CTD registers terror case over deadly Kohat Police Lines attack

A case has been registered with the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) police station over the suicide attack on the old Police Lines in Kohat, police said. The FIR was registered on the complaint of the Station House Officer (SHO) of City Police Station Kohat against unidentified terrorists. The case includes charges related to terrorism, murder, attempted murder and other offences. On Friday, at least 21 people, including 15 police officials, were martyred when an explosives-laden vehicle detonated near a mosque in Kohat Police Lines, followed by terrorists storming the compound and attacking police facilities. Read More: Kohat Police Lines blast death toll rises to 23 as clearance operation concludes According to the FIR, militants belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan faction, identified in the report as Fitna al-Khawarij, carried out a suicide attack at the Police Lines mosque using an explosives-laden vehicle. The attackers subsequently opened indiscriminate fire and hurled hand grenades. The FIR stated that the militants used the mosque route as an entry point and forced their way into the Police Lines while firing. Police personnel and civilians suffered casualties during the attack. Police personnel confronted the attackers and engaged them in a gun battle. Officers from the army, police and CTD also reached the scene and took charge of the operation. According to the FIR, the suicide blast, gunfire and grenade attacks left 21 people martyred, while a large number of others were injured. Government and private property was also damaged in the attack. Police said further investigations were under way and efforts were being made to identify and arrest the unidentified terrorists involved in the attack as well as their facilitators.

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A devoted father: human stories behind Kohat attack

The family of SP Akbar Muhammad Shinwari, who was among those martyred in the Kohat Old Police Lines suicide attack and rampage, has been receiving a steady stream of mourners at their home in Hathian village, Mardan, BBC Urdu reported on Saturday. According to his nephew Tufail Akbar, Shinwari spent much of his police career serving in areas including Dir, Bajaur and Swat during periods of intense militancy, taking part in several major and dangerous operations. "He was very brave. He received threats too, but rarely spoke about them," Tufail told BBC Urdu. The officer had been particularly devastated by the death of his younger brother, Motorway Police Sub-Inspector Javed Akbar, who was killed after being struck by a dumper truck on July 15. Shinwari had repeatedly lamented his brother's death, saying: "Why did Javed leave me? It would have been better if I had gone instead." Two months later, Shinwari himself was killed in the Kohat terror attack. Tufail said Shinwari had two sons and two daughters, with his youngest daughter only six months old. He said the officer had been particularly delighted at her birth and considered her "the apple of his eye". Despite holding the rank of SP, Shinwari was regarded by people in his native area as a friend and someone they could turn to for help, Tufail said. "Whenever people had a problem involving a hospital, doctor or government department, they would come to him," he said, adding that Shinwari generally returned home only on weekends. The terror attack also claimed the lives of Muhammad Luqman and two young children, including his four-and-a-half-year-old son Abdullah, according to BBC Urdu. Luqman's brother-in-law Muhammad Tanveer told BBC Urdu that he had been at work in Kohat when his sister called in distress, asking about her husband and children. Tanveer repeatedly tried calling Luqman but received no response. Soon afterwards, he learned about the blast and rushed to hospital. When he arrived, he found Luqman's body. The bodies of two children were also brought to the hospital shortly afterwards. The second child, Asad, aged around three-and-a-half, was Luqman's nephew, Tanveer said. Luqman, 37, worked as a laboratory technician and was also a volunteer with the Alkhidmat Foundation. He was involved in arranging blood for people in need and served as the organisation's district blood-donation president, according to his family. His friend Muhammad Maskeen, who was also injured in the blast, told BBC Urdu that Luqman had picked up his children from school and stopped to offer Friday prayers. Maskeen said he had spoken to Luqman before the prayers and suggested that they meet afterwards to buy something for the children to eat and have tea together. "I went to pray, and I was in the middle of the mosque when the explosion suddenly occurred," Maskeen said. He suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital. He later saw Luqman's body being brought to the hospital, followed by the bodies of his children. Luqman's family described him as deeply committed to his children's education.

