At least 16 people were killed and more than 30 injured in a suicide explosion at a mosque

A blast occurred near the Old Police Lines in Kohat, located in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Details surrounding the incident remain limited at this time, and authorities are currently investigating the cause and any potential casualties.

At least 16 people were killed and more than 30 injured in a suicide explosion at a mosque inside the Kohat Police Lines in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday, officials said. Rescue 1122 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa spokesperson Bilal Ahmed Faizi said emergency teams rushed to the site after receiving information about the explosion and began rescue operations, according to Dawn. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, while roads leading to the blast site were closed, Geo News reported.

However, a statement from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa inspector general Zulfiqar Hameed said the explosion occurred at a mosque inside the Police Lines complex. “Following the explosion, an exchange of fire ensued with the armed terrorists,” the statement said. The explosion occurred during Friday prayers, collapsing part of the mosque and triggering a rescue operation as emergency teams and residents searched through the rubble for survivors. Rescue teams remained at the scene to assess the situation. The location was initially described by rescue officials as being near the Old Police Lines. Hameed also directed officials to ensure the best possible medical treatment for those injured in the blast.