Sohail Afridi Condemns Kohat Attack, Calls for Unity

PESHAWAR, September 19, 2026: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has strongly condemned the suicide attack at Kohat Police Lines, expressing grief over the loss of police personnel and civilians and reaffirming that terrorist violence would not weaken the resolve of the people or undermine the unity of Pakistan. His statement came after a deadly attack on Friday in which an explosives-laden vehicle detonated near a mosque inside the police compound, followed by an assault on police facilities; initial official reports put the death toll at 21, including 15 police officials, with more than 100 people injured.

In a video message, Sohail Afridi conveyed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and the swift recovery of those injured. He described Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as Pakistan’s frontline province in the fight against terrorism, emphasizing that the province’s communities and security personnel have continued to bear significant human costs in confronting militancy and protecting the country’s wider security environment. The chief minister also directed the provincial authorities to ensure that the injured receive appropriate medical treatment and that all necessary assistance is provided to affected families.

The Kohat attack triggered a major security operation at the police compound, with law-enforcement personnel conducting a clearance operation against the attackers after the initial explosion and subsequent assault. Police officials said several attackers were killed during the operation, while the situation remained under close observation as security personnel worked to secure the compound. The incident has once again drawn attention to the continuing security challenges confronting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where police and other security institutions remain directly exposed to militant attacks.

Sohail Afridi also emphasized the sacrifices made by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, claiming that more than 80,000 people from the province had lost their lives during the country’s struggle against terrorism. He argued that these sacrifices should be acknowledged and respected, particularly when discussing national security and the contribution of different provinces to maintaining peace and stability across Pakistan. According to the chief minister, the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have continued to stand on the frontline against militancy, with their sacrifices contributing to the security of communities beyond the province as well.

The chief minister also criticised remarks attributed to the chief minister of Pakistan’s largest province suggesting that the country’s threat came from its other provinces rather than India, describing such comments as regrettable. Sohail Afridi stressed that all provinces, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are integral parts of Pakistan and have contributed to the country through the sacrifices of their people and security personnel. He maintained that remarks capable of creating divisions between provinces could reopen longstanding grievances and disrespect the families of those who lost their lives in the fight against terrorism.

Reaffirming his message of national unity, Sohail Afridi said Pakistan belongs to all its citizens and that attempts to promote division, prejudice or hatred among the people would not be allowed to succeed. His remarks came as political and security concerns continued to converge in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the province facing persistent militant violence alongside broader political tensions. The chief minister’s statement emphasized the need for solidarity among Pakistan’s provinces and recognition of the sacrifices made by communities affected by terrorism, particularly at a time when security forces and civilians continue to face the consequences of militant violence.