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23 abductees rescued, 5 terrorists killed as security forces thwart attempt to set up check post near Kalat

Security forces foiled an attempt by terrorists to establish a check post for abducting people and snatching vehicles along the Pakistan Highway near Kalat, rescuing 23 abductees and killing five terrorists, the military’s media wing said on Sunday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was conducted during the night of Sept 18-19, when terrorists belonging to Fitna al Hindustan attempted to disrupt the movement of people along the Chaman-Karachi N-25 highway near Kalat. The terrorists were allegedly trying to establish a check post for abductions for ransom, extortion and vehicle snatching, the statement said. Read: Security forces kill seven terrorists in two Balochistan operations: state media “Security Forces responded immediately, and after intense fire exchange, five terrorists belonging to Indian-sponsored proxy of Fitna al-Hindustan were sent to hell due to effective response by Armed Forces,” the ISPR said. The federal government last year officially designated all terrorist groups operating in Balochistan as Fitna al-Hindustan, accusing India of sponsoring a proxy war through the outfits. Security forces also recovered 23 abductees from the terrorists’ hideout, along with six trucks, three buses and two cars. A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered from the hideout, according to the statement. The ISPR said the successful operation had thwarted the “nefarious designs” of the Indian-sponsored proxy of Fitna al-Hindustan. “Sanitisation operations are continuing in the surrounding areas to eliminate any remaining terrorists and ensure the safety and security of the local population and the vital National Highways,” it said. The military’s media wing said the counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam”, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, would continue “with full resolve”. Read More: Security forces kill three terrorists during IBO in Balochistan's Awaran: state media “Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies remain committed to eliminating the menace of foreign-sponsored and foreign-supported terrorism from the country,” the statement said. Terrorism is a growing problem for Pakistan, with the number of attacks rising every year since 2022, according to Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), a global monitoring organisation. Data from ACLED shows attacks in Pakistan rose nearly fourfold to 2,425 in 2025 from 658 in 2022. Although Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) has borne the brunt of terrorism, Balochistan has also remained a major target of Indian proxies, which often target civilians and military installations in the province. In one such attack on the last day of 2025, terrorists targeted innocent civilians in Balochistan’s Gwadar and Kharan districts, where 18 people, including women, children, the elderly and labourers, embraced martyrdom. On August 21, security forces, in coordination with police, killed 49 terrorists in a series of IBOs across K-P and Balochistan over several days. Earlier this week, security forces killed seven terrorists in Balochistan; six more were killed near Kalat. A few days ago, security forces killed three terrorists during an IBO in the Badrang area of Awaran district, according to security sources. The operation was conducted under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3 against terrorists affiliated with Fitna al-Hindustan, with weapons and ammunition recovered from those killed.

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Twin cities admins on toes as four long marches loom

