Shahid Afridi, Shaheen Afridi praise security forces after Kohat operation

Fast bowler Shaheen Afridi and former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi have both praised the country’s security forces as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) police announced the completion of an overnight clearance operation following the deadly two-pronged attack at a mosque in Kohat district’s old Police Lines.

“The hard work and bravery shown by the Pakistan Army, police, CTD [Counter-Terror Department] and other institutions throughout the night in successfully completing this operation is commendable. Their spirit, sacrifice and professional capability are the very strength that keeps Pakistan safe. Our struggle against terrorism will continue,” read an X post by Shahid Afridi.

پاک فوج ،پولیس، سی ٹی ڈی اور دیگر اداروں نے رات بھر کی جس سخت محنت اور بہادری سے اس آپریشن کو کامیابی سے مکمل کیا وہ قابل ستائش ہے ۔ ان کے جذبے، قربانی اور پیشہ ورانہ صلاحیت ہی وہ قوت ہے جو پاکستان کو محفوظ رکھتی ہے۔
دہشت گردی کے خلاف ہماری جدوجہد جاری رہے گی۔ اللہ پاک ہمارے… https://t.co/KOb86FiZLy

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) September 19, 2026

While he went on to pray for the safety of the security forces, the country and nation, his son-in-law and star pacer Shaheen Afridi also lauded the police, CTD and armed forces for their courage and swift response.

Kudos to our Police, CTD and Armed Forces for their courage and swift response in confronting the terrorists and securing the area.

May Allah protect Pakistan and all those who stand on the frontlines against terrorism. 🇵🇰

— Shaheen Afridi (@iShaheenAfridi) September 19, 2026

“May Allah protect Pakistan and all those who stand on the frontlines against terrorism,” he added.

Earlier, KP police confirmed on Saturday that eight terrorists were killed during the operation, which involved Elite Force commandos, CTD teams and security forces clearing key parts of the targeted compound.

Meanwhile, the death toll of the attack rose to 23, which included 17 policemen and six civilians. Over 100 others were also injured when an explosives-laden vehicle detonated near a mosque in Kohat’s old Police Lines, after which terrorists stormed the compound and attacked police facilities.

Rescue 1122 completed its relief operations on Saturday, deploying 24 vehicles and more than 60 personnel, with support from teams in Karak and Hangu.

KP Chief Minister (CM) Sohail Afridi visited the injured and bereaved families, directing authorities to provide the best possible medical care and assuring families of continued government support.

Funeral prayers for 15 of the martyred police personnel were held in Kohat on Friday evening. Among those killed were SP Traffic Akbar Shinwari and Dr Israel Orakzai, head of the paediatric department at DHQ Hospital.