Deadly Attack on Police Headquarters in Pakistan’s Kohat — At Least 31 Killed, Including 16 Police Personnel- Over 100 Injured
Kohat, Pakistan | September 19, 2026 | The Global Journal
At least 31 people have been killed in an explosion and gun attack at a police headquarters in Kohat, in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Among those killed were 16 police personnel, while more than 100 people were injured. A senior police official told AFP on Saturday that fighting was still ongoing.
The attack took place on Friday afternoon at the historic Old Police Lines complex in Kohat. The compound serves as the district-level police headquarters and houses offices of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Special Branch and several other police units.
Gunfight Continues Inside the Complex
A police official said several attackers remained inside the Special Branch section of the police complex following the assault. Security forces had been exchanging fire with them since late Friday night, while their exact number remained unclear.
According to the Kohat district health officer, more than 100 people were injured in the attack, the majority of them police personnel, with several reported to be in critical condition. Rescue and security operations were launched at the site following the attack.
Militant Group Claims Responsibility
Local militant group Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan, described as a faction linked to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack, according to AFP.
The assault involved a suicide bombing and gun attack. Initial reports on Friday said that no group had immediately claimed responsibility, although the region has experienced a surge in militant violence.
Pakistan Blames Afghanistan-Based Militancy
Pakistan has repeatedly blamed the increase in militant attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan on militants operating from or linked to Afghanistan. Islamabad has accused armed groups of using Afghan territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan.
However, Afghanistan’s Taliban government has denied involvement and rejected Pakistan’s allegations. The dispute has contributed to heightened tensions and armed clashes between the two neighboring countries.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for those injured. President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed condolences over the casualties.
