At least 20 people were injured in an explosion near the Police Lines in Kohat during Friday prayers, according to police and hospital authorities, prompting an immediate emergency response and a security lockdown around the affected area.
Police officials said the injured are being shifted to District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital Kohat, where emergency arrangements have been activated to deal with the influx of casualties. Police personnel are also among those reported injured in the blast.
Hospital authorities have declared an emergency at DHQ Hospital, with medical staff mobilized to provide urgent treatment to those wounded in the explosion. The condition of the injured and the extent of their wounds were not immediately available.
According to police, the explosion occurred during Friday prayers near the Police Lines. The blast reportedly left a crater outside a nearby mosque and caused substantial damage to the mosque’s exterior. A wall of the mosque also collapsed following the explosion.
The blast has triggered heightened security measures in the area. Police have closed the Kohat-Hangu Road to all traffic as security personnel secure the site and facilitate emergency operations. Additional police contingents have also been deployed around the Police Lines.
Rescue and emergency teams are continuing relief operations at the scene, assisting the injured and coordinating their transfer to medical facilities. Officials are also assessing the damage and gathering further information about the incident.
The exact nature and cause of the explosion have not yet been officially determined. Authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the blast or identified any individuals or organization responsible.
The closure of the Kohat-Hangu Road is expected to remain in place while security and emergency operations continue. Residents and commuters have been urged to avoid the affected area and cooperate with security personnel to ensure clear access for ambulances and emergency responders.
The incident remains under investigation, while authorities continue to assess the situation. Further updates are expected as verified information becomes available.
