Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar visited the families of police personnel killed in the Kohat Police Lines attack and expressed condolences over the loss of lives.
The minister also visited injured security personnel at CMH Kohat. He praised their morale and the bravery of police and army personnel who took part in the operation against the attackers.
The attack during Friday prayers killed at least 21 people, including 15 police personnel and six civilians. More than 100 people were injured, according to an initial hospital report.
During his visit, Tarar met the family of police officer Faheemullah, who was among those killed. He offered Fateha and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family.
Speaking to the media, Tarar said the victims had sacrificed their lives to protect the country. He said the families of those killed would continue to receive government support.
He praised the security personnel who responded to the attack. According to the minister, some personnel who were on leave returned to duty and joined the operation.
Tarar said the attack would not weaken the determination of the security forces or the public. He described the attackers as cowardly and said the government would continue its efforts to eliminate terrorism.
He conveyed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s message that the fight against terrorism would continue until militant groups were defeated.
The minister also criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government over its response to the attack. He questioned Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s presence and asked what measures had been taken to improve security and public services in the province.
Tarar further criticised the PTI-led provincial administration over what he described as shortcomings in policing, governance, education, health and development.
He claimed that the province lacked a forensic laboratory that could support police investigations. He also raised allegations regarding government contracts, development funds and mining projects.
The minister also addressed the PTI’s planned protest in Islamabad on September 27. He said the government would not allow the capital to be shut down or permit armed groups to enter the city.
Tarar rejected PTI claims that its protests were peaceful. He said authorities would take action against individuals involved in violence or carrying weapons.
He also highlighted development projects completed during the tenure of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, including the Kohat Tunnel and motorway. He also raised concerns about deforestation and alleged the discovery of factories producing counterfeit cigarettes in the province.
The deadly attack took place at around 1:20pm on Friday at a mosque inside Kohat Police Lines on Hangu Road. The blast occurred during Friday prayers and was followed by an attack involving several armed militants.
An initial medical report said 21 people were killed, including 15 police personnel and six civilians. Among the civilians killed was Dr Israel Khan Aurakzai, a senior paediatric specialist at Liaqat Memorial Hospital in Kohat.
A total of 103 injured people were treated at two hospitals. They included 73 police personnel and 30 civilians.
Several patients were admitted for further treatment, while five underwent abdominal surgery. Four of those patients were later referred to hospitals in Peshawar for specialised care.
Police said seven armed attackers entered the police lines following the explosion. Six attackers, including the suicide bomber, were reported killed during the security operation.
The Afghanistan-based Ittihadul Mujahideen Pakistan, led by Hafiz Gul Bahadur, claimed responsibility for the attack.
