Pakistani parties condemn blast near mosque in Kohat — Dawn
Leaders of the Awami National Party and Qaumi Watan Party condemned the blast near a mosque on the grounds of the Old Police Lines complex in Kohat, Pakistan. According to Dawn, 21 people were killed in the explosion, including 15 police officers. More than 80 people were injured.
Awami National Party statement
The central president of the Awami National Party, Senator Aimal Wali Khan, called the blast a manifestation of the state apparatus's inability to protect citizens. According to him, a mosque is the house of God, while Islam is a religion of peace and security. He added that people who shed the blood of innocents in places of worship are enemies of Islam and humanity.
Khan said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to suffer from violence, from Waziristan and Bajaur to Khyber and Kohat. He also criticized the provincial government, claiming that it had failed to respond adequately to the deteriorating security situation and was focusing on protests, rallies, and political activities.
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Call for a joint strategy
Qaumi Watan Party chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao also condemned the blast, expressed condolences to the families of those killed, and said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is experiencing a serious wave of terrorism that is affecting innocent people.
Sherpao criticized the provincial government, saying that it is focusing on protest politics and preparations for a long march instead of citizens' security. He called on the federal and provincial governments to set aside political considerations and develop a comprehensive coordinated strategy to counter terrorism.
