PESHAWAR: Awami National Party central president Senator Aimal Wali Khan on Friday condemned the blast outside a mosque at the Old Police Lines in Kohat, which killed 21 persons, including 15 policemen, and injured over 80 others.

In a statement issued here, Mr Khan described the incident as a manifestation of the failure of the state machinery to protect its citizens.

He said a mosque was a house of God and Islam was a religion of peace and security. “What service to Islam is being rendered by killing worshippers?” he asked, adding that those shedding the blood of innocent people at places of worship were enemies of Islam and humanity.

Mr Khan said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had continued to face violence from Waziristan and Bajaur to Khyber and Kohat.

“Why are those who call for ceasefires in other parts of the world silent over the war being waged on Pakhtun soil?” he asked, adding that people expected the state and its institutions to ensure their protection.

He also criticised the provincial government, alleging that it had failed to address the deteriorating law and order situation and was instead focused on protests, rallies and political activities.

Meanwhile, Qaumi Watan Party chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao also condemned the blast, expressing grief over the deaths and injuries.

In a statement issued on Friday in Charsadda, he said he was deeply saddened by reports of people being killed and injured in the incident and expressed sympathy with the bereaved families.

Mr Sherpao said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was experiencing a severe wave of terrorism and that innocent people were being affected. He criticised the provincial government for ‘focusing’ on protest politics and preparations for a long march instead of giving priority to the security of citizens.

He said the province could not be left without an effective response to the worsening law and order situation, and called for greater attention to the security challenges facing the region.

The QWP chairman urged the federal and provincial governments to rise above political considerations and formulate a comprehensive and coordinated strategy to counter terrorism.

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2026