government and security agencies are expected to review security arrangements following the incident.