Kohat Police Lines Attack Kills 21; Eight Attackers Dead

PESHAWAR, September 19, 2026: At least 21 people, including 15 police personnel, were martyred in a coordinated suicide and militant attack targeting the Old Police Lines in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while an overnight clearance operation by police, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and security forces resulted in the deaths of eight attackers, according to officials. The assault began when an explosives-laden vehicle struck the police compound near a mosque during Friday prayers, followed by gunmen entering the facility and engaging security personnel in a prolonged exchange of fire. More than 100 people were reported injured, placing additional pressure on local emergency and medical services.

According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police officials, the explosives-laden vehicle detonated near the mosque inside the Police Lines, causing extensive damage to the compound and killing worshippers and police personnel who were present at the time. A second suicide explosion was subsequently reported near the Special Branch building as security personnel engaged the attackers, while armed militants attempted to establish positions inside the police compound. The coordinated nature of the assault prompted an immediate security response, with police, CTD personnel and other security forces deployed to contain the attackers and secure the area.

The ensuing clearance operation continued for approximately 20 to 21 hours before authorities announced that key sections of the compound had been secured. According to the KP police statement, eight militants were killed during retaliatory action by law-enforcement agencies and security forces, with Elite Force commandos, CTD teams and other security personnel participating in the operation. KP Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed remained at the site alongside senior officers, while the operation was led by the Additional Inspector General of CTD, the Kohat Regional Police Officer and the Kohat District Police Officer.

The attack caused extensive disruption across Kohat, with emergency measures introduced as rescue teams transported the wounded to the District Headquarters Hospital, where medical authorities declared an emergency. Rescue 1122 teams were mobilised alongside police and security personnel, while access and movement around the affected area were restricted as the clearance operation continued. Authorities also increased security at entry and exit points of the city following the attack, reflecting heightened security concerns in the aftermath of the assault.

The deaths have drawn widespread condemnation from Pakistan’s political leadership and provincial authorities. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of life and directed the authorities to ensure the injured received immediate medical treatment. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also sought a report on the incident and called for accelerated relief efforts, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi condemned the attack and directed the relevant authorities to provide medical assistance to the injured and investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault.

The attack has once again placed the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under scrutiny, particularly given the targeting of a police facility housing specialised security and counterterrorism units. The Kohat Police Lines compound includes Special Branch and CTD facilities whose personnel have been involved in counterterrorism operations across the province. The assault therefore represents a significant security challenge for provincial law-enforcement institutions, while the successful completion of the clearance operation has allowed authorities to begin securing and assessing the affected compound.

With the clearance operation now completed, authorities are expected to continue investigations into the attack, identify the networks and facilitators involved, and assess security arrangements surrounding sensitive police installations. The incident has also renewed attention on the sacrifices of police personnel and civilians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where security institutions continue to confront militant violence while maintaining counterterrorism operations across the province.