Kohat Mosque Blast: 16 Killed, Five Police Personnel Among Dead

Kohat, Pakistan: At least 16 people, including five police personnel, were killed and 57 others injured after an explosives-laden vehicle detonated near a mosque inside the Old Police Lines in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, during Friday prayers, according to Pakistani officials.

The blast was followed by an exchange of fire as armed attackers attempted to enter the police compound. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed said the initial attack involved a vehicle carrying explosives that was rammed into the police facility. Other attackers subsequently attempted to move towards buildings housing the Counter-Terrorism Department and Special Branch.

Seven attackers reported killed

Police said seven militants were killed during the ensuing security operation, including suicide attackers and a sniper. Security forces cordoned off the area and launched a clearance operation, while police and rescue teams worked to evacuate casualties.

The injured were shifted to hospitals in Kohat, where emergency measures were activated. Pakistan’s state broadcaster reported that 57 injured people had been taken for medical treatment.

Mosque and police facility damaged

The explosion caused extensive damage to the mosque and surrounding police facilities, with portions of a wall collapsing. Rescue teams were deployed to search through the debris and assist those trapped or injured.

The attack took place in Kohat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a region that has witnessed repeated militant attacks. The area is also relatively close to Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan.

🚨KOHAT BLAST UPDATE 💥🇵🇰💥

Police sources say 9 explosions have occurred, with the death toll rising to 30. More than 50 people have reportedly been injured, including police officers and civilians.

Reports say SP Traffic Akbar Shinwari is among those killed. pic.twitter.com/QeZJOKhusC

— Fawad Alokozai (@FawadAlokozai5) September 18, 2026

Responsibility remains disputed

Initial reports differed over responsibility for the attack. Dawn reported that the Hafiz Gul Bahadur-led Ittehadul Mujahideen claimed responsibility, while early reports from Reuters and Al Jazeera said there was no immediate claim.

Pakistani authorities have frequently blamed militant groups operating from or linked to the Afghanistan border region for attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Kabul has rejected allegations that Afghan territory is being used to support attacks against Pakistan.

Leaders condemn attack

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and directed authorities to accelerate rescue operations and ensure medical treatment for the injured. The provincial government also sought reports from officials regarding the incident.

The latest official figures available in Pakistani government and police reports put the toll at 16 dead and 57 injured, although some later media reports have carried higher casualty figures as rescue and clearance operations continued.