PESHAWAR: Five cops were among 16 martyred in an explosion at Kohat Police Lines, according to officials.

Footage aired on television showed citizens gathered next to a building with a collapsed wall, digging through rubble and helping the injured.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General (IG) Zulfiqar Hameed confirmed the death toll to Dawn, adding that more than 50 people were injured.

An initial handout from IG Hameed said the explosion occurred at a mosque at Kohat Police Lines. It added that initial reports suggested an explosive-laden vehicle was rammed into the building.

In a later statement, he said that a suicide bomber detonated himself near the Special Branch building, adding that an exchange of fire was underway with Fitna al Khawarij terrorists.

“The operation will continue until the complete elimination of Fitna-ul-Khawarij,” the IG was quoted as saying, adding that the police’s morale remained high.

Fitna al Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan.

Separately, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi sought a detailed report on the incident, saying the targeting of innocent citizens was “deeply regrettable and unacceptable,” as per a statement issued by his office.

He directed authorities to ensure the immediate treatment for the injured. “The nation’s morale cannot be dampened by cowardly acts of terrorism,” he was quoted as saying.

KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also condemned the blast, praying for the recovery of the injured.

“The entire nation stands with the security forces to eradicate terrorism,” he said in a statement.

In 2010, 20 people, mostly the relatives of policemen, were killed and more than 90 injured in a remote-controlled bomb blast inside a police colony located just behind the Kohat Police Lines.

This is a developing story that is being updated as the situation evolves. Initial reports in the media can sometimes be inaccurate. We will strive to ensure timeliness and accuracy by relying on credible sources, such as concerned, qualified authorities and our staff reporters.