A suicide blast near the Kohat Police Lines during Friday prayer martyred 16 people, including five police personnel, officials said. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hamid said that an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the gate of the old police lines. “The vehicle hit the gate and then exploded, and firing also took place,” IGP Hameed said. The KP IGP said that another suicide blast occurred at the Special Branch building during the exchange of fire with terrorists. The IGP said that the KP police stood “like an iron wall” against terrorism and that such attacks could not undermine the morale of police personnel. “The blood of the martyrs will not go to waste,” he said, adding that terrorists and their facilitators would face consequences. Meanwhile, in a statement, the Central Police Office (CPO) said that seven armed militants entered the Police Lines following the suicide attack. Police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) engaged the attackers and killed six of them. The CPO said those killed included a suicide bomber and a sniper. The CPO said that IGP Hameed has sought a report from the Regional Police Officer, Kohat. District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital’s MS Tahir Ali Shah said that 15 bodies were brought to the hospital along with over 50 injured following the blast. Meanwhile, rescue officials said that the blast severely damaged the mosque’s outer section, while a wall also collapsed. Rescue operation was being carried out at the site of the explosion, the officials added. Authorities have closed the Kohat-Hangu Road to all traffic following the incident. The administration of the DHQ in Kohat has imposed an emergency as injured people were brought in for treatment. Condemnations pour in President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other leaders condemned the Kohat blast, resulting in the death of 16 people, including policemen. President Zardari expressed grief over the injuries and directed authorities to ensure immediate and the best possible medical treatment for those affected. The president said the complete elimination of Fitna al-Khawarij and terrorists was essential for national security. PM Shehbaz also condemned the incident, while directing authorities to provide every possible facility to the affected people. He also sought a report from the relevant authorities regarding the nature and causes of the blast. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi extended condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the early recovery of the injured. “We stand with the families of the martyrs in this hour of grief,” Naqvi said, adding that the actions of the terrorists could not weaken the nation’s resolve. KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of the blast and sought a report from police officials. CM Afridi condemned the incident, describing the act of terrorism as “extremely regrettable and unacceptable”. He directed officials to use available resources to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured and ensure necessary treatment and facilities at hospitals. He also directed authorities to examine all aspects of the incident and submit a detailed report.