UNSC condemns Kohat terrorist attack, calls for perpetrators to be held accountable

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday condemned in the strongest terms a terrorist attack at a mosque in Kohat, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) province, describing it as a “heinous and cowardly suicide bombing terrorist attack”. At least 23 people, including 15 police personnel, were martyred in the blast at a mosque in Kohat’s Police Lines during Friday prayers on September 18. Eight terrorists were also killed during a subsequent search and clearance operation. Later, Ittihadul Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP), led by Afghanistan-based Hafiz Gul Bahadur, claimed responsibility for the deadly bombing and rampage involving multiple attackers. According to a statement issued by Council President Jérôme Bonnafont (France), the members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the “heinous and cowardly suicide bombing terrorist attack” at a mosque in Kohat. "The members of the Security Council expressed their “deepest sympathy and condolences” to the families of the victims and to the government and the people of Pakistan and wished a “speedy and full recovery” to those who were injured," the statement added. "The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security," it added. UN SECURITY COUNCIL PRESS STATEMENT ON TERRORIST ATTACK IN KOHAT, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Jérôme Bonnafont (France). The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms… — Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) September 23, 2026 They underlined the need to hold “perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice”. They urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Government of Pakistan in this regard. The statement further added that the members of the Security Council reiterated that “any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed”. They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat, by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, the statement concluded. Read: President Zardari, PM Shehbaz strongly condemn Kohat Police Lines blast Islamabad has repeatedly asked the Taliban regime to deny the use of Afghan soil for terrorist attacks inside Pakistan. However, the de facto rulers in Kabul have been reluctant to take action against terrorist groups operating from their territory. Yesterday, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir directed formations to remain vigilant and uphold the highest standards of operational preparedness during a visit to Corps Headquarters Peshawar. The visit took place days after Pakistan carried out airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in various locations in the regions bordering Afghanistan following brazen terror attacks in K-P. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the CDF was briefed on the prevailing security situation in K-P, ongoing counter-terrorism operations, border management measures and operational preparedness of formations deployed in the province. The chief of army staff commended the high morale, readiness and professionalism of officers and troops, acknowledging their steadfast commitment to safeguarding the country and its people.