Kohat Blast Deeply Tragic; Terrorism Must Be Condemned in the Strongest Terms: Khurram Nawaz Gandapur

Targeting places of worship is highly condemnable
We stand with the victims and bereaved families in their hour of grief
Pray for elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and speedy recovery of the injured: PAT Secretary General

Secretary General of Pakistan Awami Tehreek Khurram Nawaz Gandapur has strongly condemned the bomb blast at a mosque near Kohat Police Lines, expressing deep sorrow and grief over the loss of precious human lives. The attack took place during Friday prayers at a mosque inside the Police Lines compound. Initial reports said several people were killed and dozens injured; subsequent reports placed the death toll at 21, with more than 100 people injured.

In his condemnation statement, Khurram Nawaz Gandapur said that targeting innocent and unarmed citizens at a place of worship during prayers was deeply tragic and among the gravest crimes against humanity. He said that terrorist elements responsible for such bloodshed deserved no leniency and called for indiscriminate, stringent and effective action against them.

Expressing concern over the recent wave of terrorist incidents, he said terrorism had become a serious challenge to the country’s peace and security. He urged the state and law-enforcement agencies to take coordinated and urgent measures to eliminate terrorism, protect the lives and property of citizens, and ensure foolproof security at mosques and other sensitive locations.

The PAT Secretary General expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the blast and conveyed his deep sympathy to the injured. He prayed that Allah Almighty elevate the ranks of the deceased, grant patience and fortitude to the bereaved families, and bless those receiving treatment in hospitals with a speedy and complete recovery.