A tragic blast occurred on September 18, 2026, in Kohat district, Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of at least 21 individuals, primarily policemen. The explosion took place as militants reportedly drove an explosives-laden vehicle into a mosque situated close to police lines during Friday prayers. In addition to those who lost their lives, more than 100 were injured, with 73 of the injured being police personnel and the rest civilians.

This attack unfolded in Kohat, approximately 60 kilometres southwest of Peshawar in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Following the initial explosion, armed militants engaged security forces in a gunfight, intensifying the already chaotic scene. Eyewitness accounts and video footage from the area depicted the alarming aftermath, with many worshippers’ bodies inside the mosque.

Dr Tahir Shah, the Medical Superintendent of Kohat Hospital, confirmed the casualties and injuries, specifying that among the deceased, 15 were members of the police force. Among the victims was Dr Israel Khan Orakzai, the Chief District Specialist at Liaquat Memorial Hospital.

Claims Of Responsibility And Ongoing Security Operations

The relatively unknown group, Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan, has claimed responsibility for this attack. In response, the Inspector General of Police for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Zulfiqar Hamid, indicated that six militants, including suicide bombers, have been killed so far in ongoing security operations. This incident has sparked a significant security response, with the area surrounding the blast site cordoned off.

As rescue efforts continued, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police closed the Kohat-Hangu Road and deployed additional police personnel to ensure public safety. Dr Shah informed that some injured individuals were transferred to Liaqat Memorial Hospital, while others received treatment at the District Headquarters Hospital, where an emergency was declared.

Rescue 1122 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s spokesperson, Bilal Ahmad Faizi, reported that teams reached the explosion site promptly after receiving distress calls and initiated rescue operations to evacuate the wounded and assess the situation.

Reactions From Authorities And The Public

In the aftermath of the attack, both President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the violence, emphasising the need for the complete elimination of foreign-sponsored terrorist elements to enhance national security. Sharif also requested a report on the incident and urged authorities to expedite relief measures.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed his disapproval of the attack, asserting that the entire nation stands united with the security forces in their fight against terrorism. Provincial Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also sought a report from local police chiefs regarding the incident.

The violence in Kohat serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges that Pakistan faces with rising terror activities, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Despite efforts to secure the region, incidents like this contribute to ongoing concerns about safety and stability across the country.

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