At Least 16 Killed, 56 Injured in Pakistan Mosque Explosion

An explosive-laden vehicle rammed into a mosque near a police headquarters in Pakistan’s northwestern Kohat district during Friday prayers, leaving at least 16 people dead and more than 56 wounded. The attack took place within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. While local authorities are actively responding to the scene, no group immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing.

At least two assailants exchanged gunfire with security forces after the blast while attempting to infiltrate the police headquarters compound, reportedly leaving one attacker dead. Rescue operations at the site are underway, and health authorities have confirmed five police officers and 11 civilians among the casualties. Among the wounded admitted to hospitals were worshippers from the Friday prayers, with injuries ranging from mild to critical.

Condemning the deadly explosion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an immediate acceleration of rescue operations at the blast site. President Asif Ali Zardari also issued a separate statement deploring the attack and wishing a swift recovery to the dozens of worshippers injured in the strike.

This is a breaking news story. Information will be updated as details become available.