Four separate calls for long marches within seven days, from Sunday, September 20-27, have put the government, administration and police in a difficult situation, with authorities deciding to close all educational institutions, colleges and universities, hotels, motels, rest houses and inns in Rawalpindi from next week. Lights and mobile internet services will be shut down during the long marches, while all 1,500 cameras installed under the Safe City project in Rawalpindi have been activated to monitor protesters. Transport and goods transport terminals will also remain completely closed, while Metro Bus and Green Electric Bus services will remain suspended. Read: CM Afridi meets opposition leaders as PTI readies for Sept 27 protest Markets and wholesale markets across the city will also be closed. Large spiked containers, fitted with eight-inch spikes, have started being installed at entry points of the twin cities, including Faizabad, Chungi No. 26, Rawat, Chakri, Adiala Road, Pirwadhai, Bharakahu and 17-Mile, with entry routes being sealed. Monitoring will also be carried out through drones. Emergency has been imposed at all hospitals in the twin cities, and leave of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff has been cancelled. Fresh contingents of Rangers and Punjab Constabulary have been called in. Thousands of rubber bullets and tear-gas shells have been supplied to Rawalpindi and Islamabad police. Attock police have been provided heavy Rangers contingents, armoured vehicles, prison vans, heavy weapons and personnel, who will assume duties on Wednesday and Thursday. The central long march coming from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be stopped at all costs, officials said. Edhi centres have also been put on alert. From next week, accused persons lodged in Adiala Jail will not be produced before courts in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, while jail staff have been assigned security duties in the city. A show of force by law-enforcement agencies will also begin from Monday. Also Read: JI weighs two plans for Islamabad march against petroleum levy The Jamaat-e-Islami long march will start from Karachi on Sunday, Sept 20, while caravans from all six districts of Rawalpindi division will also start reaching Liaquat Bagh from Sunday. Jamaat-i-Islami emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman will leave Karachi for Rawalpindi by train on Sunday, with his train march scheduled to reach Rawalpindi on Tuesday, Sept 22. Daily protest sit-ins will continue in Rawalpindi until his arrival. Due to road closures and the large number of spiked containers being installed at different places, all business, commercial and social activities in Rawalpindi will remain paralysed from Monday, Sept 21 to Sept 27. Anjuman-e-Tajiran Sabzi Mandi Sadr president Ghulam Qadir Mir and All Pakistan Private Schools and Colleges Association president Irfan Muzaffar Kiyani strongly condemned repeated strikes, long marches, road closures, the installation of containers and the closure of schools and colleges. They called for political dialogue with all political parties, particularly Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, to reduce political uncertainty and save the country’s economy, saying the use of force and long marches were not a solution to any problem.

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ECP sets Nov 8 for by-polls at NA-77 Gujranwala

The ECP on Friday issued the schedule for the by-election in NA-77 Gujranwala-I, with polling scheduled for November 8 following the death of PML-N MNA Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk. The National Assembly had identified Virk as the member representing NA-77, and the assembly confirmed his death earlier this month. According to the schedule, nomination papers will be filed from September 28 to 30, while scrutiny of the candidates' nomination papers will be conducted on Oct 5. Election symbols will be allotted to the candidates on Oct 19, paving the way for polling on Nov 8.

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Archbishop of Canterbury ‘withdraws’ award given to Tahir Ashrafi

