At least 16 people were killed and more than 50 others injured in a powerful explosion near the old Police Lines in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, during Friday prayers.

Officials said the dead included five police personnel and 11 civilians. Several injured people were shifted to hospitals for treatment, with some reported to be in critical condition.

The explosion occurred while worshippers were attending Friday prayers at a mosque near the old Police Lines.

Rescue 1122 teams launched a search and rescue operation immediately after the blast. The operation involved 14 ambulances, rescue vehicles and a recovery vehicle, along with more than 40 rescue personnel.

Police and CTD Operation Underway

Officials said police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel were engaged in an operation inside the Police Lines compound following the explosion.

According to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police chief, an explosives-laden vehicle was rammed into the area near the old Police Lines.

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A second suicide attacker reportedly detonated explosives near the Special Branch building after the initial blast.

Police said an armed militant was killed during an exchange of fire with security personnel.

The operation was continuing as authorities searched the area and collected evidence.

Rescue Teams Shift Injured to Hospitals

Rescue teams transported the injured to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment.

Authorities said emergency arrangements were made at the District Headquarters Hospital in Kohat.

The Kohat-Hangu Road was also closed to traffic following the incident, according to officials.

Rescue personnel continued searching the site while security forces maintained a cordon around the affected area.

Police Vow to Continue Operation

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hamid said the operation would continue until the threat was eliminated.

He said the police force remained determined to confront militant attacks.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the blast and the identities of those involved.

No group had immediately claimed responsibility for the attack in the reports available at the time of publication.