Peshawar, September 18: At least 16 people were killed and dozens injured in a powerful suicide blast at a mosque during Friday prayers in Kohat district of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. According to officials, the blast took place at a mosque located near the Police Lines.

The mosque is located near the old Police Lines in Kohat, around 60 kilometres southwest of Peshawar, the provincial capital. Panic spread in the area after the sudden explosion during Friday prayers.

According to preliminary information, the attacker entered the mosque premises in a vehicle loaded with explosives. Gunfire also took place with armed people present at the site. The sound of the blast was heard from a considerable distance.

After the explosion, the local administration and security forces were immediately sent to the site. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals, where treatment is underway. Officials have also not ruled out the possibility of the death toll increasing.

Security agencies have cordoned off the area and an investigation into the attack has been launched. At present, it is not clear which organisation or individual was responsible for the attack. Investigating agencies are working to identify the attacker and determine the motive behind the incident.

A large number of people were present at the mosque for Friday prayers. As a result, many people were caught in the blast. Rescue and relief operations were carried out at the scene.

According to officials, the initial investigation indicates that the incident was a suicide attack. However, detailed information regarding the incident and official confirmation about responsibility for the attack are still awaited. Security arrangements have been tightened following the incident.