Lambeth Palace, the London residence and office of the Archbishop of Canterbury, has withdrawn the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation 2026, days after presenting it to Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, citing previous comments over Osama bin Laden. Ashrafi was presented with the award on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 at a ceremony held at Lambeth Palace in London in recognition of his services to interfaith reconciliation and cooperation. Read: Tahir Ashrafi receives Hubert Walter Award for reconciliation, interfaith cooperation in London The comment that led to the withdrawal dated back to 2007, when Ashrafi said he would confer the title “Saifullah”, meaning “Sword of God”, on then-Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden — the orchestrator of the Sept 11 attacks — in protest against Britain awarding a knighthood to writer Salman Rushdie, whose book he described as blasphemous. In a video statement posted on X regarding the withdrawal, Ashrafi said some of his statements had been presented "out of context" and that the decision to withdraw the award was based on them. He alleged that an “Indian and Ahmadi lobby” had played a role in the decision. حافظ محمد طاہر محمود اشرفی نے کہا: “ہم ناموسِ رسالت ﷺ، عقیدۂ ختمِ نبوت اور اپنی اسلامی اقدار پر قائم تھے، قائم ہیں اور قائم رہیں گے؛ اور اسی مضبوطی کے ساتھ امن، مکالمے، بین المذاہب ہم آہنگی اور ہر انسان کے جائز حقوق کے لیے اپنی جدوجہد بھی جاری رکھیں گے۔ ایوارڈ ہونا یا نا ہونا… pic.twitter.com/TUfgq4tz8r — TahirMahmoodAshrafi حافظ محمد طاهراشرفى (@TahirAshrafi) September 17, 2026 He said the Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury had sought clarification from him before withdrawing the award over several matters, including Pakistan’s blasphemy law, Salman Rushdie, Osama bin Laden and his wife’s hijab. Ashrafi said he had clarified that he supported retaining the blasphemy law but opposed its misuse. Explaining an earlier statement about Osama bin Laden, he said he was opposed to the use of religion for terrorism and had cited “Saifullah” as an example at the time. Regarding his previous remarks about Salman Rushdie, Ashrafi said he could not retract the statement and would not withdraw from his views. Read More: Religious leadership must play active role in ending wars, global peace: Ashrafi A statement issued by Lambeth Palace on Sept 17 said interfaith dialogue and cooperation required engagement “across deeply-held differences”. “It is a longstanding principle of interfaith dialogue and co-operation that we must engage with one another across deeply-held differences, and that remains the case,” it said. “However, previous comments made by Imam Ashrafi have come to light that have led Lambeth Palace to reconsider this award, and we can now confirm today that the award has been withdrawn.” Church of Pakistan honours Ashrafi In a related development, the Church of Pakistan honoured Ashrafi on Friday with a Global Peace Award for his services to peace, interfaith harmony and religious tolerance. President of the Church of Pakistan Bishop Azad Marshall presented the award to Ashrafi at a ceremony in Lahore. According to the Church of Pakistan, the award recognised his services in promoting peace, religious harmony, dialogue among followers of different faiths and protection of the rights of non-Muslim citizens.   Church of Pakistan honours Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi with Global Peace Award https://t.co/1RPXQeHCdT — TahirMahmoodAshrafi حافظ محمد طاهراشرفى (@TahirAshrafi) September 18, 2026 Bishop Marshall said Ashrafi had continued to play a role in promoting dialogue and harmony among followers of different religions in Pakistan. He also appreciated his efforts for interfaith peace and harmony at national and international levels. After receiving the award, Ashrafi thanked the Church of Pakistan and Bishop Marshall. He said that under Bishop Marshall’s leadership, the Church of Pakistan was working with leaders of different religions and Muslim schools of thought for peace, national security and stability in Pakistan. Ashrafi said joint efforts by Muslim and non-Muslim religious leaders through the National Paigham-e-Peace Committee would further strengthen peace, interfaith and sectarian harmony and national unity in Pakistan. He also expressed his resolve to continue working for peace, religious harmony and the protection of the legitimate rights of all Pakistanis.

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Six soldiers martyred, 10 terrorists killed in K-P IBOs: ISPR

Security forces killed 10 terrorists belonging to the Indian-sponsored Fitna Al-Khawarij in multiple engagements in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa between Sept 15 and 17, while six soldiers embraced martyrdom, the military’s media wing said on Thursday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan district following reports of the presence of khawarij in the area. “During the conduct of the operation, own troops effectively engaged the khawarij location and after intense exchange of fire, six khawarij belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna Al-Khawarij were sent to hell,” the ISPR said. Read: 21 terrorists killed in multiple engagements across K-P: ISPR Fitna Al-Khawarij is the state-designated term for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). In another encounter in Hangu district, security forces successfully neutralised four more khawarij, it added. On Sept 17, an improvised explosive device exploded on a security forces convoy, resulting in the deaths of six soldiers, the military’s media wing said. “Six brave sons of the soil rendered the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat,” the ISPR said. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed Indian-sponsored khawarij, who, according to the statement, remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area. The ISPR said sanitisation operations were being conducted to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored khawarij found in the area. “The relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country,” it said. “These sacrifices of our brave soldiers further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs,” the statement concluded. Terrorism is a growing problem for Pakistan, with the number of attacks rising every year since 2022, according to Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), a global monitoring organisation. Data from ACLED shows attacks in Pakistan rose nearly fourfold to 2,425 in 2025 from 658 in 2022. Earlier this month, security forces killed 21 terrorists belonging to the Indian-sponsored Fitna Al-Khawarij in multiple engagements in K-P. Last month, security forces killed 11 terrorists in separate intelligence-based operations in K-P and Balochistan, targeting suspected members of Fitna Al-Khawarij and Fitna Al-Hindustan.

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