At least 16 people were killed and more than 50 others injured after a blast near a mosque in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday, according to a report by news agency PTI citing police and rescue authorities.
The explosion took place at a mosque located near the old Police Lines in Kohat district, around 60 kilometres southwest of Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The area is close to a police office complex.
Police and rescue teams reached the site soon after the blast and began rescue operations. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities are continuing to assess the situation, and the casualty figures could change as the rescue and investigation efforts continue.
The circumstances surrounding the explosion have not yet been fully established. Officials have not immediately provided details about the nature of the blast, whether it was caused by an explosive device or whether it was a targeted attack.
The mosque was located close to the old Police Lines area, making the incident particularly significant from a security perspective. Police and other security personnel have been deployed around the site as investigators begin examining the scene and collecting evidence.
Emergency services have also been working to ensure that those trapped or injured in the blast receive medical assistance. Hospitals in the area have been placed on alert to deal with the injured.
Kohat is located in the northwestern part of Pakistan and is part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province that has experienced repeated attacks and security incidents over the years. The region has remained a major focus of Pakistan’s counterterrorism operations.
The latest explosion has once again raised security concerns in the province, although authorities have yet to officially identify those responsible or establish a motive.
Police officials are expected to provide further information as the investigation progresses. Security agencies are examining the blast site and surrounding area to determine how the explosion occurred and whether there were any additional threats.
The incident occurred on Friday, and details were still emerging at the time of reporting. The number of casualties may rise as officials continue to verify information from hospitals and rescue agencies.
Further updates are expected from Pakistani authorities as the investigation continues.
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