Islamabad, 18 September 2026: At least 15 people were killed in the explosion near a mosque in 'Police Lines' area of Kohat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. More than 50 people were injured in this incident. Medical Superintendent (MS) of District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital Tahir Ali Shah said that after the blast, 15 dead bodies and more than 50 injured persons were brought to the hospital.
Relief and rescue operations underway
According to the police, the explosion took place during Friday prayers, leaving a crater outside the mosque. Police personnel are also among those injured in this incident. Rescue workers said that the explosion had caused extensive damage to the exterior of the mosque and a wall had collapsed.
Officials said rescue operations were underway at the site of the blast; Meanwhile, after this incident, Kohat-Hangu road has been closed for all types of vehicles. DHQ administration in Kohat has declared a state of emergency as the injured are being brought for treatment.
Investigation into the explosion is underway
According to initial reports, a vehicle loaded with explosives had rammed into the 'Old Police Lines'; However, the exact cause of the explosion is not yet known. 'Rescue 1122' spokesperson Bilal Ahmed Faizi said in a statement, “After the blast, there was a shootout with armed terrorists.”
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