KOHAT – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi visited families of those killed in the attack and met with injured victims at the hospital, offering condolences and expressing solidarity with those affected by the tragedy.
The assault, which targeted police facilities near a mosque during Friday prayers, claimed 23 lives, including 17 police personnel and six civilians, while more than 100 people were injured, police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) officials confirmed on Saturday.
As the province mourns the victims, Afridi has called for a change in the approach to counterterrorism, saying Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has endured 22 years of fighting militancy without the existing policy delivering the desired results.
Pakistan Army commandos clear the CTD building inside the Police Lines compound following a blast on Saturday morning
GOC 9 Kohat Maj. Gen Shahid Afsar leads Clearance Operation after Suicide Attack
During his visit, Afridi paid tribute to the police, CTD and other security personnel who fought the attackers, saying their sacrifice was a testament to their commitment to protecting the nation. CM highlighted the long and painful struggle against terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying the province had been battling militancy for 22 years.
He argued that the existing counterterrorism approach had failed to produce the desired results and called for a change in policy. His remarks came as the deadly Kohat assault once again brought the human cost of militancy into sharp focus, with police personnel and civilians among those who lost their lives.
Financial aid for Families
Afridi announced financial assistance for the families of martyred personnel who are not covered under the government’s existing compensation package. The move is intended to extend support to bereaved families who fall outside the current relief arrangements following the deadly attack.
He also pledged medical equipment for Kohat DHQ Hospital, where injured victims were receiving treatment. Alongside the relief measures, the chief minister announced the reconstruction of the mosque and Special Branch police station damaged in the assault.
He further said the previously announced 1,000-bed hospital in Kohat would be completed at the earliest, reiterating the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare facilities in the district.
The attack unfolded on Friday when terrorists detonated an explosives-laden vehicle near a mosque in the old Police Lines during Friday prayers.
The blast was followed by an armed assault, as the attackers stormed the compound and targeted police facilities, turning the area into a scene of devastation.
At least 21 people were initially reported killed, while more than 100 sustained injuries. By Saturday, the death toll had risen to 23, with police personnel accounting for the majority of those killed.
The attack left families mourning their loved ones and placed further pressure on emergency and healthcare services as the injured received treatment.
While families grappled with the aftermath of the attack, police and security forces continued an overnight operation to clear the compound and secure the affected buildings.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police said on Saturday that the operation had been completed, confirming that eight terrorists were killed during retaliatory action by police and security forces.
Elite Force commandos, CTD teams and other security personnel took part in the clearance operation, securing key sections of the buildings.
Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed was present at the scene. The operation was led by the CTD additional inspector general, Kohat regional police officer and Kohat district police officer, with the Kohat general officer commanding also in attendance.
IG Hameed praised the personnel who confronted the attackers and announced rewards for those involved in the operation. Paying tribute to their courage, he described the police, CTD and security personnel as a source of pride for the nation, adding that the attackers’ plans had been thwarted. He also vowed that efforts to eliminate terrorism would continue.
Eight terrorists killed as Kohat Police Lines operation concludes after 22 hours
