PESHAWAR (MNN); The overnight clearance operation following the deadly attack at the old Police Lines near a mosque in Kohat has been completed, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police saying eight terrorists were killed during retaliatory operations.
The death toll from Friday’s attack rose to 23, including 17 police personnel and six civilians, while more than 100 people were injured, according to police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) officials.
The attack began when terrorists detonated an explosives-laden vehicle near a mosque inside the old Police Lines during Friday prayers. The attackers subsequently entered the compound and targeted police facilities.
In an official statement, KP Police said Elite Force commandos, CTD teams and security forces cleared key sections of the buildings during the overnight operation.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of KP Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, while the CTD Additional Inspector General, Kohat Regional Police Officer and Kohat District Police Officer led the operation. The Kohat General Officer Commanding was also present at the site.
KP Police said the law-enforcement agencies successfully completed the operation and that IG Hameed commended the officers involved and announced rewards for their performance.
“Police, CTD and security forces fought valiantly; these brave personnel are the pride of the nation,” the IG said, adding that the attackers’ plans had been thwarted.
CTD Additional IG injured
The CTD said its Additional IG was injured in a grenade attack during the operation after terrorists entered the Special Branch building following the suicide attack on the mosque.
According to the CTD, the officer had remained at the frontline since Friday afternoon while supervising the operation alongside police personnel.
He suffered a hand injury in the grenade attack but returned to the frontline after receiving first aid to continue supervising the operation and encourage the personnel involved.
There was a discrepancy in the official casualty figures for the attackers. KP Police reported that eight terrorists were killed, while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said security forces had eliminated seven attackers.
Naqvi paid tribute to the security forces and said he was proud of the personnel who took part in the operation. He also paid tribute to the victims, saying the martyrs had set an example of duty through the sacrifice of their lives.
Rescue operation concludes
Rescue 1122 also completed its relief operation, with 24 vehicles, including ambulances, rescue vehicles and recovery vehicles, participating in the response.
More than 60 rescue personnel took part under the supervision of Kohat District Emergency Officer Noorul Amin Khattak. Rescue teams and vehicles from Karak and Hangu also assisted in the operation.
Seven injured people were shifted to Peshawar for further medical treatment. Five were taken to Lady Reading Hospital while two were transferred to Hayatabad Medical Complex.
Rescue 1122 spokesperson Bilal Ahmed Faizi said rescue personnel performed their duties under extremely difficult, sensitive and dangerous conditions.
Pakistan urges action against terrorist networks
The Ministry of Information strongly condemned the attack and reiterated Pakistan’s concerns over the alleged use of Afghan territory by terrorist groups for planning and carrying out attacks inside Pakistan.
The ministry said the presence of alleged terrorist sanctuaries, recruitment networks and support structures in Afghanistan posed a security threat to Pakistan.
It said Islamabad had repeatedly conveyed these concerns to the Afghan Taliban and urged them to take concrete steps to dismantle such networks.
The ministry also criticised Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid over his warning of a “crushing response”, saying Afghanistan should instead address terrorist networks operating from its territory.
Pakistan welcomed the Afghan Foreign Ministry’s condemnation of the Kohat attack and its condolences for the victims but said such condemnation should be accompanied by concrete and verifiable action.
The ministry said Pakistan remained committed to dialogue and constructive engagement but would take necessary measures, in accordance with international law, to protect its citizens, territory and sovereignty.
KP CM visits victims
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi visited injured people and the families of those killed in the attack, according to KP Information Minister Shafi Jan.
The chief minister directed authorities to provide the injured with the best available medical treatment and assured bereaved families of government support.
Afridi had earlier sought a detailed report on the attack and described the targeting of civilians as deeply regrettable and unacceptable.
The attack was claimed by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur-led Ittehadul Mujahideen.
Funeral prayers for 15 police personnel were offered in Kohat on Friday evening. Their bodies were subsequently transported in Rescue 1122 ambulances to their native districts, including Kohat, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Bannu and Mardan.
Those killed included SP Traffic Akbar Shinwari, DHQ Hospital paediatric department head Dr Israel Orakzai, and officials of the Special Branch and CTD.
The attack revived memories of a deadly 2010 bombing at a police colony behind Kohat Police Lines, in which 20 people, mostly relatives of police personnel, were killed and more than 90 injured.
